Amman: Chairman of the Amman Chamber of Commerce, Senator Khalil Haj Tawfiq, recently engaged in discussions with Maher Marwan, Governor of Damascus, and Amer Sheikh, Governor of Rural Damascus, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation and joint initiatives between Jordan and Syria, with a particular emphasis on reconstruction efforts.
According to Jordan News Agency, Haj Tawfiq emphasized the readiness of the Jordanian private sector to partake in Syria's reconstruction, reaffirming Jordan's unwavering support for the Syrian populace. He highlighted that the Chamber, in conjunction with the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and various commercial and service sectors, has devised a strategic action plan aimed at initiating a new phase of economic collaboration based on shared interests.
Haj Tawfiq outlined plans to establish the Jordanian-Syrian Joint Business Council and organize a bilateral business forum by the end of the month, in addition to a digital business forum in Damascus. He underscored Jordan's expertise in fields such as engineering, contracting, and consulting services and expressed the Chamber's intent to form a specialized committee to visit Syrian cities, assess reconstruction requirements, and identify potential collaboration areas.
He also extended the expertise of the Amman Chamber of Commerce in training and consultancy to aid urban planning, commercial sector development, and human resource capacity-building efforts in Damascus and Rural Damascus Governorates.
Trade relations between Jordan and Syria are on an upward trajectory, as noted by Haj Tawfiq. Jordanian exports to Syria increased to JD72 million in the first third of this year, marking an upsurge of more than JD25 million compared to the previous year. Since early 2025, a total of 83,222 trucks have left for Syria via the Jaber border crossing, while 77,632 trucks have entered Jordan from Syria during the same period.
By the end of June, certificates of origin issued for goods bound for Syria numbered 2,256, with a value of JD38 million, encompassing industrial and food products such as fertilizers, plastic sheets, aluminum, and wheat flour. Syria's main exports to Jordan include live sheep and pistachios.
Approximately 1,949 companies registered in Jordan have Syrian partners, with a combined capital exceeding JD805 million, of which JD158 million is attributed to Syrian equity.
Governor Maher Marwan of Damascus expressed appreciation for Jordan's steadfast support under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II and commended the expanding partnership with the Jordanian private sector, particularly in reconstruction efforts. He noted ongoing legislative reforms in Syria to foster a more favorable environment for private investment and business activities.
Rural Damascus Governor Amer Sheikh highlighted Syria's needs in key sectors such as agriculture and industry and conveyed a keen interest in leveraging Jordanian expertise, especially from the Greater Amman Municipality, in rebuilding efforts.
He emphasized opportunities for joint ventures and welcomed collaboration with the Amman Chamber of Commerce, particularly in training and technical studies through the Chamber's Academy, accentuating the private sector's essential role in economic revitalization.
Members of the Chamber's Board stressed the significance of Jordan securing a stake in Syrian reconstruction projects and underscored the strategic importance of Aqaba Port for Syrian imports. They also highlighted prospects for collaboration in logistics and information technology and proposed appointing a liaison officer to coordinate joint efforts.
They advocated for easing the movement of Jordanian tourist buses within Syrian cities and urged the Syrian side to further reduce insurance costs for such travel. They anticipated a rise in tourism between the two countries in the foreseeable future.