Amman: President of Jordanian Businessmen Association (JBA) Hamdi Tabbaa on Wednesday discussed with Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos, ways to enhance bilateral economic and investment cooperation.

According to Jordan News Agency, Tabbaa called for consolidating joint economic relations, highlighting opportunities to expand trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, food industries, logistics, education, and tourism fields. Tabbaa also emphasized the association's commitment to building strategic partnerships with Asian countries to diversify markets and boost competitiveness of the national economy.

Tabbaa urged the launch of reciprocal business visits, joint investment forums, and the establishment of a Jordanian-Philippine business council by the end of this year to develop bilateral economic ties. For his part, Santos expressed his country's interest in strengthening economic relations with Jordan, referring to the promising opportunities for cooperation in various sectors.

The diplomat commended the JBA's role in facilitating communication between the two countries' private sectors, welcoming the establishment of a joint business council as an important step to advance economic and investment cooperation. According to official data, trade exchange between Jordan and the Philippines amounted to around USD13.6 million in 2023, including USD8.1 million in exports and USD5.5 million in imports.