Amman: Chairman of the Jordanian Businessmen Association (JBA) Ayman Alawneh on Wednesday discussed prospects for economic cooperation with Saudi Ambassador to Jordan, Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan Al Saud, and ways to strengthen Jordanian-Saudi trade and investment partnerships.
According to Jordan News Agency, Alawneh stated that Jordanian-Saudi relations are historically significant, characterized by collaboration in investment, trade, and economic sectors. He emphasized the necessity to enhance Saudi investments in Jordan, particularly in technology, the digital economy, tourism, agriculture, and industry. Alawneh also advocated for supporting Jordanian investments in Saudi Arabia, especially in the Hajj and Umrah sectors, to foster joint projects and generate employment opportunities.
Additionally, Alawneh urged the maintenance of the Jordanian driver visa's validity throughout the year to facilitate freight movement and increase trade volume. He called for continued engagement by joint technical committees, improved communication between business communities, and updates to investment laws and procedures to ease commercial initiatives.
The Saudi ambassador underscored the importance of bolstering economic, trade, and investment cooperation, affirming Saudi Arabia's commitment to launching joint investment initiatives and promoting trade and investment exchanges between the public and private sectors of both countries. The envoy stressed the necessity of developing joint projects and enhancing infrastructure and tourism programs.
The ambassador reiterated Saudi Arabia's intent to simplify procedures and create a favorable environment for Jordanian investment, particularly in vital sectors, and to strengthen strategic partnerships between Jordanian and Saudi businessmen.
Meanwhile, JBA board members emphasized the significance of expanding joint tourism programs, especially between Aqaba and Saudi Arabia's Al-Ula, through integrated programs and expertise exchange. They also called for establishing a joint border economic zone to develop shared investment projects, strengthen economic integration, create jobs, and achieve sustainable economic development.
According to official data, trade volume between Jordan and Saudi Arabia reached approximately JD3.517 billion in 2024. Jordan's exports to Saudi Arabia amounted to about JD1.048 billion, while imports from the Kingdom were around JD2.517 billion.