9th Jordanian-American Joint Committee meeting tackles bilateral trade challenges

AMMAN — The 9th session of the Jordanian-American Joint Committee meetings, recently held in Washington, DC focused on cooperation in key areas such as trade, agriculture, food security and labour.

Dana Al Zou’bi, the secretary-general of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply who led the Jordanian delegation, emphasised the Kingdom’s dedication to strengthening its economic and trade ties with the United States. 

Jordan seeks to attract foreign investments that provide value to its national economy, stimulate development and create employment opportunities for citizens, Zou’bi said.

The US delegation was represented by Ambassador Jayme White, the Deputy US Trade Representative, who reaffirmed the deep-rooted, strategic relationship between the two nations, underscoring the importance of advancing bilateral ties, particularly in trade and investment.

Subcommittee discussions provided a platform to address significant developments, challenges and obstacles hindering bilateral trade, White said.

The committee focused on various areas of mutual interest, including diversifying Jordan's exports to the US, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Discussions also tackled obstacles faced by the both countries’ private sectors during the export process, with the US among Jordan’s target countries in the national export strategy for 2023-2025. 

The Jordanian side encouraged American investors to increase their investments in the Kingdom and make use of the new investment law. They expressed their gratitude for the continuous support from the US, particularly assistance provided by the US Agency for International Development.

The meetings produced several outcomes, including the establishment of a joint subcommittee tasked with reviewing legislation related to environmental affairs to promote trade and elevate environmental protection standards in both countries in line with the provisions of the Free Trade Agreement. Additionally, agreements were reached to address specific challenges obstructing bilateral trade.

Jordan's exports to the US reached $2.38 billion in 2022, accounting for over 25 per cent of its total national exports. Imports from the US amounted to $1.49 billion in the same year.

In January of 2023 alone, Jordan's exports to the US totaled $166.4 million, while imports stood at $212.4 million.

The Jordanian-American Joint Committee regularly convenes to explore avenues for bilateral trade cooperation and enhance trade levels within the framework of the Free Trade Agreement signed between the two nations in 2001.