Franco-Jordanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrates 20th anniversary

AMMAN — The Franco-Jordanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CAFRAJ) on Monday held a ceremony on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of economic ties between the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, former prime minister Abdullah Ensour, founder of CAFRAJ, highlighted the chamber's key role in helping attract French companies to invest in Jordan, noting that "such trade projects are implemented due to the Kingdom's political stability and security, and its lucrative investment environment".

French Ambassador to Jordan David Bertolotti praised the deep rooted relations between France and Jordan, pointing out the "great extent" of French investments in the Kingdom. 

He stressed the key role of CAFRAJ in fostering bilateral economic ties over the last 20 years saying "the chamber plays a crucial part in facilitating and increasing the volume of Jordanian exports to France and the EU in general."

“Our goal is to look at the next 20 years and how we can encourage new investments, open new areas in our commercial relationship or work together with Jordan on markets in third countries, for example in Africa," he continued. 

 “Jordan enjoys stability, which is extremely important for investors, and a strategic position in the region. It is also known for the high quality of its infrastructure and the skillfulness of Jordanians," he said.

Executive Director of CAFRAJ Ibrahim Kattan refered to several French companies, including Total, Carrefour and Orange, among others, saying that "those companies provide direct and indirect employment for Jordanians. They not only have full-time employees in stations and shops, but they also create around thousands of indirect jobs in the form of drivers, subcontractors, and so on.”

During the ceremony, which saw the attendance of French and Jordanian industrialists, as well as several Jordanian officials, the founding presidents of the chamber were honoured, as well as the consecutive presidents of the institution, including Ensour, Mohd Jawad Hadid, Munir Nassar, and the late Sami Halabi.

Established in 1998, CAFRAJ aims to develop the commercial, economic, cultural and social cooperation between France and Jordan by promoting the exchange of people, experience, equipment and capital and encouraging investment, according to its website.

It counts 365 members, directors of Jordanian and French companies which represent most economic sectors.