Cargo traffic with Iraq, Syria still modest — stakeholder

AMMAN — Cargo traffic across the border crossings with Iraq and Syria are still modest, but getting better, Chairman of the Syndicate of Jordanian Truck Owners Mohammad Khair Al Daoud said on Tuesday, expecting cross-border trade to increase.

Daoud said that allowing Jordanian trucks travelling to Iraq to work under the door-to-door system, as well as opening the Jaber border crossing at full capacity, has encouraged the traders and industrialists to export and import, according to a statement cited by the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

He highlighted the role of the facilitations offered by the government in improving trade flow among the three countries.

He expressed hope to increase trade exchange activities and direct cargo across the border crossings, stressing the importance of investing in the strategic location of the Aqaba port to enhance trade, especially with East Asian countries.

A total of 500 Iraqi visas have been granted for Jordanian carriers since the resumption of the door-to-door system, he said, noting that the syndicate received security approvals for some 4,000 carriers.  

The Jaber border crossing with Syria was reopened for cargo traffic in August. Passengers and cargo traffic at the crossing had been halted temporarily for security reasons. Door-to-door shipping with Iraq also resumed in August.