China to continue investments in Jordan

AMMAN — China is committed to continue providing technical and financial support to Jordan, Qian Keming, deputy minister of commerce in China, said on Monday.

The minister made the remarks following the signing of the minutes of the meetings at the 7th session of the Joint Committee for Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation between Jordan and China.

The meetings shed light on key areas that have the potential for witnessing increased cooperation between the two sides.

The Chinese official stressed his country’s eagerness to boost cooperation within Jordan’s various sectors.

He said that Jordan was a key partner in the One Belt, One Road initiative.

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury said the two sides looked into increasing aid to Jordan to implement priority projects and benefit from a $70 million Chinese grant for developing projects that consist of upgrading the civil defence vehicles, and inspection devices at the Customs Department, among other projects. 

Fakhoury said discussions covered the need to increase Chinese investments in Jordan in the fields of gas, energy and oil shale, as well as renewable energy, potash and phosphate fertilisers. 

In a statement by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, it was agreed to start technical meetings between the two sides to draw a draft between the two countries with regard to the One Belt, One Road initiative.

Discussions also covered increased cooperation in tourism.

 Jordan and China also signed the Programme for Development, Economic and Technical Cooperation for the years 2018-2020.

The two sides signed a development assistance agreement to finance a road project (Salt Al Ardah). It is set to be constructed by Jordanian and Chinese companies at a total cost of $31.6 million.

From 1999 to 2016, China provided Jordan with grants and loans totalling to $225 million.