Jordan, Czech Republic to enhance business relations

AMMAN — Jordan’s stability and safety along with its talented human resources and business-friendly environment are among the key reasons for doing business in the Kingdom, Vladimir Bartl, Czech deputy minister of industry and Trade, said Monday.

Jordan is continuously investing in infrastructure, development and energy projects including nuclear, which has great economic potential, Bartl said at a Jordanian-Czech business forum that attracted businesspeople from various industries including defence from both countries.

“Jordan is a gateway to many markets across the world,” the Czech official said, adding that Jordan was an economic hub for the reconstruction process in neighbouring countries.

The official added that the business forum was another step in the path to further enhance ties between the two sides. 

Czech Ambassador Petr Hladik said the business mission to Jordan follows a visit by Prime Minister Hani Mulki this summer to the Czech Republic to strengthen ties in various sectors.

“Today there are businesspeople from the Czech Republic who will meet with their Jordanian counterparts to explore opportunities…Business-to-business meetings will help boost trade exchange between the two countries,” said the ambassador.

Ziad Homsi, chairman of the Amman chamber of industry, said the trade volume between the two countries was “modest”, stressing that the untapped potential is immense.

“Jordan is signatory to several trade agreements with the US, Turkey, Canada and the Arab states and business can enjoy access to all these markets in addition to the EU rules of origin,” Homsi said.

Ghassan Kherfan, first vice chairman of the Amman chamber of commerce, said Jordan’s exports to the Czech Republic reached around less than half a million, which is still very modest.

“The private sector in both countries can do more to boost trade and cooperation,” Kherfan concluded.