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AMMAN — Economic relations between Jordan and Iraq represent an advanced model of Arab economic integration, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah said on Tuesday.
Inaugurating the 2026 Franchise and Trade Agencies Exhibition on behalf of the prime minister, Qudah said that such integration is no longer an option but a strategic necessity driven by economic shifts, regional challenges and the requirements of sustainable development in both countries.
The two-day exhibition is organised by Bana Events and the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan at the Amman International Exhibition Centre on Airport Road, with official participation from Jordan and Iraq, alongside business owners and companies.
Qudah said Jordanian-Iraqi economic relations are not recent, but an extension of decades of cooperation between the public and private sectors, noting that Jordanian businesses have maintained a strong and longstanding presence in the Iraqi market.
He said trade volume between the two countries reached its highest level in 15 years in 2025, adding that genuine economic integration serves the strategic interests of both nations and supports their economic stability and growth.
The minister said recent regional challenges have highlighted the importance of deepening economic integration, with Jordan and Iraq serving as mutual economic and logistical support for one another.
He noted that the Jordanian economy posted strong performance in 2025, with exports rising by more than 10 per cent compared with 2024, and foreign direct investment increasing by over 30 per cent, alongside the launch of major projects worth an estimated $9 billion scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
Qudah also said that indicators for the first quarter of 2026 reflect the resilience of the national economy and its ability to adapt to regional developments, noting continued export growth despite logistical challenges, supported by market diversification and the competitiveness of Jordanian products.
He added that exports to EU markets recorded notable growth last year and in early 2026, while the Port of Aqaba continued to serve as a key regional logistics hub, with handling volumes rising in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year.
Qudah also said that commercial agencies and franchises remain a key driver for expanding private sector activity, pointing out that the Iraqi market, with a population of around 45 million, offers strong purchasing power and significant opportunities for goods, services and investment partnerships.
Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry Chairman Fathi Jaghbir said that the exhibition provides an important platform bringing together business owners, investors and brand representatives from Jordan, Iraq and other Arab countries to foster partnerships and open new investment opportunities.
Malik Al Dirai, director general of the private sector department at the Iraqi Ministry of Trade, said in a speech on behalf of the Iraqi Minister of Trade that the event marks a step towards shifting bilateral economic relations from traditional trade exchange to sustainable strategic partnerships and joint ventures with added value.
He added that Iraq and Jordan aim to raise their bilateral trade volume to around $1.5 billion annually, a goal that requires a flexible and modern business environment to strengthen investor confidence.
Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan Omar Al Barzanji stressed the role of the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan in enhancing economic and investment ties and strengthening cooperation between private sector institutions in both countries.
