MPs call for improved Jordanian-Palestinian economic ties

AMMAN — The volume of trade exchange between Jordan and Palestine reached around $200 million in 2018, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Tareq Hammouri said on Tuesday. 

During a meeting with the Lower House Palestine Committee, the minister said that the value of Jordanian exports to Palestine amounted to $158 million in 2018.

 Hammouri said that Palestinian products have a priority to be showcased in the local market, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The minister added that Palestinians' commercial activities are hindered by "big constraints and pressures imposed by the occupation authorities on Palestinians", according to Petra.

Head of the panel MP Yahya Saud called for intensifying coordination with the Palestinian government to address obstacles imposed by the Israeli occupation authorities on the Palestinian market and products.

Saud also called for a well-defined mechanism to improve economic and commercial relations between the two countries and address any obstacles and difficulties hindering trade exchange.

Hammouri said that the government has recently held several meetings with Palestinian officials to enhance commercial ties, adding that there is a preliminary study on establishing a free zone between Jordan and Palestine on Jordanian territory.