Shamali, Japanese ambassador discuss economic cooperation

AMMAN — Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yousef Shamali and Japan’s Ambassador to Jordan Shimazaki Kaoru on Tuesday discussed means to advance economic cooperation, increase the volume of Japanese investments in Jordan, as well as to encourage the private sector to seize available investment opportunities in the two countries.

According to a ministry statement, cited by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, the two sides found the appropriate means to increase trade volume and investment by availing the free trade agreements signed between Jordan, the US, Canada and Singapore.

This includes the simplified rules of origin (RoO) scheme between Jordan and the European Union (EU) and the Greater Arab Free Trade Agreement. Shamali stressed the ministry’s keenness on maintaining cooperation with the Japanese mission in various fields, expressing appreciation for Japan’s efforts in supporting Jordan’s economic sectors.

The trade volume between the two nations during the first 10 months of 2021 reached $312.7 million, with exports accounting for $21.2 million and imports $291.5 million.