Murad explores enhanced ties with Malaysian, South African envoys

AMMAN — Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) President Issa Murad on Saturday discussed  ways to expand trade and investment ties with Malaysia and South Africa.

At separate meetings with Malaysian Ambassador Zakri Jaafar and South African Ambassador John Davis, Murad and ACC board members looked into various means to increase commercial trade volume, hold economic forums and promote joint investment opportunities.

Murad stressed the importance for Malaysia to benefit from Jordan’s distinguished geographical location that could be used as a hub for Malaysian exports of palm oil to the Middle East and Africa, according to an ACC statement.

Murad also reiterated the importance of encouraging more Malaysian businessmen and investors to come to the Kingdom and benefit from the investment opportunities in many industrial sectors. 

Jaafar stressed the need to increase Malaysian exports to Jordan, especially the palm oil, his country’s most important agricultural product, noting that Malaysia is also focusing on attracting more Jordanian tourists.

At his meeting with Davis, Murad highlighted the need to develop commercial ties with South Africa and benefit from available investment opportunities. 

The ACC president said there is a noticeable development in the commercial balance between the two countries, where the Kingdom’s exports to South Africa increased from JD11 million in 2010 to JD25 million in 2014, while South African exports to Jordan during the same period went up from JD15 million to JD21 million.

Davis noted that he would review the investment environment in the Kingdom and acquaint the private sector in his country with them, inviting the Jordanian private sector to visit South Africa to explore investment opportunities there.