Ali discusses Jordanian-Arab ties during Sharm El Sheikh forum

AMMAN — Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Maha Ali discussed enhancing economic cooperation with several ministers and officials during the "Africa 2016, Business for Africa, Egypt and the World" forum held in Sharm El Sheikh.

Ali headed a delegation from the private sector that included representatives from the industrial and commercial sectors. 

Ali and Egyptian Industry and Trade Minister Tareq Qabil and Investment Minister Ashraf Salman stressed the importance of enhancing economic relations and encouraging the private sectors in both countries to make joint investments.

They also agreed to take advantage of trade agreements and to have a private sector delegation from Egypt visit Jordan during the coming several months for this purpose. 

Ali also met with Algerian Industry and Mining Minister  Abdessalem Bouchouareb and discussed with him cooperation for joint investment and developing industry, as well as capitalising on the Jordanian experience to Algeria in this field. 

She stressed the importance of activating the bilateral trade agreement to increase two-way trade, which is still under the aspired level. 

In another meeting with Tanzanian Industry and Trade Minister Charles Mwijage, Ali discussed bilateral relations and the possibility of benefiting from Jordan as a gate for commerce in the region in light of the commercial ties and agreements that the Kingdom has.

Mwijage highlighted available opportunities to allow the entry of Jordanian products to African markets in light of Tanzania's location and its trade agreements with several economic blocs in Africa. 

Ali also met with the delegation accompanying the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretary General Sindiso Ngwenya, and they agreed on the final draft of the memorandum of understanding scheduled to be signed between the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) and the COMESA business council. 

The memo will allow the Jordanian private sector to participate in the activities organised by COMESA, and to enhance commercial cooperation between the sector and the COMESA countries. 

Moreover, they discussed holding a Jordanian-African business forum this year. 

The meetings were attended by JCI President Adnan Abul Ragheb, Irbid Chamber of Commerce President Mohammad Shuha and members of the delegation participating at the forum.