Ali opens Jordanian-Czech business forum

AMMAN — Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Maha Ali on Tuesday inaugurated the Jordanian-Czech business forum, organised by the Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) in cooperation with the Czech embassy in Amman. 

Ali indicated that the Kingdom's import from the Czech Republic in 2014 and 2015 reached $34 million, whereas Jordanian exports to the European country in the same period did not exceed $100,000.

Noting that commercial and investment exchange between the two countries does not reflect the good bilateral political relations, she highlighted Jordan as an investment and tourist destination and a business hub in the region, especially that it provides an advanced business environment, modern infrastructure, qualified human resources and efficient communication network, in addition to special economic zones that are equipped with infrastructure and logistics. 

The minister also said that Jordan has signed trade agreements with many countries, such as the US, Canada, Turkey, Singapore, the EU and Arab countries, that enable the Kingdom to penetrate markets with more than 1 billion consumers.

She added that Jordan's gross domestic product increased from $8.5 billion in 2000 to some $37 billion in 2015, while the national exports went up by fivefold between 2000 and 2015.

Czech Industry and Trade Minister Jan Mládek noted that political relations between Jordan and the Czech Republic date back to the mid-1960s, describing Jordan as among the most important partners in the region due to the security and stability it enjoys in a turbulent region.

He said his country is looking forward to reaching developed economic ties with the Kingdom and increasing the commercial exchange volume.

Mládek also referred to an agreement between both countries on generating nuclear energy, expressing his country's readiness to provide Jordan with all its technical expertise in this field.

JCC President Nael Kabariti called on Czech businesspeople to take advantage of Jordanian investment environment, which is based on modern laws.

On the sidelines of the forum, Ali and Mládek held a meeting and discussed necessary steps to enhance economic cooperation through signing bilateral agreements and stimulating both countries' private sectors, highlighting the need to intensify commercial visits and holding joint conferences.