Jordan, Iraq review means to boost economic cooperation

AMMAN — Jordan and Iraq have discussed means to enhance economic cooperation and followed up on implementing agreements between the two countries and within trilateral cooperation with Egypt.

During a visit to Baghdad and holding several meetings with Iraqi ministers on Thursday and Wednesday, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yousef Shamali expressed the Kingdom’s keenness to enhance cooperation with Iraq in various economic fields, mainly establishing partnerships that serve both countries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The minister called on the private sectors in both countries to maximise benefits from the “solid relations” between Amman and Baghdad and the political will to develop economic cooperation and participate in exhibitions that the two countries hold.

He highlighted the importance of facing international economic challenges, mainly in the fields of food security, stimulating the private sector and addressing difficulties, noting that Jordanian products today reach top international markets thanks to free trade agreements that the kingdom signed bilaterally and multilaterally.

In this regard, he said that industrial products accounted for 86 per cent of the total national exports in 2020.

Talks during the meetings went over several issues related to food security and the possibility to enhance cooperation in this field, mainly on basic commodities, agricultural produce, fertilisers and establishing joint logistics zones between Jordan and Iraq.

The two sides also discussed means to sign a trilateral memorandum between Jordan, Iraq and Egypt for cooperation in the food security field and establishing logistics zones.

Meanwhile, Iraqi ministers said that global economic challenges require both countries to exert further efforts to develop economic cooperation, mainly those pertaining to food security and economic integration.

They also expressed their country’s interest in establishing effective economic partnerships with Jordan, especially that there is an opportunity to realise integration in several industrial fields.