Austrian-Jordanian business forum explores untapped trade opportunities

AMMAN — An Austrian-Jordanian business forum took place on Wednesday on the occasion of the official visit of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and his accompanying delegation to the Kingdom, a statement by Advantage Austria, the commercial section of the Austrian Embassy said. 

The forum, which gathered 19 Austrian companies and more than 100 representatives from Jordanian companies, as well as Austrian and Jordanian officials and businesspeople, was opened by representatives from the Austrian and the Jordanian economic chambers, followed by an opening speech by Minister of Industry and Trade Yarub Qudah.

Qudah pointed out the "robust economic development" of the Kingdom despite traumatic challenges, emphasising the excellent Austrian-Jordanian relations.

He expressed his country's will to deepen them further, stressing that Jordan is looking for “long-term strategic partnerships”, the statement said.

The Austrian president underlined the good long-term relations with the Kingdom, noting that "the potential for trading and investment activities for Austrian companies in Jordan has not yet been fully exploited".

"The Kingdom is a stable and secure hub in the region, making it the ideal gateway for dealing with surrounding markets," the vice president of the Austrian economic chamber added.

Chairman of Arabian Business Consultants for Development Laith Al Qassem delivered keynote speech that focused on emerging business opportunities in Jordan and the region. 

A Q&A session raised a number of questions while many existing success stories were shared, according to the statement.

Bilateral networking continued as several business-to-business meetings took part between the Austrian and Jordanian companies to explore potential partnerships and cooperation.