JCI highlights competitive advantages of Jordan-Iraq-Egypt economic integration

AMMAN — Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) Fathi Jaghbir on Sunday said that Jordan, Iraq and Egypt have potential to achieve joint economic integration, provided that trade obstacles are removed.

In a statement to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Jaghbir said that the three countries have competitive advantages in the fields of industry, agriculture and natural resources.

Among the most prominent factors in economic integration are geographical proximity and easy transportation between the three countries, in addition to the “vast” opportunities available in agricultural and energy sectors, according to the JCI chairman.

He noted that the three countries have industrial bases to build on, which the follow-up committees have identified.  

These bases are concentrated in four sectors targeted in the first phase to enhance tripartite cooperation, covering pharmaceutical, chemical, textile and ceramic industries.

Jaghbir also called for removing trade obstacles, facilitating flow of products without restrictions and movement of labour and commercial shipping operations.

The JCI chairman also said that the Kingdom possesses “remarkable” potential in a number of “highly” competitive sectors and industries, through which major partnerships and investments can be established in the region, especially if the three countries’ supply chains are boosted.

According to Jaghbir, Jordan’s most prominent assets are concentrated in the food and pharmaceutical industries, fertilisers, chemical industries, packaging, ICT and human resources.