Poland ambassador sees room for growth in ‘solid’ Amman-Warsaw ties

AMMAN — Poland is keen on strengthening ties with Jordan to realise the untapped potential in the business sphere and will soon sign an agreement on boosting cultural and scientific cooperation, Polish Ambassador in Amman Andrzej Swiezaczynski said.

Poland and Jordan, which enjoy “solid and friendly relations at all levels and see eye to eye” on the importance of supporting the two-state solution to the Palestinian issue, the envoy said.

Poland will continue to support the Kingdom and host communities, which are offering valuable support to the Syrian refugees, the ambassador said in a recent interview with The Jordan Times.

Swiezaczynski, who will complete his tenure in Amman soon, said that the potential remains “huge” for increased growth despite a progress in trade relations and a rise in trade figures.

Trade volume between Jordan and Poland stood at $81 million in 2017, $115 million in 2018, $101 million in 2019 and $48 million in the first-half of 2020.

The commodity profile of Polish exports to Jordan is diversified, and in 2019 it was dominated by fresh apples, chocolate and other cocoa-containing products, automatic washing machines, washing and drying machines, trucks, dishwashers, washing devices, among others, he said.

Potassium nitrate was the largest item imported from Jordan over the past years.

In 2019 — as in 2018 — waste and scrap of precious metals, among others,  were the main imports.

The ambassador also highlighted the potential for enhancing cooperation and attracting investments into Jordan.

“Jordan is a good place with many opportunities that enjoys a solid banking system and the proper infrastructure for investments,” he added. 

He pointed out Jordanian investments have potential in hotel industry, tourism, financial and banking service sectors in Poland.

The ambassador said the tourism sector and trade are “important parts of the Jordanian economy.”

“The country is investing heavily in promoting tourism, as it should be included — apart from trade — among the promising areas of cooperation namely: Infrastructure development, modernisation of hotel facilities, and participation in projects aimed at providing services to tourists coming to Jordan,” he said. 

The ambassador added that sectors with most promising potential for bilateral cooperation include construction, medical equipment and agri-food, among others.

On tourism, the ambassador said there was an increase in the number of tourists last year coming from Poland to Jordan following the start of budget flights to Jordan. 

In 2019, about 40,000 Polish citizens visited Jordan, which is almost 70 per cent increase compared with 2018.

“Jordan is a safe haven in the Middle East. It has a lot of tourist attractions and people are friendly…my memories are very positive ones. I have received great support and the level of openness, support and friendship is priceless… I encourage the Polish people to come and visit Jordan, which I will keep in my heart,” said the ambassador.