Chambers and Associations, Members of the National Tijara Coalition, hold dialogue session to highlight future actions to support the growth of Jordan-U.S. Business Partnerships
The American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan (AmCham-Jordan) hosted an online session titled “The National Tijara Coalition: The ongoing work of local partners to support enterprises in growing their exports to the U.S.” that featured H.E. Dr. Wissam Rabadi, former Minister of Planning and International Cooperation & Chairman of Jordan Exports, H.E. Eng. Fathi Jaghbeer, Chairman of Jordan Chamber of Industry and Amman Chamber of Industry, and H.E. Mr. Mohammad Al-Shoha, Chairman of Irbid Chamber of Commerce & Jordan Chamber of Commerce Board Member. The session was attended by more than 50 companies and private sector representatives, and was moderated by AmCham-Jordan CEO Ms. Rose Alissi.
The session is intended to shed light on the future plans and joint activities of National Tijara Coalition – a dedicated public-private platform for dialogue and work established in 2001 and aimed at enhancing bilateral economic ties between Jordan and the U.S. It comes as part of a twelve-month series of events and activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the Jordan-U.S. Free Trade Agreement that came into force in 2001, implemented with support of USIAD Middle East Economic Growth Best Practices Project (MEG).
The session discussions revolved around the set of identified strategic priorities and actions for the coming two years, which will target specific challenges to help companies in the manufacturing and services sectors in their post-COVID recovery, by leveraging the Jordan-U.S. relationship in trade and investment to strengthen Jordan’s economy. The U.S. is Jordan’s top export market as over 20% of Jordan’s global goods exports go to the U.S., where Jordan, generally, enjoys a trade surplus. Strengthening business ties with American corporations can have a key role in boosting competitiveness of Jordanian firms and supporting job growth.
The Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Industry H.E. Eng. Jaghbeer commented that the Jordan-U.S. Free Trade Agreement is one of the most successful trade agreements Jordan has in terms of trade volume supported by smooth administrative processes and low bureaucracy. Calling on manufacturing and services companies to explore the opportunities offered by the Agreement by benefiting from the Tijara Coalition’s support programs, where the public and private sectors are working together in true partnership to support companies grow their business with the US.
H.E. Dr. Rabadi, Chairman of Jordan Export, highlighted the strong relation with AmCham-Jordan and expressing commitment and support to work as part of the National Tijara Coalition to help companies access the U.S. market; noting that disruptions in the supply chains due to the unprecedented global situation, necessitates Jordanian companies to not only rely on traditional markets but consider expanding into non-traditional markets, such as the U.S. to diversify their imports and exports. Especially that Jordanian products are well-positioned to enter the U.S. market.
On his part, H.E. Al-Shoha Chairman of the Irbid Chamber of Commerce, explained that trade is a critical aspect of local economic activities and more needs to be done to integrate the sectors which will undoubtedly add value and enhance competitiveness. Adding that, overcoming challenges can only be achieved through concentrated joint action and Jordan Exports and the National Tijara Coalition reflect partners commitment to work together.
In an intervention by Eng. Bataineh, Chairman of AmCham-Jordan, he expressed his appreciation to the Jordan Bromine Company, for sponsoring this session, and thanked the speakers and attendees. Emphasizing the value of the Jordan – U.S. economic partnership which anchors Jordan to the world’s largest economy, and the role of the National Tijara Coalition to further develop Jordan-U.S. business ties.
