Jordan, Morocco examine ways to increase trade

AMMAN — Jordanian and Moroccan businessmen on Monday pledged to step up efforts to increase joint trade and to eliminate trade barriers.  

At a meeting that was organised by the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, Jordanian businessmen and trade officials, and an economic Moroccan delegation that is currently visiting the Kingdom discussed reviewed means to boost commercial cooperation and overcome trade- related hurdles.

Addressing the delegates, Industry, Trade and Supply Ministry Secretary General Yousef Shamali said trade figures between the two countries is still very modest, stressing the need to look into ways to increase these figures. 

During the last year, Jordan's exports to Morocco totalled around $20 million whereas its imports from Morocco were valued at $25 million, according to official figures. 

Shamali said there are broad prospects for cooperation, noting that Morocco represents a gate for Jordan to reach Africa's western markets. 

He said transport constitutes a main obstacle for trade, in the absence of a direct flight line or a maritime route. 

He called on the private sector of the two countries to increase their joint trade to prompt official parties to take steps that can help provide direct flights and overcome transport issues. 

Morocco's Ambassador to Jordan, Hassan Abdul Khaleq, and Mohammad Shahoub, who is chairing the Moroccan delegation, stressed their commitment to working in a bid to achieve the desirable goals, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The delegation's visit to the Kingdom comes on the heels of the meetings of the joint Jordanian-Moroccan Higher Committee during which the two countries agreed on the need to step up efforts to increase trade.

Underscoring trade agreements that the two countries are bound with, Jordanian representatives highlighted investment opportunities available in Jordan, citing promising sectors. 

The visiting delegation includes company representatives of different business entities and producers of footwear, garments, food stuff, cosmetics, electric cables and generators.