Murad asks US to help eliminate Israeli obstacles to trade with Palestine

AMMAN – Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) President Issa Murad on Tuesday requested US help to  facilitate trade exchange between Jordan and Palestine. During a meeting with US Ambassador to Jordan Alice G. Wells, Murad called for American  influence through drawing up mechanisms to ensure a smooth flow of Jordanian commodities to with Palestine and to eliminate Israeli obstacles hindering trade with Palestinians. Discussions covered the need for the US to support small- and medium-sized enterprises in the Kingdom, in addition to programmes and plans aimed at combating poverty and unemployment. The two sides stressed the need to foster cooperation to help facilitate investments in the area of renewable energy and gas explorations through providing the required technical and financial assistance. The ACC chief underlined the importance of cooperation to promote the US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement on all levels to maximise the benefits of the accord for both sides. Total US investments in Jordan currently amount to $2.2 billion, constituting nearly 8 per cent of the $27.6 billion total accumulated foreign investment in Jordan.