JCI holds Jordanian-Bahraini Business Forum in Manama

AMMAN — The Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) on Wednesday organised the Jordanian-Bahraini Business Forum in Manama to increase the volume of trade exchange, enhance cooperation and review investment opportunities in the two countries.

During the opening of the forum, JCI President Fathi Jaghbir stressed the need to embark on a new phase of "constructive cooperation". 

Jaghbir called for moving towards a broader strategic partnership to enhance joint Arab action and economic integration in light of the challenges facing the Arab world, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, to achieve food and economic security.

Jaghbir referred to the “deep-rooted” nature of Jordanian-Bahraini relations, stressing the role of the private sector in both countries as an economic driver and an attractor of foreign investments, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Thursday.

He described the level of trade exchange between Jordan and Bahrain as "below aspirations", amounting to less than $300 million, or less than 1 per cent of the overall trade volume. Trade between the two countries mainly involves oil products, vegetables, medicine and aluminum. 

President of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Abdullah Nass said that Jordanian-Bahraini relations have improved thanks to the efforts of the two countries' leaders, pointing to the ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation and utilise available opportunities.

He expressed his hope for meetings that will take place on the sidelines of the forum between businesspeople from each country’s trade and industrial sectors that will contribute to launching joint investment ventures.

Nass also stressed the importance of the chamber's role in highlighting opportunities and potential for investment, exchanging expertise in trade and expanding trade cooperation to the benefit of the two kingdoms.