Jordanian, Saudi business leaders discuss ties after Mecca summit

AMMAN — Jordanian and Saudi businessmen on Sunday stressed the importance of a new boost to the trade and investment relations between the two countries, especially in light of the outcomes of the Mecca summit, in which the Saudi King Salman called for supporting Jordan's economy, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE pledged $2.5 billion to help revive Jordan’s economy at the summit in Mecca gathered by Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz. 

The Saudi-Jordanian Joint Business Council meeting, which was organised by the Jordan Chamber of Commerce in Amman, saw the participation of business owners and representatives of various economic sectors from the two countries as well as the head of the economic and cultural affairs at the Saudi embassy in Jordan, Ghazi Al Enezi.

Representatives from the two sides stressed the need for setting practical mechanisms to overcome the obstacles that hinder smooth economic relations as well as establishing investment projects that benefits from the incentives offered by Jordan to investors.

President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce Nael Kabariti described the Jordanian-Saudi relations as “a historic and unique example of strategic integration”, stressing that Saudi Arabia is an important trade partner of Jordan.

The head of the Saudi side at the joint body, Hamdan Bin Abdullah Al Samrain, said that the council would witness a new start that helps in establishing stronger economic relations, utilising opportunities and setting up joint projects.

He highlighted the role that Saudi businessmen can play in helping Jordan overcome the pressing economic challenges it faces.