Romanian, Jordan businesspeople share expertise on trade, industry sectors

AMMAN — Over 100 Jordanian and Romanian companies on Monday gathered in Amman to discuss ways to enhance bilateral economic ties and strengthen the exchange of expertise between the two countries' business communities. 

Held under the patronage of Princess Margareta, custodian of the Romanian Crown and Prince Radu, the Romania - Jordan Business Forum witnessed the participation of a number of officials and businesspeople from Jordan and Romania, who took part in various discussions related to the sectors of trade and industry.

In his opening address, Romanian ambassador Nicolae Comanescu stressed his pride in taking part in the organisation of the first Romanian–Jordanian Business Forum in Amman, noting that the project has been encouraged by His Majesty King Abdullah during his previous meetings with the royal family of Romania. 

"I look forward to continue supporting the business-to-business discussions and meetings between the companies from Romania and Jordan. This business forum is a first step that will contribute to generate an added value to our positive diplomatic relations with the Kingdom," he told The Jordan Times. 

He called for diversifying bilateral trade, citing the ITC sector as a key sector with "very good prospects".

For her part, the Romania princess commended the “solid partnership" with the Kingdom, especially in the fields of agriculture, health, security and technology, noting that bilateral trade exchange is "on the rise”.

A working session held under the title "Trade and Industry" was conducted by First Vice-chairman of Jordan Chamber of Industry Mohammad Al-Refai, First Vice-chairman of Jordan Chamber of Commerce Ghassan Kherfan, King Hussein Business Park (KHBP) CEO Soud Soror, Managing Director of Endeavour Jordan Reem Goussous and Romania's Tetracom Industrial Park Director Viorem Gavera.

After briefing the audience about KHBP's success story and future expansion plan, Soror stressed the importance of the forum in building on the mutual support between the two countries.

"This forum aims at bridging all obstacles to exchange expertise and encourage the businesses towards positive development in Romania and Jordan," he said.

Viorem Gavera from Tetracom Industrial Park in Romania, praised the efforts and vision behind the King Hussein Business Park, calling for further exploring opportunities of future collaboration between the two institutions. 

Presenting Tetracom's future expansion project to the audience, he stressed the Romanian park's keenness to develop the exchange of knowledge with KHBP and to benefit from the Jordanian's expertise in the field.

For her part, Managing Director of Endeavor Jordan Reem Goussous spoke about the positive influence of Jordan's entrepreneurship ecosystem, commending the opportunities provided by the business for local and Romanian startups.

Established in 1965, diplomatic relations between Romania and Jordan have been witnessing an increase in recent years, with Jordan standing as one of Romania’s main trading partners in the region, according to the Romanian embassy website. 

Romanian exports to Jordan include electromechanical equipment, power distribution equipment, steel products, sawn wood, grains, food and textile products, chemical products, among others while Jordanian exports to Romania encompass fruits and vegetables, medicines and chemical products.

Apart from trade, the two countries have witnessed a long term and mutual beneficial economic cooperation, with Romanian companies participating in various development projects in Jordan's energy and oil sectors, according to the website.