Business

AMMAN — Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Chen Chuandong and members of the Aqaba Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday discussed ways to enhance cooperation and the "key" challenges facing importers from China via Aqaba.

The discussions addressed facilitating procedures for issuing entry visas to China for Jordanian traders, through the economic and commercial department at the Chinese embassy, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the meeting, held at the chamber in Aqaba, traders stressed the importance of their participation in exhibitions held in China.

The chamber called for reviving the "permanent" exhibition of Chinese products in Jordan, which serves the trade sector and contributes to enhancing the Kingdom's position as "regional trade hub" for the region's countries.

The envoy said that the embassy will publish details of the new facilitations approved by the Chinese government for issuing visit visas for traders and business owners on its official website.

The diplomat noted that the embassy's economic and commercial department will cooperate with the chamber to facilitate visa procedures by accrediting its letters of recommendation for its members to travel to China to follow up their business.

Chuandong said that the Chinese government, in coordination with its shipping and maritime companies, will seek to reduce shipping prices "as much as possible" to cover operational costs and remove any obstacles impeding movement of freight to and from China.

He expressed his country's welcome to import more Jordanian products, noting that Beijing also seeks to boost the volume of Chinese investments in the Kingdom, viewing Jordan as a "strategic" gateway to Arab markets.

AMMAN — The government debt reached JD35.080 billion by the end of March 2025, equivalent to 91.5 per cent of the estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP), excluding holdings by the Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF).

This figure marks an increase from JD34.178 billion recorded at the end of 2024, or 90.2 per cent of GDP, and includes liabilities from the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) and the Water Authority totalling around JD8.8 billion, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

According to the Ministry of Finance's monthly bulletin announced on Wednesday, the "temporary" rise in debt is primarily due to the government securing soft loans at "competitive" interest rates, which were deposited with the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) to repay Eurobonds maturing in June.

The external public debt, including budget and guaranteed, excluding the SSIF's holdings, reached approximately JD19.6 billion by the end of March, which is equivalent to 51.2 per cent of the GDP compared with JD19.335 billion at the end of 2024.

Meanwhile, domestic debt stood at around JD15.4 billion, or 40.2 per cent of the GDP, up from JD14.8 billion (39.2 per cent) at the close of last year.

In terms of servicing external debt, interest payments in March amounted to JD24.4 million, while principal repayments reached JD56 million.

On fiscal performance, total general revenues during the first quarter of 2025 amounted to JD2.163 billion, an increase of JD103 million (5 per cent) compared with JD2.060 billion during the same period last year.

In addition, total government expenditures went up to JD2.7 billion from JD2.488 billion, marking a rise of JD212 million (8.5 per cent).

This increase was driven by "higher" current expenditures (up JD147 million or 6.2 per cent) and a "significant" rise in capital expenditures (up JD65 million or 65.2 per cent).

These developments led to a fiscal deficit of JD537 million in the central government's budget after grants, compared with JD428.8 million during the first quarter of 2024.

Before accounting for grants, the deficit reached JD540.4 million, up from JD478.3 million for the same period last year.

AMMAN — President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Senator Khalil Hajj Tawfiq and Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan Khatib held talks in Berlin on Monday aimed at advancing bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 14th Arab-German Economic Forum, focused on unlocking the economic potential between the two countries by promoting strategic partnerships and facilitating joint investment ventures, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The two sides emphasised the importance of transitioning Jordanian-Egyptian relations into a comprehensive economic partnership, leveraging the “long-standing” ties and complementary economic strengths of both countries.

Khatib reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to encouraging private-sector collaboration and highlighted the need to build investment partnerships that serve mutual interests. 

He also stressed the role of the private sector in driving economic growth and job creation, calling for increased engagement between business institutions in both countries and more targeted promotion of available investment opportunities.

Hajj Tawfiq reviewed the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) as the Kingdom’s roadmap for growth and sustainability, aimed at attracting foreign investment and expanding economic sectors. 

He outlined recent reforms undertaken to improve Jordan’s business climate, enhance competitiveness and facilitate investor entry.

Hajj Tawfiq also pointed to regional partnership initiatives between Jordan and Egypt designed to support broader economic integration, citing the trilateral cooperation framework with Iraq as a platform for launching joint projects in infrastructure, energy, transport and electric grid interconnection.

Highlighting the Kingdom’s efforts to position itself as a regional logistics and investment hub, Hajj Tawfiq stressed JCC’s commitment to expanding bilateral commercial ties and tapping into emerging opportunities across various sectors.

AMMAN — The customs clearance and freight forwarding sector processed 348,562 transactions during the first third of 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 59,641 transactions, according to data compiled by the Association of Owners of Clearance and Transport Companies.

Association president Dhefallah Abu Aqouleh said that the rise reflects “growing” activity at customs and border centres across the Kingdom, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Transit transactions alone reached 119,148 in the first four months of 2025, up from 69,901 over the same period in 2024, marking an increase of nearly 50,000, Abu Aqouleh said.

Export-related transactions also saw moderate growth, reaching 52,357 compared with 49,901 a year earlier, he noted.

Abu Aqouleh said that the data revealed that Aqaba customs centre processed 61,689 transactions, an increase of 12,519 from last year. 

The association president added that Omari customs centre, which serves as a “key” gateway to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region, recorded 85,314 transactions, up 34,797 from the same period in 2024. 

Jaber customs centre, linking Jordan and Syria, handled 15,846 transactions, a rise of 9,361, while Amman’s Madouneh customs centre processed 29,563 transactions, up 5,051, he added.

Abu Aqouleh noted that the sector also recorded a “significant” growth in cross-border truck traffic, where the number of trucks entering, exiting, or transiting through Jaber customs centre reached 58,085 by mid-May, compared with 17,035 over the same period last year. 

At the Omari centre, truck movement climbed to 113,610 from 102,033, recording an increase of 11,577.

Abu Aqouleh attributed the increase to “improved” performance in Jordanian exports and renewed transit trade momentum, particularly following recent developments in Syria. 

He said that expectations for continued growth are “strong,” especially in light of regional efforts to ease economic sanctions on Syria.

"The anticipated lifting of sanctions on Syria is likely to generate a direct and positive impact on the customs and logistics sectors, reviving transit trade and enhancing economic activity across related industries," Abu Aqouleh said.

He also praised government agencies for facilitating trade movement, noting that customs and security authorities at Jaber border crossing have increased working hours and expedited truck processing, contributing to improved efficiency.

Jordan is home to 476 licensed customs brokerage firms operating through 2,000 branches at various customs centres. The sector employs an estimated 10,000 Jordanians.

Established in 1982, the Association of Owners of Clearance and Transport Companies is registered with the Ministry of Labour and plays a “central” role in supporting the sector, resolving operational challenges, and raising professional standards.

AMMAN — A “state-of-the-art” air cargo facility built by AHS-Menzies Aviation was opened at the Queen Alia International Airport on Monday in a ceremony held in the presence of Minister of Investment Muthanna Gharaibeh.

The facility, covering 8,000 square metres, exemplifies a “strategic” partnership designed to enhance air freight efficiency and bolster Jordan's competitive position, aligning with the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Gharaibeh, who deputised for Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, highlighted the "strategic" investment as a testament to effective public-private partnership, noting that the new facility marks a significant step towards enhancing the Kingdom’s logistics infrastructure and elevating the standards of air cargo services.

Gharaibeh added that the project reflects “growing investor confidence” in Jordan's business environment and serves as a “catalyst” for attracting further foreign direct investment, especially in transport and logistics.

The new facility is equipped with cutting-edge smart systems for cargo management, including the ETV automated unit delivery system (ULD), vertical high-density storage (VNA) and the MACH digital platform, allowing integrated operations such as invoicing, documentation and real-time shipment tracking.

It features specialised areas for storing perishables, pharmaceuticals and general cargo, adhering to the “highest” safety and international standards. Annually, the facility handles some 9,700 flights, transporting over 2.45 million passengers and around 9,000 tonnes of cargo.

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transport Fares Abu Dayyeh said that the new facility is a "pivotal" development in advancing Jordan's air cargo system, adding that it enhances the Kingdom's competitiveness as a regional logistics hub and supports the overall investment climate in air transport.

Abu Dayyeh noted that the project would improve the efficiency of the logistics supply chain and accommodate the increasing volume of air cargo traffic in the region, noting that the ministry remains dedicated to supporting vital transport initiatives.

General-Manager of AHS-Menzies in Jordan Dominique Colemans described the inauguration as a “milestone” for the company's operations in Jordan.

He highlighted the “successful” collaboration with the government, particularly the Ministry of Investment, to enhance the business environment in transport and logistics.

Colemans noted that the project has created over 420 direct jobs for Jordanians, with plans for expansion to meet rising demand.

Ahmed Ziad, head of cargo at the company, expressed gratitude for the government's support, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, praising the cooperation among various official bodies, including the Prime Ministry, the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Transport and the Jordan Customs Department.

Founded in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1833, Menzies Aviation is one of the world's leading aviation services providers, operating across more than 300 locations in 65 countries.

AMMAN — The number of real estate properties owned by non-Jordanians in the Kingdom has dropped by 13 per cent during the first third of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, according to a report by the Department of Lands and Survey.

The total number of property ownership transactions by foreigners dropped to 754, down from 870 in the corresponding period last year.

The report, cited by the government-owned Al Mamlaka TV on Monday, said that foreign ownership of apartments fell to 428 units, down 10 per cent from 475 units last year. 

Land plot ownership also saw a decline of 17 per cent to 326 plots from 395 in 2024.

The estimated value of properties owned by non-Jordanians rose by 9 per cent to some JD65.04 million, compared with JD59.4 million during the same period last year, according to the report. 

Apartment investments accounted for JD39.6 million, a slight decrease of 0.75 per cent from JD39.9 million in 2024. 

On the other hand, land investments increased by 30 per cent, reaching JD25.4 million, up from JD19.5 million last year.

Iraqi nationals topped the list of non-Jordanian property owners in terms of both volume and value. They acquired 170 properties, followed by Saudis with 143 and Syrians with 66.

In terms of investment value, Iraqis led with JD23.7 million, accounting for 36 per cent of total foreign ownership, followed by US nationals (JD8.75 million), Syrians (JD4.39 million) and Saudis (JD2.8 million).

April recorded a “considerable” increase in foreign property ownership, with 203 transactions, up 20 per cent from April 2024 and 17 per cent from March 2025. 

The estimated value of April’s transactions reached JD16.1 million, marking a 56 per cent year-on-year increase and a 22 per cent rise from March. 

Apartment sales comprised JD9.11 million (57 per cent), while land sales made up JD6.98 million (43 per cent).

AMMAN — Secretary-General of the Jordanian Businessmen Association (JBA) Abdul Rahim Baqai on Monday met with a Welsh government delegation to discuss boosting economic, trade and investment ties between Jordan and Wales.

Talks also went over means to explore new avenues for cooperation across various sectors, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The delegation included Head of the Welsh Government Regional Office in Dubai Sarah Taylor and Deputy Head of the Welsh Government Office for MENA Phil Taylor.

Baqai stressed the importance of boosting trade and investment exchange and encouraging regular business engagements between the two sides to identify promising opportunities.

He noted that since 2024, the JBA has been linked to the Joint Jordanian-Welsh Business Council, established in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Wales. 

This council, he said, has marked a "significant" milestone in enhancing ties between the business communities of both countries.

He highlighted the need to broaden cooperation to include strategic partnerships with British universities and companies, which would contribute to Jordan’s economic development and technical advancement. 

Baqai also pointed to tax incentives and business facilitation measures introduced by the Jordanian government to attract foreign investment, particularly in the services sector.

Sarah stressed Wales’ interest in enhancing collaboration with Jordanian private sector institutions and attracting more British investment to the Kingdom, highlighting the potential for growth in sectors where Jordan has competitive advantages, especially in services sector.

Taylor also expressed the office’s readiness to support business ties by facilitating bilateral meetings and providing the JBA with the necessary tools and information to help Jordanian businesses access the Welsh market and benefit from its available opportunities.

AMMAN — The agricultural producer price index (APPI) for the first quarter of 2025 rose by 4.6 per cent, reaching 108.7 points compared with 103.9 points during the same period in 2024, according to a report issued on Monday by the Department of Statistics (DoS).

The cumulative increase was driven by higher producer prices for several crops, including green sweet peppers, cauliflower and hot peppers, which collectively represented 35.1 per cent of the index's relative importance. 

Meanwhile, the prices of aubergine, potatoes, and tomatoes, accounting for 64.9 per cent, declined during the same period.

In March 2025, the APPI reached 129.6 points, up by 3.5 per cent compared with 125.2 points in March 2024. 

The increase was attributed to rising prices for crops such as green almonds, green garlic and squash, which accounted for 69 per cent of the monthly variation, while the prices for crops including dry onions, green corn and lemons, representing 31 per cent of the index, declined, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

On a monthly basis, the APPI rose by 19.7 per cent in March compared with February, climbing from 108.3 to 129.6 points.

This increase was driven by price rises in squash, green sweet peppers and zucchini. 

However, prices for other crops such as green peas, grape leaves and thyme declined, reflecting a 36.4 per cent share of the monthly change.

AMMAN — The MENA Travel Market Forum opened on Sunday in Amman, bringing together over 90 exhibitors from 18 countries and drawing more than 1,500 visitors and professionals from the global tourism and travel sectors.

Deputising for the prime minister, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab inaugurated the event alongside Secretary-General of the Ministry Fadi Balawi and Director-General of the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat.

Annab toured the pavilions of participating tourism, travel, and aviation companies.

The forum honoured several "influential" figures for their contributions to advancing the tourism sector.

Among those recognised were former minister of tourism and Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Nayef Fayez, and Director-General of the Jordan Tourism Board and CEO of Royal Jordanian Airlines Samer Majali.

They were acknowledged for their dedication to promoting tourism and enhancing Jordan’s standing as a "premier" travel destination.

Arabiyat said that JTB, in collaboration with the private sector, is committed to enabling "unique" events that highlight Jordan's diverse offerings from its natural beauty and year-round climate to its readiness to host major international conferences and exhibitions.

"We are proud of the distinguished tourism forums hosted in Jordan," he noted.

"Plans are underway for a second, more diverse edition of this event, which we aim to hold in Aqaba due to its strategic location and advanced tourist infrastructure,” he noted.

Arabiyat also announced the recent launch of an incentive programme to boost conference tourism and called for broad participation in future editions.

Forum CEO Khaled Shanana said that the event aims to provide a comprehensive platform that brings together tourism decision-makers and industry leaders to foster regional cooperation and expand opportunities for joint action.

He also highlighted Jordan’s "key" regional role, supported by its stability, security and modern infrastructure.

Forum Director-General Mutasem Dalabih said that the event presents a "unique" opportunity to showcase the Kingdom’s tourism assets and connect domestic institutions with global counterparts to build long-term strategic partnerships.

The forum serves as a "major" regional platform linking travel companies, hotels, airlines, government agencies and investors to share experiences and explore cooperation opportunities.

The event also aligns with the Kingdom’s Economic Modernisation Vision and reinforces Jordan’s role as a regional hub for tourism and international exhibitions.

The two-day programme includes panel discussions and lectures by top international experts, addressing topics such as aviation’s future, digital transformation, sustainable tourism and ecotourism, artificial intelligence, tourism investment and collaborative promotion strategies.

AMMAN — The general wholesale price index rose by 1.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 108.74 points compared with 107.56 points in the same period of 2024, the Department of Statistics’ (DoS) quarterly report showed on Sunday.

The increase was primarily driven by a 2.98 per cent rise in the prices of motor vehicles, their parts, and motorcycles, a 1.82 per cent increase in agricultural raw materials, grains, food, beverages, and tobacco, and a 0.66 per cent rise in textiles, clothing, personal and household goods.

The report noted a 0.55 per cent decline in the prices of machinery and equipment, and a 0.16 per cent drop in fuel, metals, construction materials, and their supplies, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

On a quarterly basis, the wholesale price index also rose by 0.51 per cent in Q1 2025 compared with the fourth quarter of 2024, when it stood at 108.19 points.

The main contributors to the quarterly increase were motor vehicles and parts (up 1.58 per cent), agricultural and food-related products (up 1.01 per cent), and machinery and equipment (up 0.79 per cent).

Also, prices declined for textiles, clothing, and household goods (down 0.75 per cent) and for fuel and construction-related materials (down 0.21 per cent).