Business & Money | Monday 8 July, 2019 6:27 pm |

The volume of trade exchange between Jordan and Tunisia is modest and does not reflect the actual potentials and deep historical bilateral relations, said Tariq Hammouri Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply.

During a Jordanian-Tunisian economic meeting, Hammouri stressed the need to devise the appropriate mechanisms to increase the volume of bilateral trade exchange, which did not exceed $27 million last year, and benefit from bilateral and Arab free trade agreements to boost export opportunities to the Jordanian and Tunisian markets and the European Union's market.

He pointed to the need to strengthen partnerships between the private sector's institutions in both countries to utilize the Arab-Mediterranean Free Trade Agreement (Agadir Agreement), support cumulation of origin and industrial integration, and establish joint projects in the industrial and development areas, especially in the field of solar energy and food and electronic industries.

The minister called for forming a committee consisting of institutions of the private sector in Jordan and Tunisia to promote the Agadir Agreement, organizing the committee's meetings periodically, and developing a unified plan with the aim of achieving Arab economic integration.

Hammouri called on the Tunisian business community to benefit from the unique geographical location of the Kingdom to introduce Tunisian products to the markets of the Gulf states and Iraq. 

On the other hand, he urged Jordanian businessmen to benefit from Tunisians' expertise to enter the markets of the European Union and Africa.

During the meeting, Hammouri highlighted the importance of encouraging visits between businessmen in both countries to get a firsthand look at the economic and investment environment in both countries, including the benefits and incentives the two sides provide. 

Member of the executive office of the Tunisian Union for Industry, Trade and Handicrafts and the head of the Tunisian side in the Jordanian-Tunisian Business Council, Aref Belkhairia, pointed out the great potential for exchange and integration in both countries in various sectors.

He affirmed his country's keenness to further open the markets on both sides to move the goods and services freely and without restrictions.

He stressed the need to promote mutual investment and develop a partnership that will increase competitiveness, expand markets, and create development and employment opportunities.

Belkhairia also underscored the need for the next phase of economic relations between Tunisia and Jordan and all Arab countries to focus on investment and set up joint ventures in various fields. 

He noted that strengthening cooperation between the institutions of the private sector in both countries will contribute to boosting trade exchange and partnership between the two sides to higher levels.

For his part, Tunisian Ambassador to Jordan, Khalid Al-Suhaili, pointed out that the bilateral trade exchange, despite its development in recent years, is below the aspired level, adding that it is imperative to utilize the incentives the agreements provide to overcome obstacles that prevent the development of economic and trade cooperation.

He stressed his country's keenness to enhance economic and trade relations, citing the encouraging environment for business and investment in both countries.