The Saudi-Jordanian economic relationship is experiencing a significant boost, evidenced by the successful Saudi-Jordanian Business Forum held recently in Riyadh. This event, organized by the Saudi Chambers Federation and the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, brought together approximately 200 companies and investors from both nations, signaling a strong commitment to deepening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration. The forum focused on showcasing investment opportunities, understanding the business landscapes, and identifying key incentives for investors in Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
تعزيز التعاون الاقتصادي: ملتقى الأعمال السعودي الأردني في الرياض (Strengthening Economic Cooperation: The Saudi-Jordanian Business Forum in Riyadh)
The Saudi-Jordanian Business Forum wasn’t merely a networking event; it was a strategic platform designed to translate existing strong relationships into concrete projects and sustainable partnerships. The participation of high-level representatives from both countries underscored the importance placed on fostering economic growth through collaboration. The event’s success highlights a growing trend of regional economic integration, driven by ambitious visions like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Jordan’s own economic modernization plans. Discussions centered around leveraging each country’s strengths to create mutually beneficial outcomes, particularly in sectors poised for significant expansion.
أبرز نتائج الملتقى: اتفاقيات وشراكات جديدة (Key Outcomes of the Forum: New Agreements and Partnerships)
A tangible outcome of the forum was the signing of five significant Saudi-Jordanian agreements spanning diverse sectors. These agreements represent a commitment to long-term investment and collaboration. Furthermore, the forum facilitated numerous bilateral meetings between Saudi and Jordanian businesses, laying the groundwork for future commercial and investment partnerships. These one-on-one interactions allowed for detailed discussions on specific opportunities and challenges, fostering a more nuanced understanding of each market.
لجان قطاعية ورسم خارطة طريق للتعاون (Sectoral Committees and Mapping a Roadmap for Cooperation)
The forum also saw dedicated meetings of the sectoral committees under the Saudi-Jordanian Joint Business Council. These committees focused on outlining a clear roadmap for cooperation across a wide range of promising sectors. Key areas of focus included:
- الزراعة والأمن الغذائي (Agriculture and Food Security): Exploring joint ventures to enhance food production and security in both countries.
- الصناعة والتعدين والطاقة (Industry, Mining and Energy): Identifying opportunities for collaboration in resource development and industrial manufacturing.
- الخدمات المالية وتمويل التجارة (Financial Services and Trade Finance): Streamlining financial processes and facilitating cross-border trade.
- الصحة والدواء والمستلزمات الطبية (Health, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies): Promoting collaboration in healthcare innovation and pharmaceutical production.
- اللوجستيات والموانئ والنقل (Logistics, Ports and Transportation): Improving connectivity and efficiency in regional trade routes.
- السياحة والضيافة (Tourism and Hospitality): Developing joint tourism initiatives and promoting cultural exchange.
- تقنية المعلومات والتجارة الرقمية (Information Technology and Digital Trade): Leveraging technological advancements to drive economic growth.
رؤية 2030 ودورها المحوري في جذب الاستثمارات (Vision 2030 and its Central Role in Attracting Investments)
Imad Sadad Al-Fakhri, Vice President of the Saudi Chambers Federation, emphasized the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 in driving economic diversification and attracting foreign investment. He highlighted that the Kingdom is currently Jordan’s largest Arab trading partner and third globally, with bilateral trade exceeding $5 billion and mutual investments surpassing $24 billion as of 2024. Vision 2030’s focus on empowering the private sector, enhancing trade, and creating an attractive business environment are key factors contributing to this positive trend. The reforms implemented under the Vision are designed to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and provide greater certainty for investors.
التكامل الاقتصادي بين الأردن والسعودية: نحو آفاق أوسع (Economic Integration Between Jordan and Saudi Arabia: Towards Wider Horizons)
Engineer Abdulrahman Hassan Al-Thubaiti, Chairman of the Saudi-Jordanian Business Council, underscored the strong foundation of the economic partnership between the two countries, built on brotherly ties and a shared vision for long-term integration. He stressed the need to move beyond traditional opportunities and explore deeper, more sustainable forms of collaboration, with active participation from both the public and private sectors. Al-Thubaiti pointed to initiatives focused on logistical connectivity, port integration, and the development of a knowledge-based economy in the phosphate sector as crucial steps towards achieving this goal. He also highlighted the potential for joint participation in regional reconstruction projects.
فرص استثمارية واعدة وتطلعات مستقبلية (Promising Investment Opportunities and Future Prospects)
Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq, President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, expressed admiration for the economic renaissance and qualitative transformation achieved through Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. He conveyed the Jordanian private sector’s eagerness to translate the strong bilateral relationship into practical programs and projects. He noted the current imbalance in trade, with Saudi exports to Jordan being approximately five times greater than Jordanian exports, indicating significant potential for industrial integration and increased Jordanian exports. The large Jordanian economic delegation attending the forum reflects the Jordanian leadership’s commitment to strengthening joint efforts and building effective strategic partnerships. Jordan offers an attractive investment climate with strategic location and skilled workforce.
Dr. Haitham Abu Al-Foul, the Jordanian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, affirmed that the forum serves as an important institutional framework for enhancing economic, commercial, and investment cooperation. He emphasized the depth of the brotherly relations between the two countries, supported by their respective leaderships. He encouraged a transition to the practical implementation phase of joint projects, guided by a clear roadmap.
In conclusion, the Saudi-Jordanian Business Forum in Riyadh was a resounding success, demonstrating a clear commitment from both nations to deepen their economic ties. The signed agreements, facilitated meetings, and focused discussions on key sectors lay a strong foundation for future collaboration. With Vision 2030 driving economic reforms in Saudi Arabia and Jordan actively pursuing economic modernization, the future looks bright for this vital partnership. Businesses interested in exploring opportunities in either country are encouraged to connect with the Saudi Chambers Federation and the Jordan Chamber of Commerce for further information and support.
