jordan pulse -

Amman – Amman Chamber of Commerce and Kuala Lumpur Chamber of Commerce signed a letter of intent on sidelines of virtual forum to enhance Jordan–Malaysia economic ties.

Amman Chamber statement said first vice chairman Nabil Al-Khatib signed for Amman, while Ahmad Hussein Tajuddin signed for Kuala Lumpur. Forum organised with Malaysian embassy saw participation from public and private sectors in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, tourism, food, energy, and Jordan’s Ministry of Investment.

Al-Khatib stressed need to form Jordanian–Malaysian Business Council to strengthen trade, facilitate investments, overcome obstacles, and encourage joint projects. He highlighted Jordan’s attractive investment climate supported by modern legislation and competitiveness, urging Malaysian businessmen to explore opportunities.

He said Jordan keen to increase imports of Malaysian goods, while expanding exports of pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, agricultural and food products. He called for sectoral meetings in chemicals, jewellery, cosmetics, and electronics.

Malaysian ambassador Mohamed Nasri bin Abdul Rahman said signing reflects both countries’ commitment to enhancing cooperation, noting bilateral trade grew 29.4% in past five years. Tajuddin emphasised importance of opening new trade and expertise exchange avenues.

Deputy chairman of Amman Chamber Bahjat Hamdan showcased Jordan’s diverse tourism, especially religious, educational, and medical, urging partnerships with Malaysian institutions and activating “Umrah Plus” to attract Malaysian pilgrims.

Hamdan called for joint tourism programmes, regular virtual meetings, and promotional campaigns using Jordan’s religious, cultural, and natural assets, alongside international exhibitions.

Ministry of Investment’s Tamara Qaabar presented priority sectors under national investment strategy, stressing competitive advantages. She said cooperation with Malaysia is strategic opportunity for joint investment and sustainable development.

Secretary-General of Jordanian Association of Pharmaceutical Producers Hanan Sbboul said major opportunities exist with Malaysia in advanced fields, calling for bilateral meetings to strengthen partnership, positioning Jordan as regional base and Malaysia as Southeast Asia gateway. She noted Jordan has 30 manufacturing sites, exporting 75% of production to 80 countries worth $862m in 2024.

Private food sector representative Ahmad Khalili of Abu Ouda Bros stressed importance of trade partnership, noting palm oil and food accounted for 27% of 2024 trade volume. He said food trade exceeded $50m, with 3,000 food companies in Jordan, urging more cooperation in halal food.

Energy sector representative Hanna Zghoul, chairman of Kawar Energy, said Jordan a regional leader in renewables with 27% share of electricity in 2024, targeting 31% by 2030. He said private sector executed over 90% of projects worth $4.5b, urging more investment in storage, infrastructure, regional interconnection, green hydrogen and e-mobility.

Tourism and hospitality skills council chairman Mohammad Al-Qassem underlined opportunities for cooperation in training tourism workforce, stressing knowledge exchange and partnerships in education and hospitality to raise service standards.

Malaysian Investment Development Authority deputy director Zaidi Idris highlighted Malaysia’s priority sectors and incentives, while trade commissioner Yazrin Mahlan stressed opening new markets.

Bilateral trade between Jordan and Malaysia reached JD77m in H1 2025.