Over 400 Jordanian Trucks Enter Syria Daily

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Over 400 Jordanian Trucks Enter Syria Daily
Qudah: The National Economy Achieved Significant Positive Results Despite Challenges
2.7% Growth Rate in Q1 of This Year—Above Expectations
9.2% Growth in National Exports and Diversified Export Marketsاضافة اعلان
14% Increase in Foreign Investment Reflects the Kingdom’s Attractiveness
Ongoing Follow-up to Activate Bab Al-Hawa Border to Boost Transit Trade
Notable Success Stories in the Jordanian Industrial Sector Worth Building On

Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Eng. Yarub Qudah, stated that despite the difficult surrounding circumstances, the national economy has achieved many positive results on multiple levels. Growth reached 2.7% during the first quarter of this year, exceeding expectations of 2.2%. This is a highly significant indicator that reflects the economy’s resilience in facing challenges and its positive interaction with current conditions.

During his sponsorship of the Second Conference on Industry, Investment, and the Reconstruction of Syria—organized by Taj Media Group and attended by several parliamentarians, private sector representatives, and economic stakeholders—Qudah noted that national exports rose by approximately 9.2% during the first five months of this year. This is important not just in terms of figures but also in terms of market diversification, including increases in exports to European and other markets.

He added that foreign investment in the Kingdom also grew by 14%, which affirms the attractiveness of Jordan’s investment environment despite regional instability.

The minister emphasized that the industrial sector is one of the key pillars of the national economy, playing a vital role in reducing unemployment, creating job opportunities, stimulating business environments, and contributing high added value. It is also a major driver of national exports to various global markets.

Qudah highlighted the importance of investing in industry alongside other sectors, as this contributes to increasing Jordan’s export capacity, reducing the trade deficit, and substituting imported goods with locally produced alternatives.

He praised the Jordanian industrial sector as a notable success story, with products reaching many global markets. For instance, four halls at NASA are fully equipped with Jordanian-made air conditioning systems, as is Los Angeles Airport. Additionally, a Jordanian pharmaceutical company has acquired major international firms in the same sector. Jordan also exports technical and knowledge-based expertise, particularly in pharmaceuticals.

The minister spoke about support programs aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and export capabilities of industrial products. These include the Industrial Support Fund, which is allocated JD 30–35 million annually, and an export enhancement program funded with JD 15–20 million.

He mentioned that by the end of this year, natural gas will be delivered to three industrial cities in the Kingdom, with plans to expand to the rest as quickly as possible. This will reduce industrial costs and improve competitiveness.

Regarding exports, Qudah explained that many legislative and procedural measures have been implemented to support and enhance the competitiveness of national exports. These include various bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements signed by Jordan with global economic blocs, such as the Arab Free Trade Agreement, the agreement with the United States—which helped increase exports to the American market from mere millions to JD 2.2 billion last year—and agreements with the EU, Canada, and others.

He added that efforts are currently underway, in coordination with all relevant parties, to reactivate transit trade to various countries. This includes ongoing communication with Syria and Turkey to reopen the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing between the two countries. This route would enable transit exports to Europe and other regions, especially fresh vegetables. He expects the crossing to be operational again before the end of next month.

Regarding cooperation with Syria, Qudah said that since the regime change in Syria, Jordan has worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic matters, and has provided various forms of assistance. As a result of these efforts, Jordan’s exports to Syria have significantly increased, and the trade balance now tilts in Jordan’s favor.

He noted that between 200 and 250 Jordanian trucks enter Syria daily carrying Jordanian products, and with transit trucks included, the total exceeds 400 trucks per day. The increase in exports to Syria has also boosted the number of containers handled at Aqaba Port, with activity there increasing by 30%.

Qudah called on the Jordanian private sector to seize economic opportunities in Syria, especially in the export field, noting that there are government committees working to enhance cooperation in trade, transportation, administrative and technical infrastructure, water, and agriculture.

The conference included a number of working papers focusing on the areas of industry, investment, and the reconstruction of Syria.