Amman, June 9 (Petra) — Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub
Qudah said Tuesday that economic relations between Jordan and Iraq
represent an advanced model of Arab economic integration, stressing
that deeper integration has become a strategic necessity amid
regional challenges and evolving economic conditions.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Franchise and Trade Agencies
Exhibition, Qudah said economic integration is essential to achieving
sustainable development and strengthening economic resilience in both
countries.

The two-day exhibition is organized by the Pana Conferences and
Exhibitions Foundation and the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan at
the Amman International Exhibition Center, with the participation of
official and private-sector representatives from Jordan and Iraq.

Qudah said Jordanian-Iraqi economic relations are built on decades of
cooperation and partnership between the public and private sectors,
noting that Jordanian businesses have maintained a strong presence in
the Iraqi market for many years, reflecting the depth of economic
ties between the two countries.

He pointed out that bilateral trade reached its highest level in 15
years during 2025, underscoring that economic integration between
Jordan and Iraq serves a shared strategic interest that supports
growth and stability in both economies.

Qudah added that recent regional developments have highlighted the
importance of strengthening economic cooperation and integration,
noting that the two countries represent a mutually supportive
economic and logistical depth whose prosperity benefits both sides.

He said the Jordanian economy recorded strong performance in 2025,
with national exports increasing by more than 10 percent compared
with 2024 and foreign direct investment rising by more than 30
percent.

The minister also highlighted the launch of a package of major
projects with estimated capital expenditures of approximately $9
billion scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

For his part, Chairperson of the Iraqi Business Council in Amman
Majid Saadi said regional developments and challenges directly affect
investors and businesspeople in Jordan, Iraq, and across the Arab
region, but also create investment opportunities that should be
utilized.

He praised the support provided by the Jordanian government to the
private sector in both countries and stressed the importance of
expanding economic cooperation.

Saadi said commercial agencies and franchising activities constitute
an important avenue for expanding private-sector business, noting
that the Iraqi market, with a population of about 45 million,
continues to offer significant opportunities across a wide range of
goods and services.

He added that the size of the Iraqi market and its purchasing power
provide promising prospects for additional partnerships and
investments between Jordanian and Iraqi businesses.

//Petra// AJ