Amman, Aug. 14 (Petra)– The Jordan Chamber of Commerce and the
Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations have signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen economic, trade and
investment cooperation between the two countries, expand
communication channels between their business communities, and
encourage partnerships and joint projects in areas of mutual
interest.

The MoU, signed through an exchange of copies by Jordan Chamber of
Commerce President Senator Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq and Ethiopian Chamber
of Commerce and Sectoral Associations President Sebsib Abafira
Abajobir, establishes an institutional framework for cooperation,
including facilitating trade and investment, developing business
activities, and exchanging trade delegations.

It also provides for the exchange of information on investment
opportunities and market trends, cooperation in training and capacity
building, and support for small, medium-sized and startup
enterprises, in addition to cooperation in sustainability, the green
economy, digital transformation and innovation.

Under the agreement, the two sides will establish a
Jordanian-Ethiopian Joint Business Council to follow up on
implementation of the MoU, coordinate joint activities and
initiatives, and provide strategic guidance for future economic
cooperation between the two countries.

The MoU encourages cooperation in sustainable development, renewable
energy and environmentally friendly business practices, as well as
innovation and digital transformation, including e-commerce,
financial technology, artificial intelligence, smart technologies and
digital infrastructure.

Al-Haj Tawfiq said the MoU represents a practical step toward
building stronger ties between the Jordanian and Ethiopian private
sectors and moving economic cooperation to a new stage based on
direct communication between businesspeople, exploring available
opportunities and establishing partnerships and joint projects.

He said the Jordan Chamber of Commerce attaches great importance to
Ethiopia as one of Africa’s promising markets and a strategic gateway
to East African and Horn of Africa markets, given its important
geographic location, growing population and economy, as well as the
prominent role of its capital, Addis Ababa, which hosts the
headquarters of the African Union.

Al-Haj Tawfiq noted that Ethiopia’s importance to Jordan extends
beyond bilateral trade, as it is a major market with a population of
more than 130 million and significant economic potential, resources
and investment opportunities. This makes stronger ties with Ethiopia
an important part of the Jordanian private sector’s efforts to
diversify markets and expand its presence in Africa.

He pointed to promising opportunities for partnerships between the
business communities of the two countries in several areas where
Jordan has expertise and competitive advantages, particularly
pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, food industries, fertilizers
and chemicals, information technology, renewable energy, healthcare,
education and logistics, as well as innovation, digital
transformation and entrepreneurship.

Al-Haj Tawfiq stressed that expanding engagement with Africa should
be an important avenue for diversifying Jordanian export, services
and investment markets. He said the establishment of the
Jordanian-Ethiopian Joint Business Council would provide a practical
mechanism for turning existing potential into concrete opportunities,
projects and partnerships and for following up on agreements reached
between the two business communities.

He also underscored the importance of intensifying the exchange of
information on investment opportunities, the business environment and
markets, and organizing trade delegations, forums, exhibitions and
business-to-business meetings to connect Jordanian companies with
their Ethiopian counterparts and provide direct insight into market
needs and available opportunities.

Al-Haj Tawfiq praised the efforts of Jordan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia
and Permanent Representative to the African Union Amjad Mohammad
Al-Momani in developing economic relations and strengthening
communication between private-sector institutions in the two
countries.

//Petra// MF