Amman, Sept. 18 (Petra) — Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Yarub Qudah, met Thursday with an Uzbek delegation led by Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Shokhrukh Gulamov, to discuss the executive plan for enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and building on the strong ties between the two countries.
Qudah and Gulamov emphasized the need to accelerate procedures for signing a preferential trade agreement and to prepare for the first meeting of the joint committee to explore areas of cooperation and designate focal points for ongoing follow-up.
Qudah said His Majesty King Abdullah II’s visit to Uzbekistan last month marked a turning point in bilateral relations, reflecting a firm commitment to advancing economic and trade cooperation.
He noted that both countries have untapped potential in sectors such as garments, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, food products, and jewelry, stressing the importance of joint efforts to translate cooperation frameworks into concrete outcomes.
He also underlined the importance of fast-tracking technical procedures for signing the trade preferences agreement, with both sides agreeing to finalize negotiations and sign the deal during the first joint committee session, expected before year’s end. A Jordan–Uzbekistan business forum will also be held on the sidelines.
During the meeting, Qudah highlighted Jordan’s advantages as a central hub in the region and a gateway to markets in Iraq and Syria, particularly in reconstruction efforts.
He also pointed to Jordan’s wide network of bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements, including those with the United States and the European Union, as well as the simplified rules of origin agreement for exports to European markets.
He added that these agreements have helped boost Jordan’s exports, especially garments to the U.S., and stressed other incentives that make the Kingdom an attractive investment destination for Uzbek companies.
Qudah suggested a visit to the Mafraq Development Zone and dry port, which serves as a regional and strategic trade corridor linking Jordan with neighboring countries, as well as a logistics hub for Syria’s reconstruction, given its proximity to Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
He also noted opportunities for partnerships in the phosphate and potash sectors, particularly in agricultural fertilizers, in addition to other fields of economic cooperation.
For his part, Gulamov said that during last month’s royal visit, the foreign ministries of both countries drew up a joint roadmap reflecting political will at the highest levels. He added that his current visit aims to strengthen economic and trade ties.
He affirmed Uzbekistan’s serious interest in developing partnerships in garments, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and food products, noting plans to establish warehouses in Jordan for Uzbek goods with government-supported logistical incentives to ease access to regional markets. He also highlighted cooperation opportunities with the Port of Aqaba as a key hub for facilitating trade with the region.
//Petra// AO
18/09/2025 14:30:42
