Jordan's exports to GAFTA countries rise by 12.2% by end of February
AMMAN — National exports to the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) countries grew by 12.2 per cent by the end of February 2025, reaching JD515 million, compared to JD459 million for the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom's imports from the GAFTA nations increased by 4.2 per cent for the same period, recording JD863 million, compared to JD828 million last year, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Foreign trade data from the Department of Statistics (DoS) showed a decline in the Kingdom's trade deficit with the GAFTA countries for the same period, reaching JD348 million, compared to JD369 million against last year.
According to statistical figures, the volume of Jordan-GAFTA trade for the same period stood at JD1.378 billion, compared to the same period last year, when it stood at JD1.287 billion.
Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest share of national exports to these countries by the end of February of 2025, amounting to some JD141 million, marking an increase of 6.8 per cent, while Iraq followed with JD136 million, constituting an increase of 15.3 per cent.
National exports also witnessed "significant" growth with Syria, reaching JD35 million, marking an increase of 483.3 per cent.
Also, Saudi Arabia topped exporters to Jordan, as the Kingdom's imports from Saudi Arabia amounted to JD519 million, which brings Jordan's trade deficit with Saudi Arabia to JD378 million at the end of February of 2025.
Jordanian exports to GAFTA countries are mainly fertilisers, medicines, agricultural fresh and frozen products, skin care products, food preparations, furniture, fabrics, and garments.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom's imports are primarily crude oil and its derivatives, jewellery, food products, plastic items, titanium dioxide, polyethylene, polystyrene, and iron.
© Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
30 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Services sector remains India's primary engine of growth
Question: The manufacturing sector in India has grown marginally in recent months and export of goods has shown a sluggish trend as a result of certain economies slowing down. Will this not affect India's balance of payment position which would have an adverse impact on overall growth estimates for the current financial year? ANSWER: While it is true that the manufacturing sector in India has not recorded a robust growth rate, the services sector has outperformed and grown at higher rates than any other country. During the financial year ended March 31, 2025, the services sector has contributed almost 60 per cent of the GDP and the export of services from India during this financial year has been at a record high of $387.5 billion. Apart from the growth coming from the IT and IT-enabled services, the share of 'other business services' has gone up dramatically driven by Global Capability Centres which have been set up by multinational companies in different locations of India. It is expected that during the next three financial years the growth in high value services will continue. This will boost discretionary consumption, which in turn will spur manufacturing activity. Export of manufactured goods will also get a boost from the bilateral trade agreements which India has signed with the major economies, resulting in low tariff exports. Invisible receipts by way of remittances from Indians working in the United States, the Gulf countries and Europe will help India to keep in check its current account deficit. According to data recently released by the Reserve Bank of India, India's total exports comprising goods and services reached an aggregate figure of U.S. $ 824.9 billion in 2024-25. Question: I want to know whether broking houses in India are permitted to invest in companies which are carrying on non-financial businesses. I am worried that funds of their customers may also be so invested. ANSWER: Your concern is now addressed by an amendment made last month to the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rule which allows brokers to use only their own funds to make investments in companies which carry on any type of business. There is an express provision which prohibits stock brokers from using client funds and client securities for such investments. Before this amendment, stock brokers were not allowed to make investments even out of their own funds in any business other than securities and commodity derivatives. Use of clients' funds and securities were also not permitted for such investments. The amendment to the regulation will now give freedom to brokers to invest their own funds in other businesses. Funds of clients will continue to remain protected and will not be available to brokers for any investment. Further, under the amended regulation, brokers will not be allowed to borrow funds to invest in other businesses. This also ensures that clients of brokers cannot be arm twisted to lend money directly or indirectly to brokers for investments. Question: My nephew who is in India has secured admission in a well-known institute of hotel management. However, after graduating, he wants to seek employment outside India. Are there prospects for Indian graduates to work in the overseas hospitality industry? ANSWER: Annually around 20,000 students graduate from institutes of hotel management. According to recruitment firms, overseas demand for such graduates has increased substantially during the last three years. The demand spans the entire spectrum from entry-level roles in front office, F&B services and housekeeping, to mid-level roles in revenue functions. There is tremendous scope for executive chefs as well as in departments like engineering, maintenance and finance. There has been a 35% year-on-year increase in international hiring and the trend has accelerated due to cruise liners having a demand for graduates in the hospitality sector. The demand has also surged on account of new resort openings in Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E. and Maldives. Further, there is a demand from wellness retreats and private estate owners who are seeking professionals from India. Ongoing bilateral collaborations, G2G agreements and talent mobility corridors are making it easier for fresh graduates to access foreign markets. According to international recruitment agencies, Indian hospitality professionals bring strong service skills and cultural adaptability which is responsible for payment of high salaries along with facilities and attractive retirement benefits. The writer is a practising lawyer, specialising in corporate and fiscal laws of India.
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
UAE real estate: One Group launches ELEVATE as it eyes $1bn project pipeline
One Group has announced its ELEVATE brand, which it says is dedicated to creating lifestyle-centric luxury developments in the region. This strategic launch marks the Group's most ambitious regional expansion to date. ELEVATE announces UAE beachfront development The first chapter of ELEVATE's journey in the UAE will begin with a flagship branded beachfront development. Although full project details remain confidential for now, the project will be unveiled in the coming weeks. Zeeshaan Shah, Chairman of One Group, said: 'I'm thrilled to officially begin our development journey in the UAE. I started my career in this extraordinary country 18 years ago, and witnessing its incredible transformation has been deeply inspiring. 'Today, the UAE stands as a global benchmark for lifestyle, ambition, and opportunity—a true reflection of the vision and dedication of its great leadership.' With a 15-year legacy of delivering more than $2.5bn in global real estate transactions and a portfolio spanning across three continents, One Group has proven its expertise in luxury developments. The launch of ELEVATE represents the Group's most significant regional move, with a robust development pipeline worth more than $1bn set to roll out in the next 12 months. Shah said: 'In every market we enter, we forge our own path—not by following trends, but by introducing a distinct, lifestyle-led approach to design and development. 'At its core, great real estate isn't just about space—it's about creating a way of life. Our focus is on crafting environments that elevate everyday living by integrating community, connection, wellness, and meaningful experiences.'
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
QFC appoints Rashed Al-Noaimi as the new Director of Human Capital
Doha – Qatar: Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a leading onshore financial and business centre in the region, has announced the appointment of Rashed Al-Noaimi as Director of Human Capital, effective 1 June 2025. With over 15 years of leadership experience in human capital management, Rashed brings a wealth of expertise in shaping organisational strategy and fostering workplace excellence. Rashed began his professional career as an Employee Supervisor at QatarEnergy (formerly RasGas/ Qatargas). He later assumed the role of Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Finance. Before joining the QFC, Rashed served in multiple senior leadership capacities at Malomatia. His expertise spans career and succession planning, governance and policy development, employee engagement, talent management, and learning and development. He is also recognised for leveraging advanced HR technologies to drive operational efficiency and impact. In his capacity at the QFC, Rashed will lead the human capital strategies that foster a high-performance culture, drive employee engagement, and support the implementation of QFC's values and its strategic objectives. Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC, said: 'We are pleased to welcome Rashed to the QFC. His deep expertise and leadership in human capital management will be instrumental in building a dynamic and inclusive workplace. I'm confident that his experience will enrich our culture of excellence and significantly contribute to fostering an environment where our people can thrive.' Rashed Al-Noaimi holds a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Colorado, USA, and a master's degree in public policy from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar. ABOUT THE QATAR FINANCIAL CENTRE The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is an onshore business and financial centre located in Doha, providing an excellent platform for firms to do business in Qatar and the region. The QFC offers its own legal, regulatory, tax and business environment, which allows up to 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of profits, and charges a competitive rate of 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits. The QFC welcomes a broad range of financial and non-financial services firms. For more information about the permitted activities and the benefits of setting up in the QFC, please visit @QFCAuthority | #QFCMeansBusiness MEDIA CONTACTS QFC Corporate Communications Rasha Kamaleddine | E.
