Latest news with #ArabFreeTradeAgreement
Iraqi News
10-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Economic Cooperation a Key Focus of Upcoming Arab Summit, Says Government Advisor
Baghdad-INA The Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, said on Saturday that strengthening economic cooperation among Arab countries will be one of the key topics discussed at the upcoming Arab Summit. He stressed that this cooperation is essential to building stronger economic ties, promoting regional stability, and creating new opportunities for development. 'Stable relations among Arab countries encourage the movement of capital and expertise and help to enhance regional trade,' Saleh told the Iraqi News Agency (INA),'The Arab world shares common language and cultural values, which gives it strong potential for economic unity.' He highlighted the presence of long-standing Arab agreements that could be reactivated to support this goal, such as the Arab Free Trade Agreement signed in 1952 and later amended, as well as several bilateral and multilateral investment treaties. 'There's a real opportunity now to strengthen economic ties in a way that also supports political stability across the region,' he said. Salih also pointed to Iraq's strategic position in the region, saying the country plays a central role in connecting the Gulf and the Mediterranean, with reach extending toward Africa and the Levant. 'Iraq has deep historical roots, a key geographic location, and access to the Gulf,' he noted. 'It's renewed economic role, especially as it hosts the Arab Summit—signals a return to Arab leadership and shared regional strength.' He concluded by saying Iraq has always supported peaceful economic cooperation and is well positioned to help lead efforts to build a united Arab economic front in the face of regional challenges.
Jordan News
11-03-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Jordan's Exports to the Arab Region Rise - Jordan News
Jordan's Exports to the Arab Region Rise Jordan's national exports to the Arab Free Trade Area saw significant growth in the past year, increasing by 15.9% (488 million dinars) to reach 3.564 billion dinars, compared to 3.076 billion dinars in 2023. اضافة اعلان Exports to the Arab Free Trade Area accounted for 42% of Jordan's total exports last year, up from 37% in 2023. Meanwhile, the Kingdom's imports from Arab countries increased by 8.2%, reaching 5.078 billion dinars, compared to 4.693 billion dinars in 2023. Key Drivers of Export Growth The President of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry, Engineer Fathi Al-Jaghbir, stated that the increase in national exports to Arab countries was driven by rising demand in these markets for Jordanian products, which are known for their high competitiveness and quality. He highlighted that Jordan's efforts to expand exports to key neighboring markets, particularly Iraq and Saudi Arabia, played a crucial role in promoting Jordanian products across the Arab world. Exports to Iraq grew by 42.5%, reaching 905 million dinars, while exports to Saudi Arabia increased by 14.3%, totaling 1.1 billion dinars. Sectoral Growth in Exports According to Al-Jaghbir, the key sectors that witnessed export growth included: Engineering industries (cables and wires) Construction materials (building units and prefabricated structures) Food industries (processed foods, tea, and tobacco) Chemical industries, packaging, plastics, and furniture Among the top exported products were fertilizers and cleaning products, while petroleum products, plastics, pearls, and jewelry were among the leading imports to Jordan. Strategic Steps to Enhance Exports Al-Jaghbir emphasized the need for strategic measures to further boost Jordanian exports, including: Enhancing Arab economic integration by fully implementing the Arab Free Trade Agreement, eliminating trade barriers, and simplifying export procedures. Reducing production costs, particularly by supplying industrial zones with natural gas to lower energy expenses and increase competitiveness. Expanding export opportunities by targeting underutilized markets, with potential exports exceeding $2 billion to countries such as: Saudi Arabia: $650 million UAE: $270 million Kuwait: $136 million Qatar: $135 million Egypt: $120 million Call for Stronger Arab Trade Cooperation Al-Jaghbir stressed the urgent need for stronger Arab trade cooperation, noting that intra-Arab trade accounts for only 12% of the region's total foreign trade. He urged Arab countries to: Remove trade restrictions Facilitate labor movement and investments Improve logistics and commercial shipping Jordan's Economic Stability and Export Potential Assistant Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Businessmen, Tareq Hijazi, highlighted that Jordan's free trade agreements and geopolitical stability position it as a gateway for trade and investment in the region. He pointed out that increasing demand for Jordanian products in Arab markets is driven by: Economic growth in some Arab countries Recovery from past economic crises High-quality Jordanian products that meet regional standards Key Recommendations for Sustainable Export Growth Economic expert Dr. Adli Qandah outlined several strategies to sustain Jordan's export growth: Diversify export products by expanding into technology and high-value services Improve quality standards to build consumer trust Upgrade logistics infrastructure (ports, roads, storage facilities) Encourage foreign investment in export-driven industries Leverage e-commerce and digital marketing to access new markets Reduce production costs through government support for energy prices and easier access to financing Enhance customs efficiency to streamline trade with Arab partners Conclusion With the right policies and investments, Jordan has the potential to achieve sustained export growth, strengthen its position in Arab markets, and contribute to broader regional economic integration. (Petra News Agency)
