Amman, Sept. 15 (Petra) -- Jordan and the European Union have taken a major step to deepen economic ties with the official inauguration of the European Chamber of Commerce in Jordan (EuroCham), unveiled in Amman on Sunday as a platform to expand trade, foster investment, and strengthen private sector cooperation.
The chamber’s establishment marks the culmination of more than three decades of work led by the Jordanian European Business Association (JEBA), which has evolved into EuroCham to serve as a strategic bridge for Jordanian companies seeking to access European markets.
Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the Prime Minister, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah said His Majesty King Abdullah II’s visit to the EU earlier this year marked a turning point in bilateral relations, paving the way for the signing of high-level partnership agreements that underscore Jordan’s advanced status among Arab partners.
Qudah noted that Jordan has positioned itself as a pillar of stability in a volatile region, creating significant opportunities for investment and growth. He highlighted that Jordanian exports to the EU have more than doubled since 2019, rising from $300 million to over $700 million in 2024, alongside notable gains in the services sector, particularly finance and tourism.
He called for stronger coordination between government, the private sector, and business leaders to expand exports, simplify procedures, and maximize the benefits of EU partnerships in the coming stage.
EuroCham Chairman Ali Murad explained that the association began 30 years ago as an initiative to connect Jordan and the EU through trade missions, SME support programs, and strategic partnerships. Its transformation into EuroCham, he said, represents a natural step forward to broaden collaboration with European partners and reinforce Jordan’s role in promoting sustainable trade and investment.
The EU Ambassador to Jordan, Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, underlined that the Union is a key economic partner for Jordan, particularly in services, where Jordan exports more than it imports. He pointed to new opportunities for Jordanian exports as regional trade routes reopen and said the launch of EuroCham was a timely move that opens a new chapter in EU–Jordan economic relations.
He noted that earlier this year, the EU and Jordan signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, backed by a €3 billion support package for 2025–2027, including €640 million in grants, €1.4 billion in investments, and €1 billion in macroeconomic assistance.
Jordanian exports to the EU grew by 14 percent in the first half of 2024, reaching JD 228 million compared with JD 200 million during the same period in 2023. Italy led as the top EU destination for Jordanian goods, with exports rising 80 percent to JD 45 million. Key exports included garments, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agricultural products.
Officials emphasized that EuroCham will serve as a trusted partner to both public and private sectors, supporting trade, investment, and innovation. The initiative, they said, reflects a shared commitment by Jordan and the EU to strengthen economic resilience, expand market access, and open new opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Mediterranean.
//Petra// RZ
