AMMAN — Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) President Khalil Haj Tawfiq described His Majesty King Abdullah’s visit to China as a “historic” opportunity to transform Jordanian-Chinese economic ties from a trade-based relationship into a strategic partnership focused on investment, joint production and the exchange of expertise.

 

In an interview with Al Mamlaka TV on Monday, Haj Tawfiq said Jordan was not seeking to replace existing economic partners, but to broaden its options while maintaining ties with the US, Europe and other markets.

 

He noted that China exports around $6.3 billion in goods to Jordan annually, compared with Jordanian exports to China of about $430 million. Studies estimate Jordan has $400 million-$500 million in untapped export opportunities, he said, with further potential in the services sector.

 

The private sector has “great hope” for the royal visit to lead to new agreements and the implementation of existing ones, with the focus shifting from trade to joint investment and production.

 

“Let us manufacture together in Jordan, and export together from Jordan to the world,” Haj Tawfiq said, outlining the approach Jordan should take with Chinese investors.

 

He called for a partnership combining Chinese capital and expertise, Jordanian skills and working capital, and the Kingdom’s strategic location.

 

Following the visit, the government and private sector should work as “one team” to turn opportunities into concrete projects, while Jordanian business delegations should visit China, organised according to sectors and areas of specialisation.

 

Jordanian-Chinese Business Council

 

Haj Tawfiq called for establishing a Jordanian-Chinese business council, with the model potentially expanded to sector-specific councils or partnerships with Chinese cities specialising in particular industries.

 

He identified information technology, automotive industries, agriculture and fertilisers as areas with potential for cooperation, particularly given Jordan’s expertise in IT and China’s technological capabilities.

 

President also proposed a council bringing together young entrepreneurs from both countries to promote knowledge exchange, innovation and job creation.

 

Royal visits play an important role in presenting Jordan’s investment environment and opportunities to foreign investors, he noted, adding that direct engagement by His Majesty provides reassurance and credibility.

 

Free Trade Agreements

 

Chinese companies can use Jordan’s strategic location and its free trade agreements with markets including Canada, the European Union, the US, Singapore and the UK as a gateway to regional and global markets.

 

Haj Tawfiq stressed that diversifying economic partnerships was increasingly important amid changes in the global economy, adding that the scale of China’s economy and the potential for complementary interests made the royal visit particularly significant, Al Mamlaka TV reported.