Economic relations between Jordan and China are entering a new phase, marked by the tenth anniversary of their strategic partnership and China’s launch of its 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development (2026–2030). This convergence is not merely symbolic; it reflects a strategic alignment between two parallel development trajectories: China’s modernization model, which emphasizes high-quality, innovation-driven growth, and Jordan’s economic modernization vision, focused on improving efficiency, stimulating investment, and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

 

Jordan’s modernization strategy aims to build a more competitive economy capable of adapting to global challenges. Its priorities include stimulating growth, empowering the private sector, enhancing infrastructure, and raising productivity. These objectives align closely with China’s development path, creating fertile ground for collaboration across multiple sectors, including finance, technology, and knowledge transfer.

 

China’s investment focus on high value-added sectors complements Jordan’s goals of diversifying its sources of economic growth. A key area for cooperation is renewable energy. Jordan benefits from one of the region’s highest solar radiation levels, while China ranks among the world’s top producers of solar and wind technologies. Future joint projects could include manufacturing solar panels and wind turbines, developing energy storage solutions, and integrating renewable energy into national grids, alongside initiatives to improve industrial and residential energy efficiency.

 

Infrastructure, transportation, and logistics present another strategic area for collaboration. The Belt and Road Initiative offers a framework to develop trade corridors and logistics hubs connecting Asia to the Mediterranean, positioning Jordan as a regional transit and trade center. Investments could target ports, highways, railways, and free zones, strengthening Jordan’s role as a gateway for regional trade. Joint industrial zones could also be developed, creating employment opportunities and boosting Jordan’s export capacity to neighboring markets.

 

In the industrial sector, China’s expertise in manufacturing, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing presents significant opportunities for Jordan. Collaboration could focus on establishing joint production ventures and technology transfer programs, shifting the emphasis from basic infrastructure investment to value-added production and technical knowledge exchange.

 

The digital economy and artificial intelligence also represent promising areas for cooperation. China is expanding applications of “AI Plus” across sectors, while Jordan seeks to enhance its digital infrastructure and promote electronic transformation in government and private services. Joint initiatives could include research and development centers, training programs for Jordanian professionals in programming, data analytics, and industrial design, as well as projects in smart cities, cybersecurity, and digital service platforms for commerce and education.

 

Cooperation may further extend to education, tourism, and culture, through academic exchanges, vocational training programs, and joint tourism development initiatives. Cultural and knowledge exchanges provide a foundation for long-term economic collaboration and deepen mutual understanding between the two countries.

 

These initiatives illustrate a shift in the Jordan-China relationship from a traditional trade partnership to a comprehensive development partnership, emphasizing technology transfer, industrial capacity building, and local innovation. This transformation not only supports Jordan’s modernization goals by fostering high-quality investment opportunities but also allows China to expand its regional presence through collaboration rather than influence.

 

Amid global economic shifts, this partnership gains added significance. Both countries aim to diversify markets, reduce reliance on traditional economic hubs, and enhance resilience. Jordan’s political and economic stability positions it as a strategic hub capable of attracting Chinese investment and facilitating access to regional markets.

 

The convergence of modernization paths in Jordan and China reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development and balanced economic openness. The upcoming phase is likely to see expanded joint projects combining Chinese investment with Jordan’s development vision, fostering growth and offering a model for successful cooperation between a developed and an emerging economy.

 

The future of Jordan-China relations lies in deeper, more diversified collaboration, rooted in economic integration, technology, and innovation. Moving beyond trade, this partnership has the potential to drive social and economic development in both countries, strengthen regional stability, and contribute to global growth. The success of this partnership will depend on both sides’ ability to leverage these opportunities effectively and sustainably.

 

Raad Mahmoud Al-Tal — Department of Economics — University of Jordan