The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ambassadors recently made a visit to Irbid, the second-largest city in Jordan, to discuss trade relations and economic cooperation with local officials. This visit marks another step towards fostering stronger ties between the ASEAN nations and Jordan, as they explore opportunities for mutual growth and development. The ambassadors held meetings with key business leaders and government officials to share their perspective on trade relations and investment opportunities. In this article, we will take a closer look at the implications of this visit and the potential impact on economic growth in Jordan and the ASEAN region.
A delegation of ambassadors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) visited Irbid on Tuesday to discuss strengthening trade and investment with Jordan. The Thai ambassador, Supark Prongthura, whose country is currently chairing ASEAN, praised Jordan’s pivotal role and significance at multiple political, diplomatic and economic levels, and the promising investment environment in the governorate.
Prongthura highlighted the stability and security of Jordan as a conducive environment for investment and lauded the efforts of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in streamlining investment procedures and providing necessary services. He added that while Jordan-ASEAN trade currently stands at over $1 billion, this figure does not accurately reflect the existing economic cooperation between the two sides.
The ambassador said that ASEAN member countries would encourage more mutual tourism between the two sides. The Jordanian News Agency Petra disclosed these details.
ASEAN represents ten Southeast Asian countries, which include Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. ASEAN is a vital trading partner of Jordan, with significant trade in agricultural commodities, textiles, and machinery.
However, new economic and practical cooperation has emerged between ASEAN countries and Jordan in recent decades, supported by several dialogues and forums on economic trade via both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
Jordan and ASEAN member countries are also negotiating a Jordan-ASEAN free trade agreement to boost investment and economic ties.
Jordan’s hosting of numerous multinational companies from ASEAN nations has significantly increased since bilateral Political, Economic, and Strategic Dialogue began taking place in 2012.
The Thai ambassador, who is the current chairperson of ASEAN, assured Jordan of ASEAN’s support in enhancing trade, investment, and tourism ties. He also expressed ASEAN’s appreciation for Jordan’s active role in improving the partnership between the two regions.
Jordan is welcoming the Ambassadors’ efforts in enhancing further cooperation in the field of economy, trade, and investment. They are also grateful for the support offered by ASEAN countries in promoting tourism between the two regions.
The ASEAN and Jordan relationship is likely to continue strengthening in the years to come with increasing trade, investment, and tourism cooperation. The promising environment and stable economic policies of Jordan’s government will continue to attract more foreign investors, including those from ASEAN nations.