Amman, Dec. 30 (Petra) -- Chairman and members of the Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) on Tuesday met with Jeddah-based Malaysia’s Commercial Consul, Yazrin Mahlan, to explore new avenues for joint trade and economic cooperation.

The meeting, held at the chamber’s headquarters, called for moving beyond traditional trade patterns to achieve "practical" partnerships centered on knowledge exchange and development of "sustainable" business networks between the two countries’ private sectors.

According to an ACC statement, the two sides agreed to hold a virtual meeting next month between the chamber and its counterpart in Kuala Lumpur, in coordination with the Jordanian and Malaysian embassies and relevant stakeholders, to strengthen "institutional engagement and pave the way for broader economic partnerships."

ACC Head Khalil Haj Tawfiq underscored the importance of boosting Malaysian investment in Jordan, citing an "attractive and secure" investment environment supported by a modern investment law, diverse incentives, and opportunities generated by the Economic Modernization Vision.

Highlighting His Majesty King Abdullah II's interest in deepening economic ties with Asian countries, he noted recent Royal visits to South and Southeast Asia have opened "wider" horizons for trade and investment cooperation and encouraged high-quality private-sector partnerships.

Haj Tawfiq pointed to Jordan’s "strategic" location and free trade agreements with the United States, Canada, and the European Union as enabling Malaysian investors to establish production projects in the Kingdom and re-export to global markets under preferential terms.

He also called for establishing a Jordanian–Malaysian business council to "institutionalize" cooperation and facilitate joint projects.

For his part, Mahlan emphasized the need to enhance economic cooperation between Jordan and Malaysia, adding that relations are grounded on mutual trust and respect and hold "strong potential for deeper, more sustainable partnerships."

He affirmed Malaysia’s readiness to expand coordination, expertise exchange, and trade missions to widen investment opportunities.

In turn, board members highlighted Jordan’s role as a stable regional gateway for goods and services and a hub for managing trade operations and supply chains, underscoring the importance of Aqaba Port as a key maritime trade hub supported by advanced infrastructure, modern logistics, and special economic zones.

Noting the potential of educational and religious tourism, the members said around 2,000 Malaysian students are currently enrolled at Jordanian universities, programs for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, and initiatives such as "Umrah Plus," which integrates religious, tourism, and educational components to strengthen cultural ties.

The statement indicated that bilateral trade between Jordan and Malaysia reached approximately JD122 million during the first nine months of 2025.
//Petra// AO

30/12/2025 17:10:57