JEBA, EU discuss investment opportunities in Jordan
Jordan Europe Business Association and European External Action Service explore ways to strengthen the 'strategic' partnership between Jordan and the EU (Petra photo)
AMMAN — The Board of Directors of the Jordan Europe Business Association (JEBA) on Thursday held a meeting with Director-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Stefano Sannino to explore ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Jordan and the European Union.
The discussions centred on expanding investment opportunities in Jordan and enhancing cooperation amid regional and global economic challenges, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Also attending the meeting were EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, JEBA President Ali Murad and JEBA Director-General Hussam Saleh.
Talks focused on practical avenues to bolster the role of Jordan's private sector and improve trade and investment flows between the two sides.
Sannino stressed the EU's long-term commitment to Jordan, underscoring ongoing efforts to translate the strategic partnership into tangible initiatives in key sectors such as energy, digital transformation, tourism, education and entrepreneurship.
He also expressed the EU's readiness to collaborate on organising the upcoming Jordanian-European Investment Forum later this year, as well as a workshop to examine the implications of the suspension of European sanctions on Syria.
Sannino highlighted the importance of integrating Jordan's economy into European value chains, while also advocating for greater legislative stability and improvements to the business climate.
He voiced 'strong' support for the JEBA's plans to evolve into a broader platform that facilitates "stronger" trade ties with the Jordanian private sector.
Murad described the meeting as a 'milestone' in the 'deepening' partnership between Jordan and the EU.
He noted that the EU's recognition of the vital role played by the Jordanian private sector reflects a shared commitment to transforming the partnership into real-world outcomes that drive sustainable development both in Jordan and across the region.
JEBA board members highlighted the challenges facing the Kingdom's private sector in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which have 'severely' impacted tourism, investment and employment.
They called for swift action to activate the investments outlined under the EU's 3 billion euros support package, including the 1.4 billion euros allocated for projects in education, health and industry.
The board also presented a series of policy recommendations aimed at supporting Jordan's economy, including strengthening public-private partnerships in national infrastructure projects, advancing Islamic finance mechanisms, expanding the application of preferential rules of origin and raising awareness across Europe of Jordan's export potential.
Concluding the meeting, JEBA's board stressed the importance of transitioning the organisation into a European chamber a step they believe will 'significantly' enhance the Kingdom's role as a 'strategic' economic gateway to the Global South.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan News
4 hours ago
- Jordan News
Rabbi Abraham Cooper After Meeting with Al-Sharaa: Trump Wants to Bring Syria into the Abraham Accords - Jordan News
Rabbi Abraham Cooper After Meeting with Al-Sharaa: Trump Wants to Bring Syria into the Abraham Accords Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action at the Simon Wiesenthal Center for International Affairs, visited Damascus in mid-June along with Pastor Johnny Moore. The two met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani, following an earlier meeting with Al-Sharaa in New York last April. اضافة اعلان In an extensive interview conducted via Zoom with Al Majalla on June 12, Cooper discussed his visit to Damascus, his role, and his vision for the future of Syria and its relationship with Tel Aviv. The publication of the interview was delayed due to the outbreak of the Israeli-Iranian war, but Cooper later responded in writing to a follow-up question on the matter. Cooper described his two-hour meeting with President Al-Sharaa as the most important part of the visit: 'It's only fair to say that when you sit with someone who publicly identifies as having a clear Islamic background—and yet embraces a vision for Syria that includes all its citizens, and who approaches issues with a strategic and practical mindset aimed at removing Syria from the list of hostile states in a volatile region while sincerely expressing hope for peace—it leaves a lasting impact.' During his meetings with Syrian officials, Cooper proposed two initiatives: A humanitarian DNA project to help tens of thousands of Syrian families determine the fate of their missing loved ones. A proposal for increased cooperation in water and agriculture, fields where Israel holds advanced expertise, especially given the vast barren lands he witnessed on his first trip to Syria. When asked whether Al-Sharaa is seeking a peace deal, Cooper replied: 'I believe he has the tools and skills to make it happen. But peace requires serious effort from both sides. If we have to proceed step by step toward de-escalation, that alone would be a major priority for the Jewish state.' He added: 'The current focus should be on de-escalation… Yes, we aspire for a warm peace, but it doesn't have to follow the Abraham Accords framework.' In response to whether former President Trump could play a decisive role, Cooper stated: 'Simply put: If President Trump invites both leaders—Al-Sharaa and Netanyahu—and embraces them, telling them 'we're fully behind you,' an Abraham Accord could be signed much sooner.' He emphasized that greater involvement from Trump would expedite Syria's inclusion in the Abraham Accords: 'Without him, we'll proceed step by step. But either way, we will continue to play the role of persistent mediators.' Cooper concluded by highlighting Syria's current focus on reaffirming the 1974 Disengagement Agreement—violated by Israel following the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8 of last year. (Al Majalla Magazine)
Jordan News
9 hours ago
- Jordan News
Safadi Congratulates Crown Prince on Birthday: "The Beating Heart of Their Majesties and the Light of Our Eyes"
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmad Safadi, extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on the occasion of his 31st birthday. اضافة اعلان Speaking on behalf of himself and all members of parliament, Safadi offered his best wishes and blessings to the Crown Prince, praying that the Almighty preserves His Royal Highness as a source of strength and pride for His Majesty King Abdullah II, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, and for the beloved Jordanian people. Safadi stated: 'We are proud of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who walks in the footsteps of His Majesty the King and his noble Hashemite forefathers—a sword of justice and a voice of wisdom. Congratulations to His Royal Highness, whose name carries the love of all Jordanians. Happy birthday to the one who is the beating heart of Their Majesties and the light of our eyes.'
Roya News
9 hours ago
- Roya News
Jordan cuts customs duties on imported vehicles
The Jordanian Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan, approved on Saturday an amended special tax system for 2025 that reduces total taxes (both general and special) on vehicles. This comprehensive structural reform aims to significantly lower costs for citizens. The decision includes substantial reductions in overall taxes and customs duties on vehicles, addressing financial and structural imbalances in the sector. It also seeks to diversify vehicle options by lowering acquisition costs, complementing ongoing government efforts to reduce expenses and improve quality of life. Under the amendment, total taxes on different vehicle types will be reduced as follows: Gasoline cars: from 71 percent to 51 percent, a reduction of 28 percent Hybrid cars: from 60 percent to 39 percent, a reduction of 35 percent The special tax on electric vehicles will be fixed and unified at 27 percent for all categories, regardless of vehicle value or type. This replaces the previous graduated tax system, which planned to raise taxes up to 55 percent over three years, announced late last year. Customs duties on scooters and motorcycles will be reduced from 45 percent to 33 percent, a decrease of 26 percent, aiming to encourage their use, reduce fuel dependence, and help ease traffic congestion and environmental pollution. The General Customs Department will begin implementing the new tax system starting Sunday morning, June 29, 2025.
