The Syrian-Jordanian Economic Forum, held in Amman, focused on exploring mechanisms enhancing direct economic cooperation between the public and private sectors in both countries. The forum aimed to achieve sustainable economic development and establish strategic partnerships benefiting both nations.
Participants discussed ways to develop trade and investment relations, facilitate trade exchange, and streamline customs and logistical procedures. The forum reviewed investment opportunities and prospects for production integration across various sectors. Discussions further addressed the role of chambers of commerce in activating twinning agreements and partnerships, follow-up mechanisms, the formation of joint committees, and the development of a future action plan.
Facilitating Investments
Minister of Economy and Industry Muhammad al-Shaar emphasized improving the business environment between Syria and Jordan requires intensified joint efforts to facilitate investments. He noted the forum represents an important step toward expanding bilateral economic relations.
Shaar clarified that the Syrian market is witnessing a noticeable shift in demand with the return of between five million andsix million consumers to economic activity. This development, he said, opens new horizons for local production and investment. He pointed to ongoing efforts enhancing confidence in financial transactions and bank transfers to and from Syria.
A Sustainable Economic Partnership
Jordan’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yusuf al-Shamali stressed building a sustainable economic partnership requires effective cooperation between the public and private sectors. He underlined the need to translate bilateral relations into practical projects and investments serving the shared interests of Syria and Jordan.
Shamali highlighted the ability of Syrian and Jordanian investors to play a pivotal role in the next phase, noting that investing in Jordan offers broad opportunities for export to regional and international markets.
Establishing a Joint Business Council
President of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce Alaa al-Ali emphasized the importance of establishing a Syrian-Jordanian Business Council and forming specialized committees meeting every three months in Damascus or Amman. He said this would help organize economic cooperation and strengthen the role of the private sector in supporting both economies.
Ali affirmed organizing joint exhibitions is an effective tool for strengthening economic relations, especially given the geographical proximity facilitating movement of businesspeople and trade. He commended Jordan’s role in supporting reconstruction and development efforts in Syria.
A Complementary Economic Relationship
President of the Amman Chamber of Commerce Khalil Tawfiq stated Jordan seeks to build a complementary economic relationship with Syria based on shared interests. He stressed the need to move beyond coordination toward genuine partnership in order to support economic recovery and stimulate investment.
Damascus Chamber of Commerce President Issam Gharywati affirmed Jordan as a fundamental economic partner for Syria. He noted the forum paves the way for activating communication between traders and investors, exchanging opportunities and information, and revitalizing trade exchange in a manner that serves the private sector in both countries.
the Amman and Damascus Chambers of Commerce signed a twinning agreement, on the forum’s sidelines, aimed at enhancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation. The agreement focuses on developing institutional partnerships, facilitating trade exchange, encouraging joint projects, exchanging information, and organizing business delegations and economic events.
