Amman: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi stated on Wednesday that the trade exchange between the GCC and Jordan has increased to over USD 36 billion from 2020 to 2023. This announcement was made during a Gulf-Jordanian investment conference, which was organized by the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of GCC Chambers. The conference was attended by Kuwaiti Ambassador in Jordan Hamad Al-Marri. According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Budaiwi emphasized that GCC member countries are seeking to enhance trade facilitation and explore opportunities to develop and increase trade exchange. The efforts aim to strengthen cooperation and investment in various sectors, including service trade, e-commerce, financial technology, tourism, and digital trade. Jordanian Investment Minister Mothanna Gharaibeh expressed Jordan's commitment to supporting Gulf investments, emphasizing the importance of facilitating and encouraging such investments in the country. He highlighted key areas of focus, such as green hydrogen, water, transport, fun cities, and high-value industries. Gharaibeh noted that Gulf investments account for approximately 40 percent of Jordan's total foreign direct investments, covering strategic sectors like industry, information technology, energy, farming, tourism, and financial services. Chairman of the Federation of GCC Chambers Faisal Al-Rawas remarked on the significant role of service trade in the bilateral relations between GCC countries and Jordan, particularly highlighting the presence of Gulf tourists and students in Jordan each year. He also mentioned that over 780,000 Jordanians are employed in GCC countries, contributing more than USD 3.3 billion annually to Jordan through remittances.
