The recent visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Jordan on Wednesday has been a significant event that will enhance cooperation between the two countries in various sectors including economic, tourism, trade, and investment. Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al Ojaili, the Ambassador of Oman to Jordan, highlighted the importance of His Majesty’s visit as the first official visit to Jordan since assuming power. The visit is expected to address important issues and further strengthen the fraternal relations that have existed between Oman and Jordan for over 53 years. The ambassador emphasized that the visit will boost commercial, investment, and industrial cooperation as well as enhance collaboration between the private sectors of both countries.
Amjad Al Quhaiwi, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Oman, noted that His Majesty’s visit was in response to an invitation from King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein. The visit signifies the strong and historic relations between Oman and Jordan and coincides with Jordan’s celebration of King Abdullah II’s silver jubilee of assuming power. The ambassadors highlighted potential areas of cooperation between the two countries in industries such as information technology, food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, mining, and communications. Both countries are keen on promoting economic cooperation and addressing any obstacles hindering the private sector and business development.
According to statistics from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the trade exchange volume between Oman and Jordan saw a significant increase in 2023, reaching OMR 74.51 million – a 25 percent growth compared to the previous year. Omani exports to Jordan also increased by 28.2 percent, surpassing OMR 43.85 million while imports from Jordan increased by 41.5 percent, totaling around OMR 27.51 million. Preliminary data indicates that direct investments from Jordan into Oman were valued at approximately OMR 241.80 million by the end of last year. The tourism sector also showed potential with the number of Omani tourists visiting Jordan increasing, demonstrating the growing interest in travel between the two countries.
The visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Jordan has laid the foundation for an enhanced bilateral relationship, focusing on mutual growth and cooperation in various fields. Both ambassadors stressed the importance of the visit in fostering economic ties and strengthening collaboration between the private sectors of Oman and Jordan. The visit was seen as a response to the invitation from King Abdullah II, emphasizing the historic and close relations between the two nations. With opportunities for cooperation in industries such as information technology, food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, mining, and communications, Oman and Jordan are working towards promoting economic cooperation and removing any obstacles that may impede business development.
The statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) demonstrate the positive growth in trade exchange between Oman and Jordan in 2023, with a notable increase in both exports and imports. Direct investments from Jordan into Oman have also seen a significant rise, highlighting the economic potential between the two countries. The tourism sector is another area showing promise, as the number of Omani tourists visiting Jordan has been increasing steadily. Overall, the visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has set the stage for a strengthened partnership between Oman and Jordan, paving the way for further collaboration and mutual benefits in the years to come.