Amman, Feb. 15 (Petra) – The Jordan Chamber of Commerce and the Joint Italian Arab Chamber of Commerce on Sunday signed a two-year cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening institutional and economic collaboration, while expanding training and skills development opportunities for Jordanian youth.

The agreement, renewable by mutual consent, provides for the launch of scholarship programs starting in September in key sectors, including logistics, construction, fashion and jewelry design, with the objective of enhancing youth employability and aligning skills with labor market demands.

The agreement was signed by Chairperson of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, Senator Khalil Haj Tawfiq, and President of the Joint Italian Arab Chamber of Commerce, Pietro Paolo Rampino, in the presence of Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Azmi Mahafza, and Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, Khaled Hanafi.

The framework provides for joint projects, initiatives and structured programs designed to deliver measurable benefits to members of both chambers and to establish sustainable trade and institutional relations between Jordan and Italy.

A central component of the agreement focuses on education, vocational and technical training, and human capital development. Programs will include advanced specializations combining academic study with practical training, offering European-recognized qualifications in accordance with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF Level 5), thereby enhancing graduates’ competitiveness and international exposure.

The agreement also encompasses executive and managerial development programs targeting Jordanian entrepreneurs, managers and professionals, with a focus on leadership, strategic management, innovation and international business expansion in line with European standards.

On the economic front, the two sides agreed to strengthen business networking, facilitate trade and promote investment through business forums, sector-specific events and institutional engagements. The partnership also includes cooperation in tourism promotion and cultural exchange, reinforcing Jordan’s position as a strategic economic hub and emerging tourism destination.

Under the agreement, the Joint Italian Arab Chamber of Commerce will promote Jordan Chamber programs to its members, support the design and implementation of training initiatives, and enhance coordination with relevant Italian institutions. In turn, the Jordan Chamber will facilitate engagement with its membership base, support beneficiary selection for training programs and raise awareness within the national business community of emerging opportunities.

Haj Tawfiq said the agreement aligns with the Chamber’s strategy to expand its international partnerships and leverage European expertise in vocational training, technology and industry. He described the initiative as a direct investment in Jordanian youth and a step toward enhancing the competitiveness of national talent in regional and global markets.

For his part, Rampino underscored the depth of Jordanian-Italian economic relations and expressed confidence that the agreement would translate into practical initiatives in specialized training, business networking and joint economic activities, contributing to deeper trade and investment ties between the two countries.

//Petra// AJ