AMMAN, Oct. 26 (Petra) -- Economic relations between Jordan and Uzbekistan are developing, with growing mutual visits and ongoing discussions on a preferential trade agreement aimed at facilitating trade and investment cooperation, Chairman of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry Fathi Al-Jaghbir said Monday.

During a meeting at the Amman Chamber of Industry with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov and his accompanying delegation, Al-Jaghbir said trade between the two countries increased by 79% in 2025. He added that 18 companies with Jordanian capital operate in Uzbekistan.

He said the two countries have opportunities to expand trade by building on their existing areas of production. Jordan’s main exports to Uzbekistan include pharmaceuticals, chemical products, machinery and equipment, while imports from Uzbekistan include textiles, dried fruits and nuts.

Al-Jaghbir said Jordanian industry has competitive advantages in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, fertilizers, engineering industries and electrical products. He noted that Jordanian products can meet the standards of European and American markets, while the Kingdom’s free trade agreements with the United States, the European Union, Arab countries and Canada provide additional opportunities for Jordanian exporters.

He added that Jordanian investments in Uzbekistan could help companies access Central Asian markets, while Uzbek investments in Jordan could benefit from the Kingdom’s geographic location and trade agreements to reach Arab markets.

Al-Jaghbir stressed the need to address logistical challenges affecting trade, complete the procedures required to bring the preferential trade agreement into force, and facilitate financial transfers and banking transactions between the two countries.

For his part, Kudratov said Uzbekistan seeks to strengthen economic and investment cooperation with Jordan, building on the commitment of both countries’ leadership to developing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between their business communities.

He said the two countries plan to organize bilateral meetings between Jordanian and Uzbek companies, hold a business forum and arrange a joint exhibition to present the economic and investment opportunities available in both countries.

Kudratov added that Uzbekistan plans to bring more than 100 representatives of Uzbek companies to Jordan next month to explore cooperation opportunities with Jordanian businesses, discuss their priorities and needs, and identify sectors with potential for trade and investment partnerships.

He noted that Uzbekistan is a major producer of cotton and textile products, creating opportunities for cooperation with Jordanian companies. Other potential areas include pharmaceuticals, where Jordan has advanced capabilities, as well as automobiles, machinery, equipment and building materials.

Kudratov said Uzbekistan produces around 500,000 vehicles annually in cooperation with international companies, including General Motors, BYD, Volkswagen and Kia. This could provide opportunities for Jordanian companies to develop partnerships in automotive-related industries and machinery.

He also pointed to growth in Uzbekistan’s construction and building materials sector, driven by expanding economic activity and rising domestic demand. This could create opportunities for Jordanian companies to enter the Uzbek market or establish joint projects.

//Petra// WH