Amman, Aug. 31 (Petra) -- Sectoral committees of the Jordanian-Saudi Joint Business Council proposed a 12-month trade facilitation program Monday to accelerate the movement of goods, reduce trade costs and streamline procedures between the two countries.

The proposed program includes establishing a fast-track trade route, developing risk-management procedures and setting performance indicators to measure improvements in the time and cost of trade, according to recommendations issued at the conclusion of the committees’ meetings in Amman.

The committees also called for harmonizing technical standards and conformity requirements between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, expanding electronic connectivity and exchanging data and certificates between relevant authorities to reduce duplicate testing, costs and processing time.

In logistics and transport, the committees recommended improving the efficiency of border crossings, ports and logistics services, addressing obstacles facing trucks and goods, and strengthening supply-chain continuity amid regional economic and geopolitical challenges.

They also proposed activating the council’s Joint Coordination Office to monitor implementation of recommendations, with clear responsibilities, timelines and performance indicators, and called for streamlining procedures for investors and businesspeople, including through wider use of electronic visas.

The recommendations further covered strengthening industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical, health, tourism and investment cooperation, including developing joint projects, expanding trade in agricultural and livestock products, and promoting investment opportunities in priority sectors.

The committees stressed that the next phase should focus on translating recommendations into concrete projects and measurable results, while maintaining close coordination between the private sectors and relevant authorities in both countries.

//Petra// AJ