Riyadh, Jan. 22 (Petra)-- Waed Rabab'ah - The Jordanian economic delegation participating in the Jordanian–Saudi Business Forum in Riyadh held meetings with the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) to explore ways to enhance economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

The meetings were led by the President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and the Amman Chamber of Commerce, and Head of the Jordanian side of the Jordanian–Saudi Joint Business Council, Senator Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq. The delegation included representatives of various commercial sectors, heads of chambers of commerce from several Jordanian governorates, representatives of economic sectors and professional associations, as well as a number of Jordanian businesspeople and investors.

The visit aimed to support the smooth flow of goods and expand partnership opportunities between the two countries.

Al-Haj Tawfiq said the visit to SASO reflected a keenness to open broader horizons for cooperation and institutional coordination between the two sides, in a manner that serves trade exchange and strengthens the presence of Jordanian products in the Saudi market.

He explained that the visit aimed to activate direct communication channels through the Jordanian–Saudi Business Council by appointing liaison officers and establishing a dedicated window for inquiries. This would allow the structured and effective submission of observations and proposals by Jordanian exporters, helping address technical and procedural challenges they may face.

Al-Haj Tawfiq noted that the two sides agreed to facilitate the entry of Jordanian goods from various sectors into the Saudi market by clarifying technical requirements, documentation and instructions, ensuring they are clear and up to date for Jordanian producers and exporters. This, he said, would positively reflect on the speed of procedures and the smooth flow of trade.

He added that, with regard to importers, an agreement was reached to establish a joint coordination platform to be followed up by the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, to address observations from both exporters and importers. Continuous communication would also be ensured regarding any updates or amendments to relevant regulations and instructions, keeping all parties fully informed.

Al-Haj Tawfiq emphasized that, through its specialized sectoral committees, the Jordan Chamber of Commerce will continue to follow up on these files directly, based on a firm belief in the importance of facilitating the flow of Jordanian goods into the Saudi market, enhancing mutual trust, and building an economic partnership based on clarity and integration, serving the interests of the private sector in both countries.

In a related context, Al-Haj Tawfiq said the visit to MODON provided an opportunity to learn about Saudi Arabia’s experience in developing industrial cities and linking them to its ambitious economic vision, "Vision 2030." He noted that what the delegation observed reflected strong integration across the investment value chain, from standards and industrial specifications to creating an attractive investment environment an experience that could serve as a model for Jordan.

He pointed out that the Tabuk Industrial City, due to its proximity to the Jordanian border, offers real opportunities to enhance trade cooperation between the two countries. He added that Jordan has an ambitious Economic Modernization Vision extending from 2023 to 2033, under the direct supervision of His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, aimed at ensuring legislative stability and securing clear and sustainable investment projects.

Al-Haj Tawfiq stressed that Jordan and Saudi Arabia are working to strengthen economic partnership between the private and public sectors, achieving market integration and opening new opportunities for investment and trade exchange.

For his part, Mohammed Al-Sanea, Director of the Quality Mark Department at SASO, said the organization’s mandate includes setting and approving Saudi standards for goods, products, services, and measuring and calibration devices, issuing regulations governing conformity assessment activities and certification, and implementing the national measurement and calibration system in the Kingdom.

He added that SASO also ensures the implementation of mandatory Saudi standards (technical regulations) and conformity assessment procedures in coordination with relevant authorities, and represents the Kingdom in regional and international organizations related to standards, metrology, calibration and quality.

Al-Sanea explained that SASO’s objectives include issuing Saudi standards, quality systems and conformity assessment guides aligned with international standards and compliant with World Trade Organization requirements, while being consistent with Islamic Sharia and serving the Kingdom’s interests. He noted that the authority works to ensure health, environmental and public safety protection by verifying product compliance with approved standards, guaranteeing the quality of national products, and protecting Saudi markets from counterfeit and fraudulent goods.

Meanwhile, MODON Vice President for Operations Badr Al-Madi said Saudi Arabia’s approximately 42 industrial cities provide advanced infrastructure and integrated services for investors. He noted that MODON is developing new industrial cities and is open to cooperation with regional partners, including the Jordanian market.

He highlighted that Tabuk Industrial City is the closest to the Jordanian border, offering significant potential to boost trade exchange between the two countries.

//Petra// MF