Amman, Sept. 13 (Petra) -- Tunisian Ambassador to Jordan Mufida Zaribi marked 70 years of diplomatic ties with Jordan on Sunday, stating that Jordanian-Tunisian relations continue to expand across economic, commercial, and political spheres.

Zaribi told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the milestone is an opportunity to review past achievements and chart a new phase of economic cooperation.

Bilateral trade saw a dramatic 147 percent increase during the first eight months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, reaching 244.7 million Tunisian dinars (TND) (approx. JD59.5 million).

Tunisian exports to Jordan totaled TND199 million (approx. JD48.3 million), driven largely by olive oil, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and mineral residues. These commodities account for roughly 70 percent of Tunisia’s exports to the Kingdom.

Olive oil served as a major engine for trade growth over the past season. Following promotional initiatives organized by the Tunisian Export Promotion Center and the embassy in Amman, over 40 Jordanian importers visited production facilities in Tunisia.

The initiative led to supply contracts for 1,252 metric tons of olive oil imported to Jordan through 28 Tunisian suppliers and Jordanian importers, including the Military Consumer Establishment.

Tunisia exports an average of 180,000 tons of olive oil annually, representing 85 percent of its national output.

Tunisian olive oil also won 307 awards in 16 international competitions in 2025, according to Zaribi, including 57 awards at the Olive Istanbul International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Quality Competition, 26 medals in New York, 62 gold medals in Miami and 83 gold medals in Geneva.

Zaribi noted that the success of the 2025–2026 season will lay the groundwork for a long-term partnership, moving beyond seasonal transactions to permanent commercial channels, increased investment, and broader market presence for packaged Tunisian goods in Jordan.

//Petra// HA