Amman, Nov. 19 (Petra) -- The Jordan Exporters Association (JEA) has initiated a two-week series of virtual trade meetings connecting Canadian importers with over 50 Jordanian exporters in the food manufacturing sector. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Canadian Trade Facilitation Office, aims to strengthen trade ties and boost Jordan’s food industry exports.

According to JEA Chairman Senator Ahmad Al-Khudari, the activity reflects the association’s ongoing efforts to open new markets for Jordanian products, increase export levels, and link Jordanian industrial firms with international counterparts. He noted that the Canadian market holds significant potential for Jordanian products across various industrial sectors, particularly food manufacturing.

"These meetings present a valuable opportunity to showcase the quality and competitiveness of Jordanian food industries," Al-Khudari said. "They also enable exporters to market their products effectively to Canadian buyers, enhancing their access to a key international market."

The meetings are part of a broader strategy to capitalize on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Jordan and Canada, the first FTA Canada signed with an Arab country. Enforced in 2012, the agreement has allowed Jordanian industries to penetrate the Canadian market and compete successfully, with Jordanian products now appearing on Canadian store shelves.

Al-Khudari emphasized the role of the Canadian Trade Facilitation Office in supporting these efforts through programs that assist Jordanian companies and businesswomen in exploring new markets. He also highlighted the importance of industrial exports in driving economic growth, increasing production, expanding investments, creating jobs, and boosting foreign currency reserves.

JEA Director-General Haleem Abu Rahma underscored the significance of this initiative as part of a partnership with the Canadian Trade Facilitation Office under the Women in Trade Program. Over the past three years, the program has trained 80 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food industry to improve their competitiveness in global markets.

Abu Rahma noted that JEA has been actively promoting Jordanian participation in Canada’s annual SIAL exhibition, a premier event for the food industry with extensive international involvement.

"The Canadian market offers abundant opportunities for Jordanian products due to their high quality and the tariff-free trade facilitated by the FTA," he said. "JEA’s efforts in Canada began immediately after the FTA came into effect, and we remain committed to organizing activities and exhibitions to support Jordanian businesses in accessing this promising market."

Established in 1988, the Jordan Exporters Association is dedicated to promoting the export of Jordanian industrial products and services. The association facilitates trade by organizing events, promoting Jordanian products globally, and fostering knowledge exchange through specialized seminars and international exhibitions.

//Petra// RZ

19/11/2024 10:33:28