Amman, June 9 (Petra) -- Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah said Tuesday that economic relations between Jordan and Iraq represent an advanced model of Arab economic integration, stressing that deeper integration has become a strategic necessity amid regional challenges and evolving economic conditions.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Franchise and Trade Agencies Exhibition, Qudah said economic integration is essential to achieving sustainable development and strengthening economic resilience in both countries.

The two-day exhibition is organized by the Pana Conferences and Exhibitions Foundation and the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan at the Amman International Exhibition Center, with the participation of official and private-sector representatives from Jordan and Iraq.

Qudah said Jordanian-Iraqi economic relations are built on decades of cooperation and partnership between the public and private sectors, noting that Jordanian businesses have maintained a strong presence in the Iraqi market for many years, reflecting the depth of economic ties between the two countries.

He pointed out that bilateral trade reached its highest level in 15 years during 2025, underscoring that economic integration between Jordan and Iraq serves a shared strategic interest that supports growth and stability in both economies.

Qudah added that recent regional developments have highlighted the importance of strengthening economic cooperation and integration, noting that the two countries represent a mutually supportive economic and logistical depth whose prosperity benefits both sides.

He said the Jordanian economy recorded strong performance in 2025, with national exports increasing by more than 10 percent compared with 2024 and foreign direct investment rising by more than 30 percent.

The minister also highlighted the launch of a package of major projects with estimated capital expenditures of approximately $9 billion scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

For his part, Chairperson of the Iraqi Business Council in Amman Majid Saadi said regional developments and challenges directly affect investors and businesspeople in Jordan, Iraq, and across the Arab region, but also create investment opportunities that should be utilized.

He praised the support provided by the Jordanian government to the private sector in both countries and stressed the importance of expanding economic cooperation.

Saadi said commercial agencies and franchising activities constitute an important avenue for expanding private-sector business, noting that the Iraqi market, with a population of about 45 million, continues to offer significant opportunities across a wide range of goods and services.

He added that the size of the Iraqi market and its purchasing power provide promising prospects for additional partnerships and investments between Jordanian and Iraqi businesses.

//Petra// AJ

09/06/2026 14:43:23