The head of the Jordanian Businessmen Association, Hamdi Al-Tabaa, met with the Iraqi ambassador to Jordan, Amr Al-Barzanji, on March 17, 2025, to explore and strengthen economic, investment, and trade cooperation between Jordan and Iraq. This meeting highlighted the potential for collaboration among businessmen from both countries, aimed at cultivating promising investment opportunities.
Expressing the association's commitment to bolster Jordanian-Iraqi economic relations, Al-Tabaa emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue and coordination between the two nations. He stated, “The necessity to increase the volume of trade exchange between the two countries and the need to increase direct investments,” pointing out the historical significance of their bilateral ties. This relationship fosters mutual interests across multiple domains, ensuring stability and growth.
Members of the Board of Directors also attended the meeting, including Abdul Rahim Al-Baqai, Ayman Alawneh, and the General Manager, Tariq Hijazi. Their presence underscored the collective effort to push forward the agenda of economic development between the two nations.
Throughout this dialogue, various sectors emerged as key targets for investment, including tourism, real estate, energy, and technology. Al-Tabaa remarked on the growth opportunities ripe for exploration, indicating the benefits of fostering relationships between Jordanian and Iraqi businessmen. He suggested intensifying meetings to facilitate experience exchanges and present lucrative investment opportunities “in a way beneficial for both countries.”
Adding to this discussion, Ambassador Al-Barzanji reiterated the embassy's dedication to support and facilitate the movement of businessmen between Jordan and Iraq. “We are ready to facilitate meetings between businessmen either in Amman or Iraq,” he assured, indicating eagerness to create avenues for collaboration and trade.
The ambassador also urged the activation of joint business councils, which would contribute to increasing the trade volume and creating more investment opportunities. He highlighted Iraq as one of the most substantial investing Arab countries within Jordan, contributing significantly to various promising sectors.
The meeting proved to be not just another formal affair, but rather a pivotal moment aimed at revitalizing and enhancing the economic partnerships between Jordan and Iraq. It focused on bridging gaps caused by past disconnects and driving forward the mutual interests of both countries.
Recent statistics indicate Iraqi investments stand at approximately $32 billion within sectors like real estate and tourism, showcasing the promise of economic growth through these initiatives. The ambition set forth by both Al-Tabaa and Al-Barzanji exemplifies the shared goal of cultivating sustainable economic cooperation.
Overall, the meeting signifies not only growing mutual interest but also the strategic moves both nations are willing to make to underpin their economic landscapes. Creating stronger ties through business exchange can lead to long-term benefits for both Jordan and Iraq, enhancing trade relations and investment flows significantly over the coming years.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of these collaborations, which are anticipated to yield fruitful results and increased commercial activities between the nations, offering new dynamics for future endeavors.
The proactive nature of this encounter marks a hopeful turn for both Jordanian and Iraqi economic futures, reinforcing the necessity for continuous joint efforts to flourish.
