AMMAN — The Jordan Economic Forum (JEF) on Thursday hosted Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Guo Wei for a panel discussion on Jordan-China economic relations, prospects for cooperation and the outcomes of His Majesty King Abdullah’s recent visit to China.

 

The session was attended by JEF Chairman Kheir Abusailik and board member Senator Issa Murad, who moderated the dialogue, along with members of the forum’s board and general assembly, according to a JEF statement.

 

Guo affirmed the two sides’ commitment to following up on the outcomes of the Royal visit and continuing coordination to ensure their implementation.

 

He said that trade, investment and tourism delegations from various Chinese provinces, cities and municipalities are scheduled to visit the Kingdom in the coming days to translate the outcomes of the visit into practical areas of cooperation.

 

Guo also expressed China’s readiness to deepen coordination with Jordanian entities seeking to work with Chinese companies, businesspeople and investors, noting ongoing efforts to streamline procedures and accelerate the implementation of agreements.

 

The ambassador said the Royal visit came at a significant juncture, as the strategic partnership established between the two countries in 2015 enters its second decade, ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027.

 

He noted that rapid regional and international developments added significance to the visit, which he said supports Jordan’s economic modernisation efforts and strengthens bilateral strategic ties. Geographical distance, he added, has not hindered the depth of relations between the two countries.

 

Guo said that discussions between His Majesty and Chinese leaders covered a range of issues of mutual interest, particularly those related to the future of the two countries, reflecting areas of convergence between China’s modernisation efforts and Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision.

 

He highlighted China’s willingness to share its expertise and technology with Jordan to support the Kingdom’s modernisation efforts and the goals set by His Majesty since 2022.

 

Guo stressed the importance of supporting the second executive programme of the Economic Modernisation Vision alongside other reform tracks.

 

The joint statement issued at the conclusion of the Royal visit provides a framework for cooperation over the coming decade, he said, with a focus on building on the momentum generated by the visit.

 

Referring to the Royal tour, which included Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing, Guo highlighted the economic and technological transformation of Chinese cities in recent decades, describing their experience as offering potential models for cooperation with Jordan.

 

On the automotive sector, Guo said he is following up on mechanical issues involving the sudden stalling of some Chinese vehicles while driving, assuring that efforts are under way to address the matter.

 

For his part, Abusailik said Jordan-China relations are based on mutual respect, stressing the need to build on past achievements and expand economic cooperation ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

 

He described the Royal visit as a significant milestone, noting that its itinerary, from Shanghai and Shenzhen to Beijing, highlighted the priority given to economic and technological cooperation and resulted in the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs).

 

Addressing the trade deficit, Abusailik stressed the need to increase the added value of Chinese investments in Jordan, particularly in technology, and explore further areas for joint cooperation.

 

Murad stressed the importance of translating strong diplomatic ties into tangible projects in Jordan, calling for a greater presence of major Chinese companies, greater use of the Kingdom’s trade agreements and expanded cooperation across economic sectors.

 

He said structured work has begun in key sectors, including transport and automotive, expressing hope that cooperation will extend to other fields.

 

Murad also raised the role of the two countries in activating the memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative and turning it into joint ventures.

 

He highlighted education and information technology as other areas of potential cooperation, pointing to the teaching of Chinese at Jordanian institutions, including Mu’tah University, as a step towards strengthening bilateral ties.