AMMAN — The Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) on Saturday discussed the state of transit trade, highlighting opportunities and challenges amid current regional conditions, bringing together representatives from the public and private sectors, along with relevant stakeholders.

 

Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce Khalil Haj Tawfiq said that regional tensions and the recent war have underscored the importance of stable land and logistics corridors, particularly as disruptions affect maritime and air routes and drive up global shipping costs.

 

He noted that Jordan possesses key advantages for playing a central role in transit trade, most notably its geographic location, Aqaba’s logistics infrastructure and specialised ports, and the government’s focus on developing the transport and logistics sector as a national priority, Al Mamlaka TV reported.

 

Haj Tawfiq added that these factors position Jordan to strengthen its role as a regional redistribution hub serving markets in Iraq, Syria and the Gulf.

 

He also highlighted the Kingdom’s effective management of regional crises, particularly in securing food supplies and maintaining trade and export flows despite geopolitical challenges, attributing this resilience to strong public-private sector coordination.

 

Haj Tawfiq also stressed that Jordan has a significant opportunity to expand its role as a regional transit trade hub, given its proximity to key markets, calling for efforts to capitalise on this advantage and enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness.

 

Jordan Maritime Commission (JMC) Chairman Omar Dabbas said the commission is working to facilitate procedures for the entry and departure of ships at Jordanian ports, noting that processing times have been significantly reduced.

 

He said the measures aim to enhance operational efficiency and support transit trade through the Kingdom’s ports.

 

Dabbas said the commission is adopting flexible procedures in dealing with ship and container operations, while maintaining the required regulatory and technical standards, adding that efforts are ongoing to improve services provided to shipping lines and agents, contributing to reducing procedural complexities and improving workflow.

 

Dabbas also noted continued work to develop inspection systems and strengthen coordination with relevant entities through joint committees, in order to ensure the smooth movement of ships and goods without compromising safety and oversight requirements. He said these efforts reinforce the competitiveness of Jordanian ports in regional trade.

 

He stressed that enhanced coordination among relevant institutions is essential to further develop the maritime and logistics sector in the Kingdom, accelerate decision-making, and improve implementation efficiency.

 

Participants stressed the importance of reinforcing Jordan’s position as a regional logistics hub, highlighting its strategic location, stability, security, and infrastructure as key competitive advantages in global trade.

 

They also called for further development of the transport and logistics system and the simplification of customs and administrative procedures to ensure the smooth flow of goods through ports and border crossings, thereby strengthening the Kingdom’s role in transit trade amid evolving regional conditions.

 

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Jordan Customs Department, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Land Transport Regulatory Commission, Jordan Maritime Commission, Association of Owners of Clearance & Transport Companies, Jordan Truck Owners Syndicate, Jordan Logistics Association, Jordan Free Zones Investors Commission, Jordan Navigation Syndicate, and Royal Jordanian Airlines, in addition to representatives from trade and service sectors.