On 07.10.2024, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Jordan, J.A.D.S. Priyangika Wijegunasekara, discussed ways to enhance trade and investment cooperation between Sri Lanka and Jordan with the Chairman of the Irbid Chamber of Commerce, Mohammad Al-Shuha.
The Ambassador Wijegunasekara expressed her desire to expand the scope of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, noting that Sri Lanka has multiple economic resources and capabilities that can form the basis for broader economic cooperation with Jordan.
Ambassador pointed out that Jordan is the 27th export destination for Sri Lankan products, and the trade balance has been in favor of Sri Lanka for the last five years, as the value of exports to Jordan amounted to $88 million in 2023, while imports from Jordan to Sri Lanka amounted to $1.98 million. Sri Lankan exports to Jordan increased last year by 45% compared to 2022, while imports from Jordan decreased by 42% for the same period. She further indicated that Sri Lanka is famous for growing and manufacturing tea, rubber, coconut, spices, precious stones, and edible and ornamental fish, noting that Ceylon tea is one of the top exports to Jordan.
Ambassador pointed out that there are approximately 10,500 Sri Lankan employees in Jordan in the textile and clothing sector, and it is a favorable factor to increase trade relation, deepening and strengthening partnership between the two countries.
Noting the expansion of Sri Lanka-Jordan relations since the signing of the trade agreement in 1965, the Ambassador invited Jordanian businessmen to visit Sri Lanka and explore investment opportunities available in areas such as agriculture, manufacturing industries, and logistics services.
For his part, Chairman Al-Shuha stressed the importance of supporting cooperation opportunities between the two countries by increasing the volume of trade exchange in different fields and exploring new investment opportunities that benefit both sides, stressing the Chamber of Commerce’s readiness to provide full support to facilitate trade exchange and develop existing trade relations.
Both parties expressed their desire to increase the volume of trade exchanges between the two countries, and find new areas of collaboration.
The Chamber’s board members and office bearers, and Mission officials attended the discussion.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Amman
Jordan
08.10.2024