Philippine Ambassador, Jordanian Businessmen Association Discuss Ways to Increase Trade Between the Philippines and Jordan

27 August 2024 - In pursuit of elevating bilateral trade and strengthening economic ties between the Philippines and Jordan, the Philippine Embassy, led by Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos, met with the Jordanian Businessmen Association (JBA) to explore collaborative measures with the Association and promote foreign direct investments in the Philippines.

In his remarks, Ambassador Santos emphasized that closer cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and technology can drive innovation and foster economic growth for both countries. He highlighted the Philippines’ strategic location, access to key markets, highly skilled and dynamic workforce, and business-friendly investment policies, all of which position the country as an ideal destination for investors. He also underscored that now is an opportune time to invest in the Philippines, as the government continues to implement measures that ensure a favorable fiscal environment for high-quality investments.  

The discussions also included the potential formation of a Philippines-Jordan Business Council, envisioned as a strategic platform for collaboration. This council would promote mutual investment opportunities, facilitate business partnerships, and share market insights across sectors such as agriculture, technology, tourism, and manufacturing. Through the establishment of this council, both sides aim to create a sustainable framework that supports economic growth, encourages innovation, and strengthens the cultural and commercial ties between the Philippines and Jordan.

“There is no time better than now,” said Ambassador Santos, “The opportunities are present and it is time to increase our [the Philippines] standing in doing business with the private sectors of Jordan.”

H.E. Tabba’a expressed his appreciation to Ambassador Santos and recognized the Philippines as an emerging economic partner. The JBA welcomed the proposal to establish a Philippine-Jordanian Business Council and expressed their keen interest in investing in key sectors such as renewable energy, agricultural, financial services, banking, and medical tourism, among others. The JBA also affirmed to connect the Philippine Embassy with relevant stakeholders in the Jordanian private sector.

The Jordanian Businessmen Association (JBA) was led by the Board of Directors Chairman and President of the Federation of Arab Businessmen H.E. Hamdi Tabba’a, Secretary General Eng. Abel Al-Rahim Boucai, Director General Mr. Tariq Z. Hijazi, and Board Member Mr. Ayman Alawneh.

The Jordanian Businessmen Association is an independent and non-profit organization created to maintain a business climate that will enable the private sector to accomplish its role in the sustainable economic and business development in Jordan. It is composed of senior businessmen in Jordan across different economic sectors including, industry, commerce, agriculture, banking, insurance, construction, tourism, transport and others. The JBA acts as a spokesperson for Jordanian entrepreneurs in connecting and meeting foreign business communities and counterparts.

The meeting concluded with the distribution of information packets featuring primers on the Philippines' key industries, along with gift baskets containing a selection of Philippine products, presented to the JBA.

Joining Ambassador Santos at the meeting were Second Secretary and Consul Angeli A. Payumo, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Marie G. Andales, and Political and Economic Assistant Ma. Jolina M. Guerrero. END