AMMAN, 10 February 2025 – Building on the Philippine government delegation’s engagements with Jordanian authorities on the first day of the Outbound Business Matching Mission, the Philippine Embassy in Amman, led by H.E. Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos, together with the Philippine delegation headed by Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations Asis Perez, DA Assistant Secretary Philip Young, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Trade Commissioner Vichael Angelo Roaring, met with H.E. Khaled Mousa Al Hanifat, Minister of Agriculture of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, at his office.
During the meeting, the Philippine government underscored its commitment to expanding its cooperation with Jordan that would benefit both nations.
DA Undersecretary Perez emphasized the Philippines’ strong interest in trading key agricultural products with Jordan, particularly those that would complement both countries’ market needs and boost their agriculture and fisheries output. He noted that this partnership presents a mutually beneficial opportunity, supporting Philippines and Jordan’s produce while enhancing their food industry’s supply chain.
Undersecretary Perez further stressed the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties beyond trade. He shared that over 200 Philippine food industry exporters have expressed interest in importing Jordanian products–a demonstration of growing demand for high-quality agricultural goods from the Middle East.
In response, Minister Al Hanifat expressed their appreciation for the Philippine delegation’s visit and reaffirmed Jordan’s openness to further collaboration. He highlighted Jordan’s strategic position as a regional trade hub and encouraged Filipino investors to explore business opportunities in the country, taking advantage of its free trade agreements and investor-friendly incentives, such as low-interest loans and tax benefits for manufacturing facilities.
Trade Commissioner Roaring also extended an invitation for Jordan to participate in IFEX Philippines 2025 scheduled for May 22-24, 2025 in Manila. He informed the Minister that the event provides exclusive incentives and accommodations for qualified buyers, which presents an opportunity for Jordanian businesses to explore partnerships and expand their market presence.
IFEX Philippines, now in its 18th edition, is the country’s biggest business-to-business and export-oriented international trade show for food, beverage, and ingredients. It gathers major food industry players from all over the world, promising a dynamic platform for buyers and suppliers to optimize their sourcing and selling experience for premium-quality food products.
Ambassador Santos, Undersecretary Perez, Assistant Secretary Young, and Trade Commissioner Roaring were accompanied by Second Secretary and Consul Angeli A. Payumo, DTI Assistant Director Maria Kathrina D. Rivera, DTI Division Chief Myrtle Faye L. Solina, DA Division Chief Joyce Bengo, DA Executive Assistant Jan Mikaela Delos Santos, and Cultural Officer Rachel Joy A. Pamorada. END
For more information, visit www.ammanpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHLinJordan/, or https://www.instagram.com/phinjordan/