Amman, Jordan–Jordan’s exports to the European Union (EU) shot up 23.4 per cent during the first five months of 2023 to $192 million compared to $155 million for the same period last year.
According to Jordan News Agency (Petra), foreign trade data issued by the Department of Statistics indicated an increase in the value of the kingdom’s imports from the EU during the first five months of 2023 by 3.6 per cent, reaching $1.66 billion compared to $1.60 billion for the same period last year.
The Netherlands topped the list of European countries in terms of Jordanian exports to the EU countries in the first five months of this year, reaching $54 million, while Germany topped the list of countries from which Jordan imports, with the value of the Kingdom’s imports amounting to approximately $356 million.
Confirming its role as one of Jordan’s main supporters, the European Union (EU) in January this year signed two financing agreements with the Kingdom’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation providing up to US$69 million (€64 million).
The first agreement is financing a US$42 million (€39-million) program: “EU support to the Rule of Law in Jordan”, in support of the Ministry of Justice, Judicial Council, Judicial Institute, and Public Security Directorate.
It aims at consolidating rule of law and justice institutions in Jordan, its effectiveness, transparency, accountability, and accessibility, in line with best standards and practices.
The second financing agreement contributes with a US$27 million (€25-million) top-up to the “Green Growth” program from the Food and Resilience Facility (FRF).
This will support Jordan in the implementation of its Food Security Strategy and Action Plan, and assist in addressing the impacts on global due to Russia’s ongoing aggression towards Ukraine.
Minister of Planning Zeina Toukan extended Jordan’s appreciation to the EU for these grants, stressing that the relationship with the EU is historic and deep-rooted.
The minister added that these grants come at an important time to support the development and reform efforts in Jordan.
Toukan said these grants are in line with the economic, administrative, and political modernization tracks, stressing the importance of providing additional grants and concessional financing in this regard.
The minister said these grants would be especially helpful to support the implementation of programs and projects as articulated in the Executive Program of the Economic Modernization Vision for the years 2023-2025.