Secretary General of the Council of Saudi Chambers
Omar Bahlaiwa
recently met with Jordanian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Jamal Al Shamayleh
to discuss new approaches for improving the economic cooperation between the two countries.
Al Shamalyeh emphasized that there have been positive outcomes from the discussions between King Abdullah II and King Salman. These meetings, held in April, resulted in a new agreement to create the Saudi-Jordanian Coordination Council. The goal of the council is to improve the strategic relationships that the two kingdoms share. With this new joint council, Al Shamalyeh sees a future for economic relations for Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Bahlaiwa agreed that there must be strong economic relations between the two kingdoms. It is important for the kingdoms’ leaders to strengthen these strategic relationships. One way is the Saudi Vision 2030 which has included the private sector in the national economy. Bahlaiwa said that the leaders in Jordan should attend Saudi Vision to participate in the international relationship.
Al Shamayleh highlighted that there are investment opportunities in Jordan that are very important to Saudi Arabia, particularly after the new investment law was passed earlier this year. With this new law, Jordan is more flexible for investors. The kingdom now provides more incentives for foreign investors overall – and especially more incentives for Saudi investors. One specific area is the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, which rewards Saudi investors for choosing medical centers, healthcare, and private education sectors.
