(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, July 23 (Petra) -- The Jordanian Exporters Association has highlighted the growing potential of the Canadian market for Jordanian goods, calling for greater efforts to capitalize on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between the two countries.
Senator Ahmad Khudari, Chairman of the Association, said the agreement, the first Canada signed with an Arab country, provides a strategic opening for Jordanian products to reach not only Canadian consumers but also broader markets across North America. He urged exporters to leverage the trade incentives offered under the FTA to increase their competitiveness abroad.
"The Canadian market is promising, and the FTA offers significant advantages that should be fully utilized," Khudari told the Jordan News Agency (Petra). "Canada's geographic position also serves as a gateway to global markets, particularly in the Americas."
He credited His Majesty King Abdullah II's international outreach for expanding Jordan's economic partnerships, noting that the King's recent meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa reflected a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
The meeting, held on Monday, focused on enhancing cooperation across trade, education, health care, and investment. The King expressed appreciation for Canada's continued support of Jordan's development programs and affirmed the country's interest in expanding collaboration across key sectors.
Khudari emphasized the importance of supporting the industrial sector by opening new markets and attracting foreign investments. He noted that His Majesty's economic diplomacy has positioned Jordan as a reliable trade and investment partner in the region.
"It's time to adopt new and creative approaches to promoting Jordanian products," Khudari said. He called for stronger participation in specialized trade exhibitions, including SIAL Canada, where the association maintains an active presence. He also advocated for organizing business delegations and networking events with Canadian partners to unlock untapped trade potential.
Khudari stressed the need to diversify Jordan's export base by reducing geographic concentration and targeting high-potential markets like Canada. He noted that several Jordanian industries already produce goods that are competitive by international standards.
He also pointed to the large Arab diaspora in Canada as a valuable consumer base, with cultural and taste preferences that align closely with Jordanian products. "This provides a natural entry point for our exports and can help boost their presence in Canadian retail channels," he said.
The Jordanian Exporters Association, he added, is working to strengthen the country's export capabilities through targeted programs and partnerships. Its efforts are focused on building links between Jordanian manufacturers and global buyers, especially in priority markets such as Canada.
Jordan and Canada signed their free trade agreement in 2009, and it entered into force in 2012. According to official figures, bilateral trade reached approximately JD112 million in 2023, with Jordanian exports accounting for JD72 million.

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