Over the past decades, Jordan has accumulated a significant presence and reputation on the international stage, enabling it to build a wide network of relationships and partnerships with influential economic powers.
With the acceleration of global economic transformations, the need arises to utilize this asset within the framework of a more effective economic diplomacy, capable of promoting investment opportunities and attracting quality partnerships that support growth.
Economic experts confirm that economic diplomacy is a pivotal tool for building bridges of communication with foreign markets, enhancing foreign investment flows, and opening new horizons for national exports, which positively impacts growth rates and job creation.
In light of the geopolitical challenges, they stressed the need to activate the role of official institutions, foremost among them the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Investment, Industry and Trade, along with embassies and diplomatic missions, to transform them into active economic platforms concerned with deepening international partnerships and promoting Jordanian opportunities, especially in markets where the Kingdom’s presence is still limited.
Despite the progress Jordan has made in recent years, experts believe its presence is still below the required level in a number of major economic blocs, especially in African and Asian markets, including China, Japan, South Korea and Central Asian countries. This calls for a more dynamic approach supported by raising the efficiency of diplomatic staff, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, employing technology in investment promotion, and intensifying participation in international exhibitions and events.
Positive indicators
Data from the Central Bank of Jordan showed remarkable growth in foreign direct investment during the first three quarters of this year, reaching $1.525 billion, an increase of 27.7% compared to the same period in 2024.
Arab investments accounted for 62% of total flows, reflecting the strength of economic ties and regional confidence in the Jordanian market.
In foreign trade, the value of national exports during the first two months of 2026 increased by 3% to reach 1.35 billion dinars, while the value of re-exports decreased by 12.6% to reach 361 million dinars, according to data from the Department of Statistics.
In terms of partnerships, Jordan has signed several economic agreements since the beginning of the year, most notably the Aqaba Port Railway Project with a Jordanian-Emirati investment estimated at about $2.3 billion, in addition to financing and grant agreements for the National Water Carrier Project worth approximately $233 million with support from the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Ten memoranda of understanding were also signed with Syria, covering multiple sectors, mostly economic.
Local readiness is a prerequisite for market access.
The head of the European Chamber of Commerce in Jordan, Mohammad Al-Samadi, affirmed that economic diplomacy has become a strategic tool to enhance the presence of the national economy abroad, noting that it is no longer limited to the representative role, but has turned into a platform for opening markets, attracting investments, and linking the local economy to global value chains.
He added that Jordan possesses strong assets, including a broad network of international relations, free trade agreements, and a strategic geographical location. However, maximizing the impact of these assets requires moving to a results-based model by linking diplomatic efforts to the needs of the industrial sector and enhancing coordination with the private sector.
He pointed to the opportunity for Jordan to benefit from the shifts in global supply chains, especially with European companies diversifying their sources and seeking more stable and geographically closer partners.
Regarding the European market, he explained that the European Union is a key partner that provides great untapped opportunities for Jordanian exports, especially in light of the agreements that give Jordanian products competitive advantages.
He explained that the challenge lies not so much in production capacity as it is in compliance with technical and regulatory standards, such as quality, sustainability and conformity certificates, stressing that investment in these aspects is key to penetrating European markets sustainably.
A strategic tool in a changing environment
For his part, economist Tariq Hijazi said that economic diplomacy plays a pivotal role in enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy and promoting investment opportunities, stressing that it has become a necessity in light of the accelerating global economic challenges.
He noted that Jordan has made tangible progress in this area, but that developing tools and mechanisms is still required to keep pace with changes, through enhancing the efficiency of diplomatic staff, expanding partnerships with the private sector, employing technology, and organizing international economic events.
He stressed the importance of adopting a proactive approach based on analyzing global markets and identifying promising opportunities, which would enhance Jordan’s position as an attractive regional hub.
Gaps in major blocs
For his part, economist Munir Diya stressed that economic diplomacy is a fundamental pillar for supporting the national economy, through attracting investments, promoting trade, and opening new markets for exports.
He pointed out that Jordan still suffers from a weak presence in some major economic blocs, particularly in African and Asian markets, which calls for more effective action to expand partnerships and diversify trade partners.
He called for the adoption of clear performance indicators for the work of embassies, to measure their economic impact in terms of attracted investments, growth in trade exchange and opening new markets, stressing that the absence of these indicators limits the effectiveness of the economic role of diplomatic missions.
He stressed that activating this role should focus on promoting Jordan as a stable and safe investment environment, and expanding the network of trade agreements, in order to enhance the resilience of the national economy and its ability to face challenges.
-tomorrow