Saudi Arabia and Jordan are moving to deepen their economic ties with a strong emphasis on private sector partnerships, as more than 250 business leaders and government officials gathered in Amman for the Saudi-Jordanian Business Forum on September 3. The high-profile event, jointly organized by the Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, aimed to outline a joint economic vision and explore untapped opportunities for trade and investment between the two neighboring states.
Growing Trade Relationship
Trade between Saudi Arabia and Jordan has been steadily expanding in recent years. According to official data, Jordanian exports to Saudi Arabia rose to 612 million Jordanian dinars ($863 million) in the first half of 2025, compared with 513 million dinars during the same period last year. On the other side, Jordan’s imports from Saudi Arabia increased to 1.4 billion dinars, up from 1.3 billion dinars in 2024.
These figures highlight Saudi Arabia’s importance as one of Jordan’s key trading partners. Jordanian Industry, Trade, and Supply Minister Yarub Qudah emphasized that Jordan’s trade with the Kingdom now nearly matches the scale of its trade with the United States a remarkable reflection of Saudi Arabia’s growing economic footprint in the region.
Forum Highlights: Unlocking New Opportunities
Leading the Saudi delegation was Hassan Al-Huwaizi, Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, accompanied by investors, business executives, and officials from ministries covering the economy, industry, planning, and investment. Al-Huwaizi stressed that this year’s forum is designed to mark a qualitative shift in bilateral ties, focusing on stimulating joint initiatives and launching new investment channels.
Jordanian officials echoed similar views. Minister Qudah noted the importance of transforming close political and social ties into practical economic partnerships that directly benefit businesses and workers in both countries. He also pointed out Jordan’s extensive network of free trade agreements with the EU, US, and Canada, suggesting that coordinated efforts between Amman and Riyadh could maximize access to these lucrative markets.
Strategic Cooperation Beyond Borders
One of the most significant points raised during the forum was the opportunity for cooperation in post-war reconstruction in Syria. With Syria gradually opening up to rebuilding projects, both Saudi and Jordanian businesses see a chance to expand their influence in regional markets while providing much-needed infrastructure and development.
Jordanian Investment Minister Tareq Abughazaleh underscored the role of joint sectoral committees in streamlining business operations and attracting fresh capital. Similarly, Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq, Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, praised Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for Jordan’s economy, pointing out that Saudi investments in Jordan have already exceeded $15 billion.
Industrial Cities and Vision 2030
The forum also spotlighted investment incentives available in Jordan. The Jordan Industrial Estates Company invited Saudi investors to take advantage of opportunities in its nine industrial zones, which host nearly 975 companies with combined investments surpassing 3.5 billion dinars. Currently, Saudi investors operate 16 projects in these zones, valued at about 133 million dinars.
Meanwhile, the Saudi delegation presented opportunities under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil. Presentations highlighted new procedures to ease foreign entry, government-backed institutional support, and sector-specific opportunities ranging from tourism and logistics to mining and renewable energy.
Broader Implications: Building a Regional Economic Bloc
The timing of the forum is significant. With geopolitical shifts across the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Jordan are both looking to build resilient economies that are less vulnerable to global shocks. Saudi Arabia, with its ambitious Vision 2030, seeks to position itself as a hub for investment and innovation, while Jordan strategically located and politically stable is eager to attract capital that could generate jobs and stabilize its economy.
The push for stronger private sector ties is also in line with a broader regional strategy to build interconnected economic blocs. Cooperation on cross-border projects, infrastructure, and energy will not only enhance bilateral trade but also boost the competitiveness of the entire Middle East in the global economy.
Analysis: Challenges and Opportunities
While the enthusiasm is clear, both sides face challenges in turning declarations into action. Jordan struggles with high unemployment and fiscal pressures, while Saudi investors are often cautious about bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory uncertainties. Ensuring transparency, streamlining processes, and creating effective legal protections will be crucial in sustaining investor confidence.
Nonetheless, the opportunities are considerable. Reconstruction projects in Syria, increased integration into global supply chains, and closer collaboration in energy, logistics, and tourism could transform Saudi-Jordanian economic relations over the next decade.
Future Outlook
The Saudi-Jordanian Business Forum marks not just another meeting but a pivot toward long-term strategic cooperation. If the promises of this year’s forum translate into concrete projects, both countries stand to benefit from diversified economies, new job opportunities, and stronger resilience in the face of global economic fluctuations.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 reforms and Jordan leverages its trade agreements, the private sector partnership between the two countries could set a model for broader Arab economic integration.
