Members of the recently established UAE-Jordan Joint Economic Committee yesterday pledged to further boost the growth of trade between the countries at their first meeting.
The session in Abu Dhabi was co-chaired by UAE Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri and his Jordanian counterpart Aamer Al Hadeedi.
Al Mansouri said co-operation between the nations would be expanded and the UAE would encourage the employment of Jordanians, especially in the healthcare sector. The UAE had a close relationship with Jordon and the countries worked together over international economic issues.
Non-oil trade exchange between the UAE and Jordan rose from $390 million in 2003 to $423m in 2007.
"This meeting marks the beginning of a new era in stronger economic co-operation between the UAE and Jordan," said Al Mansouri. "The UAE has achieved significant qualitative shifts in the fields of social and economic growth in the last decades.
"The UAE leaders focus on enhancing the role of the private sector and have introduced laws to leverage information technology by implementing the latest advances and raising the standard of support services.
"All these factors have assisted in offering a business-friendly environment that attracts major investment from around the world."
He said he was optimistic that increased co-operation would further boost economic and political relations.
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