Amman- The joint Jordanian-Kenyan trade committee has stressed the importance of cooperation to enhance bilateral ties in different fields and to build efficient economic partnerships between the two countries.

During the closing ceremony of its first session, the committee headed by Industry and Trade Minister Yarub Qudah and his Kenyan counterpart Adan Mohamed highlighted the need to increase bilateral trade, which is still insufficient despite numerous opportunities available.

They also called on measures to motivate the private sector in order to benefit from existing agreements and to exchange more bilateral visits for the aim of discovering more cooperation fields.

Qudah said the meetings reflect the progressing relations between the two countries, stressing the importance of the trade and economic cooperation agreement which was signed on the sidelines of the Jordanian Week in Nairobi last December.

The Jordanian minister said the discussions were of great importance as officials negotiated a free trade zone to enhance ties and diversify trade activities.

During its three-day meeting, the committee reviewed cooperation in the trade, investment, and industry fields as well as small and medium-sized projects.

The Kenyan minister said the committee’s work will give a boost to cooperation between Jordan and Kenya, especially in economy and trade.

The two sides also signed minutes of the joint committee’s meetings and reviewed political, trade, and economic relations. They also showcased the mutual ties, and economic and commercial politics in both countries.

The Jordanian and Kenyan sides have agreed to establish a joint business council to exchange economic information and feasibility studies, in addition to the organization of a Jordanian-Kenyan business forum.

The Kenyan side expressed its interest to cooperate with Jordan in exchanging expertise and the available opportunities in exclusive economic zones. It has introduced a memorandum of understanding to its Jordanian counterparts proposing cooperation to develop such zones.

The agreements also recommended the exchange of visits, trade missions, and information on trade and investment opportunities, in addition to the boost of promotional campaigns through conferences, and workshops to enhance investment chances between both countries.

In its turn, Jordan’s Chamber of Commerce introduced a draft cooperation agreement which will be reviewed by its Kenyan counterpart and negotiated with the member states of the east African community.