AGP Executive Report

Food Manufacturing: Jordan’s 2027–29 strategy targets JOD1.61 billion in food exports by 2029, with higher-value products, digital systems and stronger supply chains central to the plan. Annual output is projected to reach JOD5.5–5.8 billion. Export Markets: A study identifies room to grow Jordanian food, olive oil and pharmaceutical sales in Malaysia, whose imports totalled $339.5 billion. Jordan’s exports there reached $55.35 million last year, mostly fertilizers. Aqaba Partnerships: Sixteen agreements link ASEZA and private-sector employers across logistics, food processing, tourism, technology and other industries, aiming to expand skills training, entrepreneurship and jobs for young people. Growth and Investment: Jordan’s economy grew 3% in the second quarter, supported by industrial and agricultural activity. A Jordan-EU investment conference set for November 19 will focus on energy, advanced manufacturing, logistics and infrastructure, backed by a €3 billion support package for 2025–27.

Economic Growth: Jordan’s GDP grew 3% in the second quarter, up from 2.8% a year earlier, with manufacturing expanding 6.2% and agriculture 7.8%. Inflation stood at 2.26%, while strong reserves supported stability. Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange fell 0.52% on Sunday, with JD15 million in trading; industrial shares dropped 1.78%. EU Investment: A Jordan-EU conference set for Nov. 19 will promote partnerships in renewable energy, digital services, advanced manufacturing, logistics and infrastructure, backed by a €3 billion support package for 2025–27. Industry and Energy: Industrial production rose 0.62% in the first eight months of the year despite higher costs and supply disruptions. Jordan is also planning to expand electricity exchanges with Egypt and advance its Iraq interconnection. Trade: Aqaba’s ports handled 20.5 million tonnes of cargo as imports surged 35%, while plans for an Aqaba–Ma’an railway and dry port aim to boost investment and transport links.

Energy Security: Jordan Petroleum Refinery reported producing 1.685 million tonnes of petroleum products and LPG in 2025, and importing two crude-oil tankers carrying about two million barrels to reinforce supply buffers. Agriculture & Energy: The World Bank-backed Ardi program has supported climate resilience for 111,508 farmers and provided services or assets to 63,812. A study estimates Southern Ghour’s farm and municipal waste could generate 38.9 GWh of electricity annually. Trade & Logistics: Aqaba ports handled 20.5 million tonnes of cargo as imports rose 35%; officials also discussed fast-tracking the Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an railway, a key link for mining and freight. Industry & Investment: Jordan’s engineering strategy targets JD2.5 billion in exports by 2033, while the Free Zones Corporation reported JD2.789 billion in trade during the first nine months of 2026. The government has also announced an investment opportunity for a 15,000-unit electric-vehicle assembly plant. Economic Outlook: The IMF kept Jordan’s growth forecasts unchanged despite regional conflict, while tourism officials sought Turkish support as instability threatens sector jobs and investment.

Agriculture & Energy: Jordan’s “Ardi” program has provided services and assets to 63,812 farmers and strengthened 111,508 people’s ability to manage climate risks. A separate assessment says agricultural, livestock and municipal waste in Southern Ghour could generate about 38.93 GWh of electricity a year, while supporting irrigation. Economic Outlook: The IMF kept Jordan’s growth forecasts at 2.7% for 2026 and 3.1% for 2027, citing resilience despite regional instability. Trade & Logistics: Aqaba’s ports handled 20.5 million tonnes of cargo as imports rose 35%. The Zarka Free Zone reported JD2.789 billion in trade in the first nine months of 2026. Regional Projects: Jordan and Syria held expanded talks in Aqaba on cooperation and strategic projects, including transport, energy, trade, agriculture and water. A government committee also discussed speeding up the Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an railway, seen as a route to new investment and mining-sector growth.

Agriculture: A World Bank-backed resilience program has helped 111,508 farmers prepare for climate risks and supported 63,812 with agricultural services and assets. It has also added more than 2.24 million cubic metres of rainwater storage capacity. Economic Outlook: The IMF kept Jordan’s growth forecasts at 2.7% for 2026 and 3.1% for 2027, citing the country’s resilience despite regional disruption. Trade and Transport: Aqaba’s ports handled 20.5 million tonnes of cargo as imports rose 35%. A planned Aqaba–Ma’an railway is expected to carry up to 16 million tonnes of minerals a year and create 5,000 jobs. Industry: Jordan’s engineering strategy targets JD2.5 billion in exports by 2033, while a separate chemical and cosmetics plan aims to lift exports to $2.82 billion.

Agriculture: Apple growers warn that Syrian and Lebanese imports could deepen losses while local stocks remain high; one farmer says 300 tonnes are still in cold storage. Transport: A JD130,000 upgrade of Ramtha’s bus terminal will improve passenger facilities and traffic flow, with completion expected within 165 days. Tourism: Jordan is courting Turkish visitors and using Istanbul’s flight network to reach European and Asian markets as regional tensions weigh on travel. Trade and Logistics: Aqaba’s ports handled 20.5 million tonnes as imports rose 35%; a planned Aqaba–Ma’an railway is expected to move minerals and create investment opportunities. The Zarqa Free Zone reported JD2.789 billion in trade in the first nine months of 2026. Industry and Investment: Jordan signed a copper-mining agreement for the south and announced an investment opportunity for a 15,000-unit electric-vehicle assembly plant.

Trade & Logistics: Aqaba’s ports handled 20.51 million tonnes in the first nine months, up 14.3%, while imports climbed 35.3% to more than 12.4 million tonnes. A government committee is working to speed up the Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an railway, part of a planned $2.5 billion network to connect mineral-producing areas with the port. Startups: Orange Jordan held three meetups linking 130 entrepreneurs with investors and businesses to build partnerships and improve access to markets. Industry & Investment: Free-zone trade reached JD2.789 billion in the first nine months. Jordan’s engineering strategy targets JD2.5 billion in exports by 2033, while a new chemical and cosmetics plan aims for $2.82 billion in exports. The government has also announced an investment opportunity for an electric-vehicle assembly plant with annual capacity of 15,000 units. Tourism: A Jordan Tourism Board roadshow in North America brought 13 Jordanian travel firms together with US operators to develop visitor packages and commercial partnerships.

Startup Links: Orange Jordan held networking sessions in Amman, Aqaba and Irbid, connecting startups backed by the EU- and German-supported PASS programme with investors and established businesses. Regional Trade: King Abdullah and Syrian officials called for stronger cooperation in energy, transport, trade and investment, with the Jordan-Syria Higher Coordination Council due to meet in November. Market Watch: The Amman Stock Exchange index fell 0.65% on Thursday; industrial shares dropped 2.15%. Industry Upgrading: Jordan’s chemicals and cosmetics strategy targets 85% compliance with international standards by 2029, alongside more new products and patents. Mining and Logistics: Jordan has launched a UAE-backed $2.5 billion mining railway, expected to carry 16 million tonnes a year and create 5,000 jobs. A separate southern copper mining agreement adds to the project pipeline. Manufacturing: The government announced an investment opportunity for a 15,000-unit electric-vehicle assembly plant.

Industry: Jordan’s new chemicals and cosmetics strategy targets 85% compliance with international standards by 2029, up from 65%, and aims to lift the share of new or upgraded products. Mining: A second copper agreement covers 78 sq km in southern Jordan; preliminary estimates indicate 45 million tonnes of ore and up to 600,000 tonnes of copper. Transport & Logistics: The UAE-backed $2.5 billion Aqaba railway is expected to carry 16 million tonnes of minerals a year and create 5,000 jobs, while plans for an Aqaba–Ma’an rail link and dry port promise new investment opportunities. Markets: Amman Stock Exchange turnover reached JD12.6 million on Wednesday as the index fell 0.69%; industrial shares lost 0.99%. Manufacturing & Energy: An investment opportunity for a 15,000-unit electric-vehicle assembly plant and qualification for 450MW of pumped storage add to Jordan’s industrial and energy pipeline. Exports: Jordan’s engineering industries strategy targets JD2.5 billion in exports by 2033.

Mining: Jordan signed a second copper-mining agreement covering 78 square kilometres in the south. Preliminary estimates point to 45 million tonnes of ore, with technical, economic and environmental assessments still required. Transport & Logistics: The planned Aqaba–Ma’an railway and dry port are expected to cut shipping costs, attract investment and create jobs. The UAE-backed $2.5 billion railway project is designed to carry up to 16 million tonnes of minerals a year. Manufacturing: The government plans to pitch investors on an electric-vehicle assembly plant with annual capacity of 15,000 vehicles, alongside a strategy to boost engineering exports to JD2.5 billion by 2033. Digital Economy: Jordan says 42 of 68 initiatives under its AI strategy are underway or complete, as it seeks to turn the technology into a driver of investment, productivity and jobs. Agriculture: Feasibility-study training for small businesses in the Northern Jordan Valley aims to help entrepreneurs develop sustainable, agriculture-linked ventures.

AI and Digital Economy: Jordan says 42 of 68 projects under its 2023–27 AI strategy are underway or complete, as it shifts from planning to practical applications and seeks to grow as a regional technology hub. Energy: Geothermal resources near the eastern Dead Sea could offer round-the-clock low-carbon power, including for energy-hungry data centres, according to a World Economic Forum report. Water Investment: Jordan is exploring financing for the National Water Carrier ahead of a November 19 EU investment conference, which will present more than 40 opportunities worth over $15 billion across sectors including water, energy and infrastructure. Drone Manufacturing: The Cabinet has approved a 2026–36 strategy to develop local drone design, manufacturing, assembly and testing, creating opportunities for Jordanian talent and firms. Industry and Logistics: A $2.5 billion UAE-backed mining railway is expected to carry 16 million tonnes of minerals a year and create 5,000 jobs; Jordan’s engineering industries strategy targets $2.5 billion in exports by 2033. Economic Resilience: Jordan ranked third globally for “sound money” in the 2026 Economic Freedom of the World report, reflecting strength in monetary stability.

Markets & Investment: The Amman Stock Exchange rose 0.13% Tuesday to 4,197, with JD8.3 million in turnover. Social Security Investment Fund assets reached JD20.1 billion by the third quarter, up 8% since year-end, while net income rose 8.6% to JD879 million. Monetary Stability: Jordan ranked third globally for “sound money” in the Fraser Institute’s 2026 report, scoring 9.59 out of 10. Olive Oil: The Food and Drug Administration is inspecting presses during production after checking 155 mills before the season; consumers can test oil free at its Shafa Badran and Irbid labs. Aqaba & Logistics: SOFEX is expected to boost Aqaba hotels, transport, retail and tourism services. A planned $2.5 billion railway aims to carry 16 million tonnes of minerals a year and create 5,000 jobs. Industry & Energy: Jordan is promoting textile exports and a chemical and cosmetics strategy targeting $2.82 billion in exports. The government has also opened qualification for a 450MW pumped-storage project.

Energy and Jobs: Jordan’s expanding renewable-energy sector is creating demand for engineers, technicians and specialists in storage and AI. The government has also opened qualification for a 450MW pumped-storage project. Aqaba Logistics: The Jordanian-Emirati railway linking Aqaba with Ma’an and Al-Shidiya is advancing, with plans to move 16 million tonnes of minerals a year and create 5,000 jobs. SOFEX, opening next week, is expected to lift business for Aqaba’s hotels, restaurants, transport and logistics firms. Monetary Stability: Jordan ranked third globally in the 2026 Economic Freedom of the World report’s “Sound Money” category, scoring 9.59 out of 10—a boost to confidence in the dinar and business planning. Manufacturing: Jordan’s textile sector is expanding production and exports, while a new strategy for chemicals and cosmetics targets higher productivity and $2.82 billion in exports. Agriculture: The JFDA is offering free olive-oil testing and has inspected 155 mills as the harvest season gets under way.

Rail and Logistics: Jordan’s $2.5 billion Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an railway is advancing, with plans to carry up to 16 million tonnes of phosphate and potash a year and create about 5,000 jobs. Officials say port upgrades and a planned dry port must keep pace to strengthen Aqaba’s role as a regional trade hub. Energy Storage: Jordan opened prequalification for a 450MW pumped-storage project beside Al-Mujib Dam. The proposed facility would provide seven hours of storage, with applications due by January 18, 2027. Manufacturing and Exports: The textile sector is expanding production and exports, while a new chemicals and cosmetics strategy sets six programs to boost productivity and target $2.82 billion in exports. Aqaba Trade: Container dwell times have improved and gate capacity has increased, but rising transit cargo is testing the port system and highlighting the need for more infrastructure. Agriculture: Experts warn that overpumping groundwater threatens long-term food production, urging tighter monitoring and support for farmers to adopt less water-intensive crops.

Tourism Skills: PM Jaafar Hassan ordered expanded training and upgraded facilities at the Jordanian Academy for Tourism and Hospitality, which has 393 trainees and a 65% graduate employment rate. Trade and Logistics: Aqaba has cut container dwell times, but rising transit cargo—especially to Iraq—makes further port capacity and supply-chain upgrades essential. Jordan also broke ground on a UAE-backed $2.5 billion railway linking southern mining sites to Aqaba, expected to carry 16 million tonnes of minerals a year and cut transport costs. Energy Infrastructure: The Energy Ministry retendered a consultancy to assess oil-product storage needs and plan capacity expansion, with clarification requests due October 20. Agriculture and Water: Experts warn groundwater overpumping threatens long-term food security, calling for stronger controls and support to shift farmers to less water-intensive crops. Industry: More than 150 firms are showcasing plastics, cosmetics and packaging at an Amman exhibition aimed at attracting investment and expanding exports. Economic Outlook: Consumer confidence improved in the third quarter as growth and monetary stability supported expectations, though regional risks remain.

Aqaba Logistics: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan called for faster expansion of Aqaba’s ports. Oil-port upgrades due within two years are intended to strengthen energy security and supply to neighboring markets. Energy Infrastructure: Jordan has retendered a study of oil-storage capacity, future needs and expansion options, inviting experienced local and international consultants. Food Manufacturing: The sector’s 2,600 establishments employ about 66,500 people and meet 62% of domestic demand. Exports reached JD823 million in 2024, with products sold in more than 109 countries. Industrial Investment: Ad-Dulayl Development Zone is inviting investors to explore a 387,000-square-metre third phase, offering land for new factories and production expansions. Manufacturing Links: More than 150 companies joined Amman’s plastics, cosmetics and packaging exhibition to pursue trade partnerships and export opportunities.**