AGP Executive Report

Aviation: Royal Jordanian’s aircraft utilization rose 25% in September year over year, even as Middle East flight activity remained below 2025 levels. Trade & Logistics: Jordan and Bahrain signed a maritime cooperation deal to improve coordination, trade flows, safety and technology exchange. Industry: More than 40% of a new industrial project in the King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area has been leased; industrial production grew 0.62% through August, while exports have held up despite regional pressures. Markets & Agriculture: The Amman Stock Exchange index slipped 0.2% on Thursday. Higher olive-pressing fees are weighing on farmers’ optimism, despite Jerash expecting olive production to rise 20% this season.

Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange fell 0.2% on Thursday to 4,213 points, with JD12.2 million traded. Growth & Trade: The Jordan Strategy Forum says growth could approach 3% this year. Manufacturing expanded 6.2% and agriculture 7.8%; exports rose 10.3% to JD6.4 billion in the first seven months, while the trade deficit narrowed 6%. Industry & Jobs: More than 40% of a new industrial project in King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area has been leased. The Labour Ministry also signed agreements to support Jordanian employment in agriculture and food industries. Energy & Connectivity: Jordan’s oil deal with Iraq is saving $4.76 per barrel. Royal Jordanian’s CEO joined IATA talks on airline costs, resilience and connectivity, as Amman studies the feasibility of a metro. Tourism: The Dead Sea Marriott was named Jordan’s Best Incentive Hotel for 2026, a boost for the Kingdom’s meetings and events sector.

Transport: Amman is studying the feasibility, cost and routes of a metro, but any decision will depend on technical and economic assessments and comparisons with options such as expanding the BRT network. Agriculture: Olive farmers face higher pressing fees, rising from 65 to 75 piasters per kilogram, just as a strong harvest is expected to lift production in Jerash by 20%. Industry: More than 40% of new industrial space in King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area has been leased; national industrial production was up 0.62% through August. Tourism: Former tourism minister Taleb Rifai received the WTTC Icon Award, highlighting Jordan’s profile in the global travel industry. Investment & Trade: King Abdullah’s Australia visit included talks with mining and exploration representatives, with both countries seeking stronger trade and defence ties.

Australia Partnership: King Abdullah and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to deepen trade and cooperation, including private-sector investment in Jordanian energy, infrastructure, technology and mining. The leaders also backed stronger defence and climate ties. Trade: Jordan’s exports rose 10.3% in the first seven months of 2026 to JD6.395 billion, while imports grew 2.4%; the trade deficit narrowed 6% to JD331 million. Gains in garments, fertilizers and potash helped offset weaker phosphate exports. Agriculture: The Higher Population Council urged stronger protection for farmland and better access to markets, technology and training for rural women. The Crown Prince also reviewed modern farming technologies at a model farm in Mafraq. Industry and Prices: Industrial production grew 0.62% through August, while inflation reached 2.26% through September, according to official figures.

Agriculture and Food: Crown Prince Hussein visited a model farm in Mafraq using modern irrigation, research and storage to improve water efficiency and local produce. The Labour Ministry also signed agreements to support Jordanian employment in agriculture and food industries. Trade and Industry: Amman’s industrial exports reached JD5.977 billion, while national industrial production rose 0.62% through August. Industry leaders say incentives are helping Aqaba’s industrial sector, and new measures are being considered for automotive manufacturing. International Ties: King Abdullah’s Australia visit included talks with mining and exploration representatives, with both countries pledging to deepen cooperation in resources, energy and defence. Jordan and Malaysia also signalled plans to expand high-tech cooperation and develop engineering talent. Prices and Investment: Inflation stood at 2.26% in the first nine months of 2026. Economists cite the dinar’s stability and steady supply chains, while urging lower transport and production costs to protect purchasing power.

Agriculture: Crown Prince Hussein visited a model farm in Mafraq using modern irrigation, research and water-saving methods. He called for stronger local production and a sustainable supply of quality produce. Mining Investment: In Canberra, King Abdullah invited representatives of an association of more than 575 Australian mining and exploration companies to explore investment opportunities in Jordan and share expertise. Digital Innovation: Jordan launched the sixth Crown Prince Award for Best Government Services Application after 879 students from 31 universities completed the latest edition; ten teams won. Energy: Jordan saves $4.76 per barrel under its preferential Iraqi oil deal, but deliveries remain suspended over technical issues with crude specifications. Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange rose 0.32% on Tuesday, with JD12.3 million in shares traded; industrial stocks fell 0.68%.

Mining Investment: King Abdullah met Australian mining executives in Canberra, inviting members of an industry association representing more than 575 companies to explore investment and expertise-sharing opportunities in Jordan. Energy: Jordan saves $4.76 per barrel under its preferential Iraqi oil deal, but deliveries remain suspended over technical issues with crude specifications. The agreement covers 10,000–15,000 barrels a day. Technology and Trade: Jordan and Malaysia are exploring cooperation in semiconductors, advanced technical training, energy and transport, alongside wider trade and investment ties. Economic Indicators: Inflation reached 2.26% through September, while industrial production rose 0.62% through August. Agriculture: Jerash expects olive output to climb 20% this season, to about 60,000 tonnes, supporting farmers, presses and seasonal workers. Investment Pipeline: Jordan’s EU investment conference is set to present opportunities worth $15 billion, including energy and mining projects.

Malaysia Partnership: King Abdullah’s state visit opened talks on semiconductor cooperation, advanced technical training, trade and investment, with Malaysia and Jordan also exploring a free trade agreement and stronger supply chains. Industry and Exports: Jordan’s industrial production rose 0.62% in the first eight months of 2026, led by manufacturing and electricity. A new e-commerce programme will help SMEs build digital export skills and reach international markets. Agriculture: Jerash expects olive output to rise 20% this season, to about 60,000 tonnes, supporting farmers and seasonal workers. Energy Links: Iraq says oil exports to Jordan remain suspended because local refineries cannot process the medium crude now available. Separately, Türkiye is discussing a proposed power link with Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Syria. Tourism Investment: Jordan has proposed a cable car connecting Machaerus Castle with the Dead Sea, aiming to attract visitors, create jobs and support local businesses.

Trade and Investment: King Abdullah II’s Malaysia visit ended with both sides seeking deeper cooperation in trade, investment and technology, including potential ties in semiconductors and phosphate supplies. Economic Reform: Jordan’s delegation joined IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok ahead of the next reviews of its reform and resilience programs; the World Bank approved $1.1 billion in financing for Jordan in June. Public Finance: The Cabinet approved a JD400 million sukuk issuance for the Greater Amman Municipality. Investment Pipeline: Jordan and the EU are preparing for a Nov. 19 investment conference, with $15 billion in opportunities expected to be presented. Spanish companies have secured more than €840 million in Jordanian contracts since 2010, mainly in engineering and renewable energy. Industry and Logistics: Amman industry exports reached JD5.977 billion, while work is advancing on the Aqaba–Shidiyeh–Ma’an railway, a project expected to improve port efficiency and regional freight links.

Regional Risk: Repeated Houthi strikes hit Riyadh airport, with one attack killing 12 and injuring hundreds. Flight suspensions and threats to Saudi airports and energy sites add uncertainty for regional transport and commerce. Municipal Finance: Cabinet approved GAM’s JD400 million sukuk at 5.5% for five years, a first for a Jordanian municipality. The deal is expected to save JD70 million, with the Central Bank managing issuance and an Amman Stock Exchange listing planned. Transport Investment: Jordan and the UAE broke ground on a 403-kilometre, $2.5 billion Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an railway, aimed at linking the port with industrial hubs and improving freight efficiency. Investment Climate: Investor confidence rose 21.9% in the second quarter to 186.6 points. Economists cite stronger growth, foreign investment, exports and stock-market performance, but say reforms and lower operating costs are needed to convert optimism into projects. Industry: New incentives target vehicle assembly and manufacturing, while 280 industrial firms qualified for sector training.

Regional Aviation: A missile strike on Riyadh airport killed 12 people, including a Jordanian, and injured 309, prompting a shutdown and flight cancellations. The Saudi-led coalition vowed retaliation, raising risks for regional travel and trade. Rail and Logistics: Jordan and the UAE have broken ground on a $2.5 billion Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an railway, designed to link the port with mining and industrial hubs and improve freight efficiency. Industry and Exports: Amman’s industrial exports reached JD5.977 billion, while new incentives aim to attract vehicle assembly and manufacturing investment, particularly in Zarqa. Innovation: Jordan climbed to 60th in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, fifth among Arab economies and seven years ahead of its national target. Finance: Social Security Investment Fund assets topped JD20 billion at the end of the third quarter.

Regional Aviation: A strike on Riyadh airport killed 12 people and injured 309, including a Jordanian. Flights were suspended, adding fresh uncertainty for regional travel and trade. Rail and Logistics: Jordan’s planned Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an freight railway could link mining sites and a dry port to Aqaba, while laying groundwork for wider Gulf–Europe connections. Industry and Exports: Amman Chamber of Industry exports rose 6.5% to JD5.977 billion in the first nine months of 2026, led by strong growth in packaging and chemicals. Aqaba’s new incentives will cover up to 75% of port container-handling costs for qualifying assembly and manufacturing projects. Investment: Social Security Investment Fund assets reached JD20.1 billion at the end of September, up 8% since year-end, with investments spanning bonds, equities and major national projects. Property: September real estate transactions climbed 16% year on year to about JD720.5 million, driven in part by higher apartment sales.

Water and Agriculture: The Jordan Valley Authority has partnered with US firm Rainmaker to boost rainfall in northern catchments, aiming to increase reservoir supplies for communities and farms. Manufacturing: New incentives in Zarqa seek to attract vehicle assembly and manufacturing, create jobs and connect local engineering, metals and plastics firms to automotive supply chains. Investment and Logistics: Jordan-EU talks will showcase $15 billion in investment opportunities, including energy and mining projects. A separate $2.5 billion railway will link Aqaba with industrial hubs at Shidiya and Maan, with the goal of improving port efficiency and freight links. Industrial Growth: Jordan is preparing strategies for three industrial sectors for 2027–29, while its national export strategy aims to expand the global reach of local products. The World Bank expects the economy to grow 2.7% this year.

Water Security: The Jordan Valley Authority signed a deal with U.S. firm Rainmaker to boost rainfall in northern catchments, aiming to improve water supplies for communities and agriculture. Investment Pipeline: Jordan will present more than 40 opportunities worth over $15 billion at its November Jordan-EU conference, spanning technology, energy, industry, logistics, infrastructure and water. Separate Jordan-Europe plans include $7.1 billion in energy and mining projects. Transport and Logistics: Jordan and the UAE broke ground on a $2.5 billion, 403-kilometre railway linking Aqaba with Shidiyeh and Ma’an, designed to improve port efficiency and supply-chain links. Industry: The government approved incentives for vehicle assembly and manufacturing, while the Industry Ministry launched strategies for three sectors for 2027–2029 and an export strategy to expand overseas sales. Energy and Agriculture: Rural electrification projects worth JD227 million are being funded, and a JD1.4 million solar-lighting project on Amman’s Development Corridor is nearing completion. Jordan exports about 65% of its date production, with annual export revenue targeted at $150 million as production expands.

Water Security: The Jordan Valley Authority signed a deal with U.S. firm Rainmaker Technology to enhance rainfall in northern catchments, aiming to boost reservoir supplies for households and agriculture. Investment Pipeline: More than 40 projects worth over $15 billion are slated for the Jordan-EU investment conference on Nov. 19; energy and mining account for about $7.1 billion. Transport & Logistics: Jordan and the UAE have broken ground on a $2.5 billion, 403-kilometre railway linking Aqaba with Shidiya and Ma’an, intended to improve port efficiency and connect industrial hubs. Industry & Exports: Jordan launched three industrial-sector strategies for 2027–2029 as it seeks to expand exports; industrial exports reached JD5.17 billion, while Amman Chamber exports totaled JD1.188 billion in the first nine months of 2026.

Investment Pipeline: Jordan will present more than 40 opportunities worth over $15 billion at its November 19 EU investment conference. Energy and mining projects account for about $7.1 billion, with technology, logistics, industry and water also on the agenda. Transport and Logistics: Jordan and the UAE have broken ground on a $2.5 billion railway linking Aqaba with Shidiya and Ma’an. Officials say the 403-kilometre line will improve port efficiency, connect industrial hubs and create jobs. Industry and Energy: Jordanian industrial exports reached JD5.17 billion, while the Rural Electrification Levy has funded JD227.3 million in connections since 1992. The government has also approved incentives for vehicle assembly and manufacturing projects. Economic Outlook: The World Bank kept its growth forecasts for Jordan at 2.7% for 2026 and 2.9% for 2027, as regional conflict continues to weigh on the outlook.