In a first, a consumer fair focusing on Jordanian products and services launched on Wednesday at Expo Centre Sharjah.

The inaugural Jordan Consumer Show 2018 was inaugurated by HE Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI); and HE Eng. Yarub Qudah, Minister of Industry Trade and Supply. The show’s launch was also attended by a number of Board of Directors from both the SCCI and Expo Centre Sharjah, in addition to a number of government officials and representatives from business communities in the UAE and Jordan. The exhibition was organized by the Jordan Business Council and will be take place over a period of 6 days.

Aiming to enhance the strong bilateral trade ties, the exhibition will offer the trade community and general public in the UAE and the rest of the GCC countries direct access to all small, medium and heavy industrial as well as other products and services from Jordan.

“Jordan is one of the most important trade partners of the UAE. It is indeed a pleasure to host a consumer fair showcasing products and services from a fellow Arab state. Expo Centre has always focused on country shows and with Jordan we are hosting one from the Arab World for the first time,” said HE. Saif Mohamad Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

HE Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), stressed that the chamber is keen to promote trade exchange and cooperation between Sharjah and Jordan. He added that the friendly relations between both countries witness continuous development due to the wise guidance of the leaderships of both countries, and that the development is also in line with the directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to promote Arab integration in all avenues.

Bilateral relations between the UAE and Jordan are cemented by a slew of free trade deals, avoidance of double taxation agreement, mutual investments and frequent high-level official visits. The resumption of import of agricultural produce by the UAE last year has also provided a significant fillip to Jordan’s agriculture sector. The UAE is one of the largest importers of Jordanian agricultural produce, receiving an estimated 155,000 tonnes of vegetables per year, according to official data.

Apart from vegetables and fruits, Jordan also exports clothing, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, precious stones, paper & paperboard, wood pulp, stone, plaster, cement and miscellaneous articles to the UAE.

“Another factor that is likely to make the show a popular one is the fact that the UAE is home to over 200,000 Jordanians. Besides, products made in Jordan will be appealing to expatriates from other Arab states as well as those from other countries,” said Mr. Omar Mureb, CEO/ Founder, Royal Masquerade Event Organizer, the organizer of the show.

The show will also reflect the rise in exports and strengthening external demand in Jordan, with its economy set to rise from 2.3% in 2017 to 2.5% in 2018 and to 2.7% in 2019, according to an International Monetary Fund report. According to latest reports, the kingdom is likely to benefit from gradually improving economic conditions across the Gulf region, which together accounted for 29% of its total exports in 2016.