Economy Minister Orna Barbivai and Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yousef Alshamali met in Jordan for the first time in a decade, and discussed a variety of ways to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. This meeting took place as part of the effort to preserve the policy of warm peace and continue to deepen ties between the two countries.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed the renewal of the trade agreement between the two countries, the mutual recognition of standardization, the expansion of tourism, and more.
The ministers also signed an agreement that is set to expand future caps on products that Jordan may export to the Palestinian Authority. Israel recognizes the importance of economic cooperation with the Jordanian Kingdom as a strategic goal/destination that is important to regional stability.
The goods and products that are set to be exported from Jordan to the Palestinian Authority include cement and construction products, rugs, clothing, electronic products, and more.
The Ambassador of Israel to Jordan, Eitan Sorkis, and the Ambassador of Jordan to Israel, Rassan al-Majali, also participated in the meeting.
The meeting between the Minister of Economy and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, as well as the signing of the agreement, highlight the ongoing efforts at enhancing civilian ties between Israel and Jordan, strengthening neighborly relations, and promoting cooperation between the two countries. Israel hopes that this agreement will lead to the strengthening of the Jordanian economy, and contribute to the Kingdom's continued growth. The agreement also highlights the importance that Israel attaches to the promotion and development of economies in the region, as well as to the encouragement of regional trade.
Minister of Economy and Industry, Orna Barbivai (Yesh Atid): "The trade benefits agreed upon today between the Israeli government and Jordan are an important dimension in the strengthening of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Deepening civilian and economic ties contributes to bilateral relations, national security, and the protection of Israel's longest and most quiet border".
Background: The Paris Protocol, which determines tax and trade ties between Israel and the PA, delineates lists that enable the PA to establish import policies in terms of standardization, regulation, and taxation (customs). The Protocol also stipulates that the product quotas set out on the A1 List allow the PA to set its import policy as a whole, including the level of customs, standardization, and regulation required as a condition for including products on the list. The quota provided on List B allows the PA, on the other hand, to determine its import policy only as it relates to customs. The Paris Protocol stipulates that the A1 List be limited (to some 60 customs items), with a monetary value capped at less than 100 million USD. In practice, most of the quotas are not used, and only a minority are used by over 50%. The Ministry of Economy and Industry also stipulates that List B in the Paris Protocol remained empty, and therefore no quotas were provided on this list. The Ministry of Economy clarifies that despite the progress made between Israel and Jordan on the issue of quotas, any expansion of the A1 or B Lists requires the Palestinians' consent.