The US Chamber of Commerce chief has commended Jordan’s progress in economic reforms, trade liberalisation and measures to build investor confidence in this market economy.

During his visit to Jordan, Thomas J. Donohue, the president and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce met representatives of AmCham Mena Council and discussed the business developments in these markets and ways to build partnerships.

He spoke about the importance of the bilateral free trade agreement in strengthening commercial exchanges and expanding trade between the two FTA partners.

'While making important progress in implementing economic reforms, Jordan has to continue work on strengthening economic stability, curb bureaucracy and remove regulatory obstacles in order to further improve the investment climate,' Donohue said.

He also spoke about the need to take steps to further develop economic ties and expand trade and investment relations between the US, Jordan and countries of the Mena region.

Delegates from the American Chambers of Commerce in Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon representing AmChams’ Mena Council, raised a number of issues and initiatives for co-operation and asked for the US chamber’s support in carrying them out.

The parties agreed to enhance their bilateral trade relations through a number of programs such as organising a Mena council conference in Washington, joint Mena council ‘door knock’ missions in Washington and other States, as well as outgoing and incoming trade and investment missions to facilitate business matchmaking to increase trade and attract US investments in the region.

The Mena council representatives have also asked for US Chamber’s support in moving forward with the Middle East Free Trade Agreement (MEFTA) initiated by President Bush in 2003.-TradeArabia News Service