Canberra:The Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) has identified Australia as a crucial partner in developing Jordan's mineral exploration and extraction technology sectors. This follows significant bilateral discussions held in Canberra.
According to Jordan News Agency, these discussions were part of a larger framework influenced by royal-led initiatives. His Majesty King Abdullah II engaged with leaders from the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), which includes over 575 Australian mining and industrial service firms. The focus was on promoting Jordan's untapped resource potential and attracting foreign direct investment into its extractive industries.
JCI President Fathi Jaghbeer explained to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that this engagement is intended to spur joint industrial ventures and technology transfers. The ultimate goal is to transition Jordan from basic raw material extraction to advanced downstream chemical and mineral manufacturing, aligning with the country's Economic Modernization Vision to enhance industrial competitiveness and export sophistication.
Jordan's extractive and process industries, particularly those related to phosphates and potash, are key to the nation's economic stability. Trade data from the Chamber shows that potash and fertilizer products constitute approximately 64 percent of Jordan's exports to Australia. Crude potash salts make up 38 percent of these exports, followed by multi-nutrient fertilizers at 15 percent, and NPK compound formulations at 11 percent.
Jaghbeer stressed the importance of leveraging Australian expertise in resource governance. By formalizing partnerships with Australian firms, Jordan aims to enhance its technical capabilities in resource assessment, processing efficiency, and environmental sustainability, ultimately seeking greater export opportunities in Asia-Pacific markets while increasing domestic value retention in the mining sector.