Responding to a question on Jordan-Singapore economic cooperation and trade exchange, Zaman indicated that Jordan and Singapore have enjoyed warm and close economic ties. “In 2020, bilateral trade between our two countries amounted to US$134 million. While traditional sectors of interest by Singapore companies include textiles and chemicals, we have also seen an uptick in interest to participate in the growth of Jordan’s digital economy.”
“For example, there are synergies between our companies to exchange ideas and create partnerships in Fintech, particularly in the area of digital payments. There is more that we can do to facilitate and grow the volume of trade and investment flows between our countries. As countries gradually emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, I look forward to deepening conversations and visiting Jordan as we work together to build greater awareness and forge collaboration between our countries,” Zaman said.
According to the ambassador, Jordan was the first country in the Middle East which Singapore signed a Free Trade Agreement with in 2004, saying: “our countries have also signed the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement last month. These Agreements are important to the growth of bilateral trade and economic flows as they provide greater markets access and lower barriers to cross-border investment for companies in Jordan and Singapore.”
These agreements, he added, “form the bedrock of our economic relations and provide our businesses increased confidence to explore the opportunities that both our countries have to offer. A deeper partnership between the two countries through such economic agreements will provide a means through which our companies can expand their reach into each other’s markets as well as through to the broader ASEAN and Middle East regions.”
The ambassador emphasized that there have been conversations between Singapore’s Economic Development Board and the Jordan Investment Commission on facilitating business tie-ups and collaboration.
“I also note that there has been interest for stronger bilateral collaboration, including sharing of technical expertise. Aside from BIGO’s and Ramatex’s presence in Jordan, PATEC, is collaborating with First Armour, an affiliate to King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau to produce N95 masks for Jordan. On the digital front, I understand that there has been greater interest by Singapore tech start-ups to work with Jordanian companies and supplement to their localization and fintech expertise,” he said.
With regard to counterterror cooperation, Zaman said terrorism is a global scourge which all members of the international community have to work towards eradicating. Both Singapore and Jordan are members of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, noting: “As part of our contribution towa the Coalition, Singapore has contributed personnel and assets to its ongoing efforts to fight ISIS.”
As one of the world’s most religiously diverse countries, Singapore the ambassador stressed, recognizes that “our diversity is our strength. To that end, we have taken steps to promote interfaith dialogue, harmony and understanding; and prevent radicalisation from taking root and tearing apart the fabric of our society.”
Recognising the common interest that Singapore and Jordan have in facilitating interfaith dialogue and address the challenge of radicalization, both governments have regular exchanges of views on these issues, he further added.
Turning to Middle East issues, namely the Palestinian cause, Zaman indicated that Singapore has taken a consistent and principled position on the Palestinian issue, adding: “We have always supported a negotiated two-state solution that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to live side-by-side in peace and security. We hope that both Israel and the Palestinians will take steps to resume direct talks towards resolving this longstanding conflict.”
Zaman said: “Given Jordan’s historical position as the custodian of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and His Majesty’s efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and harmony globally, Jordan is uniquely placed in working with regional countries to bring about progress in the peace process, and bridge the differences between both sides.”
The ambassador reiterated that ties between Singapore and Jordan are broad and multifaceted, indicating that both sides worked hard to build a strong foundation over the years.
“I am really proud to say that Jordan and Singapore have proven to be firm friends in these challenging times. Both sides have helped each other and pulled our resources together to further our mutual interests. Recognizing the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Singapore Government and the Temasek Foundation International contributed 10,000 and 5,000 test kits respectively to Jordan in March last year. The Jordanian government has also helped to ensure the welfare of our Singaporean students there during the pandemic”, Zaman concluded.
Source: Jordan News Agency