King Abdullah’s Central Asia tour opens new economic horizons for Jordan

Economic figures are praising His Majesty King Abdullah II’s recent trip to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, describing it as a pivotal moment in Jordan’s trade and investment strategy.

The visit is seen as unlocking new high-potential markets while reinforcing Jordan’s role as a bridge between the Middle East and Central Asia.

Industry leaders told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the visit strengthened Jordan’s credibility as a serious partner capable of advancing integrated trade initiatives, benefiting from both its geographic position and its developed industrial base.

Former Minister of Investment Kholoud Al-Saqqaf said the trip closely aligns with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision (EMV) 2023–2033, which places strong emphasis on diversifying markets and boosting exports. According to her, reaching out to Central Asian economies represents a strategic step forward.

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"His Majesty’s sustained economic diplomacy consistently opens high-value channels for the national economy," Saqqaf said. "This vision reflects a deep understanding that global market diversification and strong international alliances are essential to enhancing Jordan’s competitiveness and attracting high-quality foreign investment."

She added that reforms underway in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, such as regulatory streamlining and efforts to attract private-sector investment, create fertile ground for joint ventures in sectors including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, technology, and logistics.

Iyad Abu Haltam, President of the East Amman Industrial Investors Association, stressed that royal visits often translate into concrete economic gains, from export growth to new partnerships.

"Kazakhstan’s economic fundamentals are compelling vast geography, rich reserves of oil, gas, uranium, and gold, alongside its status as one of the world’s top grain exporters," Abu Haltam said. "Uzbekistan, with its accelerating economic growth and clear diversification strategies, presents Jordanian exporters with tremendous opportunities for market entry and industrial partnerships."

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He pointed out that Jordan’s target of raising exports from JD 9 billion to more than JD 20 billion will benefit greatly from access to Central Asian markets. During the Jordanian-Uzbek Business Forum, over 44 Jordanian industrial companies engaged in talks focused on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, fertilizers, chemicals, and food processing, laying the groundwork for long-term partnerships.

Board Member of the Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI), Mousa Al-Saket, described the royal trip as a “strategic pivot” for Jordan.

"The visit redefined the scope of bilateral relations, moving from limited, protocol-based trade to a multi-dimensional economic partnership," Saket said. "Agreements to expand trade volumes, initiate joint investments, and establish a joint governmental committee and a Jordan-Uzbekistan Business Council, alongside a high-profile business forum, have created a robust institutional framework for enduring cooperation."

He emphasized that steps such as visa exemptions and direct flight connections will make it easier for businesses to operate, while Jordan’s strengths in pharmaceuticals and chemicals could complement Central Asia’s agricultural and raw material wealth to create integrated value chains.

Economic analyst Ahmad Al-Majali argued that the visit marked more than a diplomatic gesture.

"This visit is not ceremonial," Majali said. "It operationalizes Jordan’s competitive advantages, exporting value-added products to resource-driven economies and integrating the Kingdom into global value chains, while marketing Jordan as a stable, investment-friendly hub built on political stability, strategic location, and advanced human capital in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and logistics."

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Majali noted that Jordan’s expertise in modern agricultural technology and pharmaceuticals makes it an attractive partner for Uzbekistan’s reform plans, while in Kazakhstan, Jordan is increasingly positioned as a logistical and trade link between Central Asia and the Middle East.

Observers agree that the visit signals the start of a new chapter for Jordan’s economic diplomacy, one that combines geography, expertise, and political stability to secure long-term growth and expand the Kingdom’s footprint in global markets.