Country Profile

Situated in the middle east at the northwest of Saudi Arabia, Jordan is a nation which shares its coastline with Israel and the Gulf of Aqaba with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel. Amman is its capital which is recognized as its largest city also. The country is divided into 91,971 sq km land and 329 sq km water area. Jordan is endowed with natural resources of potash, shale oil and phosphates. Home to around 6,198,677 people, the nation holds relatively high literacy rate in both male and female groups. It is 95.1% in males and 84.7% in females. The country has recorded its GDP at $28.18 billion. The total GDP composition is segregated with service sector contributing 85.8%, industry and agriculture sector have 10.5% and 3.7% contribution respectively. It has marked 7.7% industrial production growth rate with an export of $6.037 billion f.o.b. It enjoys good exporting relations with USA, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, India and Syria. The country's industrial hub revolves around the clothing, fertilizer, pharmaceutical, petroleum refining, cement, light manufacturing, tourism, potash and inorganic chemicals.

Snapshot

Economic Overview

• Major wholesaler and distributor of agricultural and allied commodities in Iraq.
• Jordan is recognized as world's 10th largest producer of olive oil.
• Jordan currency 'Jordanian Dinar' has been characterized as one of the strongest currency of the middle east.
• Due to the burgeoning number of tourists every year, Jordan has witnessed a remarkable increase in its tourist sector. It is being estimated to receive 2,5 million visitors every year.
• Trade and finance account to about 1/3rd of gross domestic product (GDP).
• Recognized as the second largest phosphate exporter.
• There are two operating free zones in Jordan - at Aqaba and Zarqa.

International Trade
Major Export Items
Chemicals, Fruit and Vegetables, Phosphates, Potash

Main Destinations of Exports
USA, Iraq, India, Saudi Arabia, Syria

Major Import Items
Crude Oil, Textile Fabrics, Machinery, Transport Equipment, Manufactured Goods

Main Origins of Imports
Saudi Arabia, Germany, China, USA

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

Business Visa Rules

• A valid passport which should bears expiration date six months greater then the date of the entry made for visa application.
• The applicant is required to submit a copy of his travel documents. A copy of air ticket or travel itinerary is required to be given.
• Business letter is required to be given, which should be written on the company's letter head detailing trade practices and activities. The letter is required to be duly signed by person at company other than the applicant.

Business Hours
Offices:   Sunday to Thursday from 08.00 - 15:00
Banks:    Sunday to Thursday from 08.30 - 15:00

Public Holidays