Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yaroub Qudah discussed with his Czech counterpart Jiri Havlicek, means to forge closer trade ties between the two countries, as well as investment opportunities in the Kingdom.

During a visit to the Czech Republic, the minister, who led a public and private sector delegation, met with representatives of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as emerging companies and looked into the Czech experience in providing support SMEs.

On the sidelines of the visit, an agreement on economic cooperation was signed between the two countries and a Jordanian-Czech business forum was also held.

Qudah said that Jordan was able to turn economic and social challenges into real investment opportunities, especially after the implementation of the outputs of the London Donor Conference.

He also spoke about economic legislation that aims at ensuring a wider engagement of the private sector in the economic development process and enhancing the investment climate.

The Jordanian delegation, which comprised public and private sector representatives also visited Austria.

Qudah met with Austrian Vice-Chancellor Reinhold Mitterlehner and discussed with him means to develop economic ties between Jordan and Austria as well as the support provided by Austria to implement an agreement on the rules of origin to increase Jordanian exports to the EU.