AMMAN — As it strives to become a regional economic powerhouse, Jordan is positioning itself as a strategic entry point for projects that have the potential to transform the Middle East. During the recent Jordanian-Brazilian Economic Forum, Jordan Chamber of Commerce President Khalil Hajj Tawfiq reiterated the dream of the Kingdom to become Brazil‘s door of access to its investments—particularly Syria’s reconstruction—and, simultaneously, open the gates to the largest market in Latin America.
Published under royal decrees, Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision is not only a policy but also a masterplan for the future. “We want to create a national economy with sustainable growth and improved livelihood for Jordanians,” Hajj Tawfiq said. En route, the Kingdom is targeting high-potential sectors like food industries, pharmaceuticals, garments, energy, mining, tourism, and information technology. These segments not only reflect Jordan’s existing strengths—like its well-educated workforce and location close to regional markets—but also speak to the imagination of vision-led investors.
The forum was presided over by an eclectically diverse group of business policymakers and leaders from both countries, including members of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil and Invest SP, the investment promotion agency for São Paulo State. William Adib Dib Junior, Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce president, welcomed this multi-sector Brazilian delegation’s opening as “a new and important chapter” in a relationship founded on the basis of decades of partnership. He emphasized that Brazil’s contribution to the food security of Jordan—by way of staple exports such as soybeans and sugar—parallels Jordan’s contribution of fertilizers that increase Brazil’s competitiveness in agriculture. Perhaps most intriguing is the bilateral trade surge: in 2024, Jordan-Brazil trade reached an impressive $650 million, with Brazilian exports soaring by 34 percent to $540 million—the highest since 2013—while Jordanian exports to Brazil also saw a noteworthy uptick. This growing balance underscores a deepening economic bond that extends beyond simple commerce.
Industry analysts point out that Jordan’s strategic location—at the nexus of Asia, Africa, and Europe—provides Brazilian businesses with a springboard not only into the Levant but also into the Gulf Cooperation Council states and North Africa. For businesses aiming at the renewable energy sectors, Jordan’s extensive desert land and ambitious solar development projects represent a strong draw. Simultaneously, Brazil’s advanced agritech technologies have the potential to revolutionize Jordanian agriculture, creating a mutually beneficial partnership.
As the global supply chains move elsewhere and rebuilding in surrounding Syria gains momentum, Jordan’s overtures to Brazilian firms are timely. With a dash of political stability, geo-strategic position, and a well-articulated agenda of modernization, the kingdom can demonstrate that it is not a mere witness to Middle East change but a player. For Brazilian investors seeking both growth and meaningful opportunities, Amman could very well be the next horizon.
