Jordan-Qatar study plans for direct maritime transport link

Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (L) is welcomed by Jordan’s King Abdullah II (R) for the 28th Arab League Summit in Amman, Jordan on 28 March 2017 [Salah Malkawi/Anadolu Agency]

Jordan and Qatar yesterday agreed to study the possibility of establishing a direct maritime transport line in order to boost trade movement the countries.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Tareq Hammouri and his Qatari counterpart Ali Al Kuwari on the sidelines of the 18th Doha Forum.

The Jordanian ministry said in a statement that technical teams from both sides will exchange visits and study the possibility of establishing the maritime transport link.

Trade movement between Jordan and Qatar used to mainly pass through Saudi Arabia. However, the Salwa crossing has been closed since June 2017 when Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE launched a blockade on their Gulf neighbour Qatar.

A year later, Qatar pledged to provide $500 million in investment projects to improve Jordan’s infrastructure as well as providing 10,000 jobs for Jordanian youth in Doha.

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