Petra News Agency
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Deputy Prime Minister Meets US Deputy Secretary of Commerce
Amman, Feb. 3 (Petra)-- Deputy prime Minister and
Finance Minister Ziyad Fariz discussed with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of
Commerce, David Sampson, ways of boosting economic ties between Jordan and the
United States as well as aid that could be provided to Jordan to enable it to
adapt with its difficult economic conditions.
Fariz stressed the need to focus on economic ties in light of the free trade
agreement between the two countries.
Jordan was the first Arab country and the fourth on the world level to sign such
an agreement with the U.S.
Jordan's exports to the United State doubled last year to reach $1.3 billion.
The minister asked the US secretary, who is currently on a tour to the region,
to assist Jordan to achieve a stable macro economy. He said it was important for
Jordan to preserve a high economic growth rate, adding this was difficult due to
the rise in oil prices.
The U.S. secretary said his country views Jordan as an important and historical
partner to the United States, adding the U.S. was keen to continue its technical
and financial support to Jordan to enable it to continue the process of economic
reform.
Sampson said the U.S. Secretary of Commerce would take part in the World
Economic Forum, which will be held at the Dead Sea shores next May.