Head of Jordan's Customs Authority: Jordan will act to ease trade barriers

Mr. Mahmud Catishat Director General of the Jordanian Customs Authority, speaking at the annual conference of the Israel- Jordan Bilateral Chamber of Commerce, said that Jordan expects in the next few years an increase in its bilateral trade with Israel.
 
In the first ever visit by a Jordanian Customs official to Israel, Mr. Catishat clearly indicated that Jordan had committed itself to widening trade relations with Israel and is prepared to ease several trade barriers in order to facilitate bilateral trade.
 
Mr. Benny Gaon President of the Israel-Jordan Bilateral Chamber said in his welcome speech that he expect Jordan will fulfill its promise to set up the Jordan Israel bilateral chamber which according to Mr. Gaon was necessary for the strengthening of bilateral trade. The ever growing potential for export of Jordanian Israeli goods to third markets should be the driving force behind the increase in bilateral cooperation said Mr. Gaon.
 
Mr. Ishai Shorek Director General of the Chamber said that despite political difficulties, trade was doing well and reached a high level of co-operation. During the first half of 2004 trade was up 70% compared to the same period in 2003. This growth trend is about to continue reaching a total export of us$150 million, compared to us$87 millions in 2003 and us$40 millions in 2002.
 
Mr. Eitan Rob director general of the Tax Authority told the audience that due to the surge in bilateral trade and the tightening of security checks, both countries should change the whole crossing concept. The present concept is not capable in handling the large quantities and therefore the two countries should devote the necessary resources towards the provision of better infrastructure which should include a heavy duty container scanner as well as a new customs house.