The U.S.-Jordan backed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which entered into force at the end of 2001, was the first such agreement between an Arab nation and the United States.  The FTA is credited with helping to make Jordan a more predictable market for U.S. exporters: since 2001, America's share of the Jordanian market has fluctuated by only 6-10 percent, and U.S. merchandise exports to that nation are anticipated to exceed $1 billion in 2007.

In terms of Jordanian exports to the United States, more than one hundred new factories are now producing fleece articles, T-shirts, and pants for such U.S. outlets as Target, Wal-Mart, and L.L. Bean.  Apparel accounted for 85 percent of Jordanian exports to the USA in 2005, up from 58 percent in 2000.  Much of the initial growth can be attributed to the Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZ) that Jordan established in partnership with Israel.  But over time, more jobs and exports can be attributed directly to the FTA itself.

Much of the labor required to generate these apparel exports came from Asians, raising concerns that Jordan has been running "sweat shops."  Jordan's leadership has moved quickly to address this problem by cracking down on those who violate labor laws and by establishing training programs that will increase the number of skilled Jordanian workers.

Some of Jordan's most impressive gains have been in the area of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).  The REACH Program and the Information Technology Association of Jordan (int@j) have helped to establish an internationally competitive ICT industry in that nation - one that attracts foreign and local investment, generates high-value jobs, and positions Jordan in the increasingly important knowledge-based economy.  In the words of Craig Barrett, Chairman of the Intel Corporation, Jordan has "set a precedent for change in the Middle East region.  It has demonstrated the achievements that can result from strong cooperation between the public and private sectors, particularly in the field of ICT."

 Links

Jordan Chamber of Industry
Country Commercial Guide
CIA Factbook
World Bank
Embassy in the U.S.
U.S. Embassy in Jordan