Room For Jordan To Diversify Exports To Malaysia Beyond Fertilisers - Study

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- Jordanian exporters have significant opportunities to expand their presence in Malaysia’s food, agricultural and pharmaceutical markets, potentially diversifying trade beyond fertilisers, according to a new market study.

The study, prepared by Trade First Jordan in cooperation with Jordan’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, found that fertilisers accounted for nearly 78 per cent of Jordanian exports to Malaysia, pointing to opportunities in other sectors.

Malaysia’s total imports reached US$339.5 billion last year, while Jordanian exports to Malaysia stood at US$55.35 million.

Combined Jordanian exports of halal food, agricultural products and pharmaceuticals amounted to US$4.58 million, indicating considerable room for diversification, according to the study.

Malaysia’s imports last year included US$104.5 million in sugar confectionery, US$68.1 million in fresh and dried dates, US$53 million in tahini and sesame preparations, and US$21.4 million in olive oil and its derivatives.

The Malaysian Embassy in Jordan welcomed the study's findings and expressed appreciation to Trade First Jordan and Jordan’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply for their efforts to explore new opportunities for bilateral trade.

“The study reflected the potential for greater trade and business collaboration between the two countries,” the embassy said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

The embassy said the findings added momentum to bilateral relations following King Abdullah II’s state visit to Malaysia on Oct 11 and 12.

“We look forward to closer engagement between Malaysian and Jordanian businesses to translate these opportunities into tangible economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries,” the embassy said.

According to Jordan News Agency (Petra), the study also highlighted Malaysia’s recognition of halal certificates issued by the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organisation (JSMO), allowing Jordanian producers to complete halal verification locally before shipment.

The study recommended that Jordanian exporters secure local import partners, engage Malaysian distributors and conduct trial shipments to facilitate market entry.

It also advised exporters to verify customs classifications, calculate landed costs at Port Klang and finalise date supply contracts four to five months before Ramadan.

-- BERNAMA