• GDP: US$15.7 billion (2007 estimate).
• Main exports: Phosphates, potash, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals and clothing.
• Main imports: Crude oil, manufactured goods, machinery and textile fabrics.
• Main trade partners: Saudi Arabia, USA, Iraq, China (PR) and India.

Jordan's agricultural sector produces tomatoes, citrus fruit, cucumbers, watermelons, aubergines and wheat, mostly grown in the fertile ground along the Jordan Valley. Phosphate mining and potash extraction are the traditional industries; oil refining, chemical manufacturing and the production of metals and minerals also contribute to this sector. The service sector accounts for around two-thirds of total output and covers wholesale and retail trading, finance, transport and tourism.

Jordan is a member of various pan-Arab economic bodies, notably the Council of Arab Economic Co-operation and the Arab Monetary Fund. Jordan also belongs to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and has a free trade accord with the USA and an association agreement with the EU.

Employment has proved a challenge for the government through the past decade and many Jordanian workers have moved abroad in search of employment - a trend the government is trying to reverse. To help improve productivity and make Jordan a more attractive country for foreign investment, the government has reduced its debt-to-GDP ratio. A major challenge now facing Jordan is reducing dependence on foreign grants.

Inflation in 2007 was 5.4%, while annual growth was expected to reach 5.7%. The official unemployment rate for 2007 was 30%.

English is widely spoken in business circles. Avoid Friday appointments. A good supply of business cards is essential. Formality in dress is important: men should wear a suit and tie for business meetings while women should be mindful of local sensitivities (for example, avoid short, tight-fitting business skirts).

Office hours: Sun-Thurs 0930-1330 and 1530-1800.

Government office hours: Sun-Thurs 0800-1500. During the month of Ramadan, working hours are greatly reduced.

Most of Jordan's top hotels have fully equipped conference facilities. Large, world-class events are usually held in the King Hussein Bin Talal Conference Centre (website: www.dscc.jo) on the Dead Sea or the Zara Expo (website: www.zaraexpo.com) in Amman.

Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI)
PO Box 1800, Amman 11118, Jordan
Tel: (06) 464 3001.
Website: www.aci.org.jo

Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC)
PO Box 7029, Amman 11118, Jordan
Tel: (06) 566 5492.
Website: www.jocc.org.jo