Jordan's Agriculture Minister, Khaled al-Henefat, recently discussed efforts to boost the agricultural trade volumes with the Kurdistan Region following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the region's officials. The MoU, signed in Erbil alongside Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, focuses on developing cooperation in the agriculture and food industry sectors. Henefat emphasized the goal of increasing trade, which he described as "currently modest," by facilitating greater coordination between the private sectors of Jordan and the Kurdistan Region.
According to Henefat, the agreement will pave the way for Jordan to import agricultural products directly from the Kurdistan Region, including potatoes and garlic, with plans to extend to wheat, bulgur, flour, and more. Jordan plans to import approximately 10,000 tons of potatoes and 5,000 tons of garlic to meet its seasonal demands. Additionally, the strategic geographical position of the Kurdistan Region, especially the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing, was highlighted as a significant route for Jordan to access markets in Turkey and Europe, as well as eastern Europe, including Russia. Henefat also mentioned a formal request to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to expedite Jordanian transport through Zakho, enhancing the logistical flow through the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing, which was positively received by Kurdish officials.
Source: Rudaw