The bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Jordan have witnessed a significant evolution since the establishment of diplomatic ties and the subsequent opening of resident Bangladesh Embassy in Amman in 1998. Historically, over the years, the relationship between these two nations has undergone a notable transformation, encompassing diverse spheres ranging from trade and investment to cooperation in international organizations.
A cornerstone of the engagement of the two countries lies in the collaborative efforts within international organizations. Both nations, as active members of various international bodies such as UNAMID, FAO, G77, ICC, and many others, consistently extend mutual support, endorsing each other's candidatures and advocating shared positions on global issues.
Economically, the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Jordan has been on a progressive trajectory, albeit with untapped potential. Jordan presents itself as a promising market for Bangladeshi exports like RMG, jute products, and agricultural produce, while Bangladesh imports iron scraps and rock phosphate, a key ingredient in fertilizer production, from Jordan. However, the full scope of trade remains unexplored due to challenges such as limited export interests and pending agreements awaiting responses from the Jordanian side.
In the realm of investment, both countries exhibit an appetite for foreign investments. Bangladesh, with its developmental initiatives and investor-friendly packages, attracts Jordanian attention, while Jordan's specialized economic zones and free trade agreements render it an attractive investment destination, particularly in the garment industry.
Jordan stands as a prominent destination for Bangladeshi workers, especially employed in the garment industry. The majority of the Jordan’s clothing factories are run by Bangladeshi female workers. Thereby their contribution to the GDP of Bangladesh and Jordan is noteworthy.
In the realm of defense and education, both nations have exchanged experiences and expertise, with Jordan sending military officers for training and actively engaging in educational collaborations. The National Defence College in Bangladesh has been instrumental in facilitating knowledge sharing between the armed forces of both countries.
Agricultural cooperation stands as another potential area for collaboration, as evidenced by the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2011, outlining avenues for the exchange of knowledge and expertise in agricultural science and technology.
In light of the pending agreements and Memorandums of Understanding under negotiation, both countries stand poised to further deepen their ties across multiple domains, from trade and investment to defense and education.
As Bangladesh and Jordan navigate the evolving global landscape, the potential for mutual growth and cooperation remains robust, underscoring the significance of sustained diplomatic efforts and proactive engagements between these two nations.