Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - The Joint Jordanian-Palestinian Higher Committee opened technical meetings in Amman on Sunday to look into prospects to enhance economic relations between the two sides.

The preparatory committee's meetings, held at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, were co-chaired by the ministry's Secretary General Yousef Al Shamayleh and Chief Executive Officer of the Palestinian General Authority for Industrial Cities and Free Zones, Ali Shaath.

Al Shamayleh referred to the "modest" trade exchange between the two countries, which he attributed to measures and restrictions imposed by Israel on the Palestinian economy.

Extricating the Palestinian economy from the Israeli control will only be possible through enhancing economic and trade ties between Jordan and Palestine, he pointed out.

According to the secretary general, the trade exchange between the two sides rose by 14 percent standing at $178 million in 2016, compared to $156 million in 2015.

Al Shamayleh highlighted the need to strengthen economic ties and activate agreements signed between the two sides "in the interest of their peoples".

"Work is underway to complete requirements to establish the Jordanian-Palestinian free logistical zone that aims to strengthen trade exchange and increase transit of Palestinian goods via Jordan," he added.

Shaath, for his part, stressed the importance of boosting Jordanian-Palestinian cooperation, mainly in the economic and trade fields, as well as activating work of joint committees to achieve this objective.