On December 18, 2024, Jordan reopened the Jaber border crossing with Syria after a temporary closure. The reopening aims to facilitate trade and freight movement, bolstered by support from Syrian authorities. Minister Yarub Qudah will assess ongoing trade procedures at the crossing the following day, marking a significant step in the recovery of economic relations between the two nations.
On December 18, 2024, Jordan officially reopened the Jaber border crossing with Syria, following a brief closure prompted by security concerns in the neighboring country. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Yarub Qudah, clarified that the reopening is intended to enhance the movement of goods and freight traffic across their shared border. He plans to visit the Jaber border crossing and the Syrian-Jordanian Joint Free Zone the next day to evaluate trade operations and the effectiveness of existing procedures. Despite the temporary closure, the border was limited to processing Jordanians returning from Syria. Historically, the Jaber crossing has been Jordan’s only functional border post with Syria since the Ramtha crossing ceased operations due to the Syrian conflict beginning in 2011.
The Jaber border crossing has played a crucial role in trade between Jordan and Syria, serving as the primary gateway for commercial exchanges. Its status has fluctuated due to the ongoing security situation in Syria, which has led to the temporary closure of key crossings. The reopening of Jaber is significant, as it enables the resumption of trade that had been largely interrupted since early December. Additionally, Jordan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has shown proactive measures, such as Syrian authorities waiving burdensome fees to simplify the trading process, indicating a desire to foster economic relations post-conflict.
The reopening of the Jaber border crossing is a pivotal development for Jordan and Syria, facilitating much-needed trade and movement of goods. Minister Yarub Qudah’s commitment to reviewing and enhancing trade procedures will be essential for optimizing operations at the crossing. As both nations look to stabilize their economic interactions, the resumption of commerce can potentially lead to improved conditions for businesses and communities on both sides of the border.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
