U.S.-Middle East Free Trade Area - US Department of State

U.S.-Middle East Free Trade Area

U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement Spurs Jordan's Economic Growth

Three years after signing a bilateral free trade agreement with the United States, Jordan has seen its exports to the United States grow nearly 5000 percent...The U.S.-Jordanian agreement builds upon a successful foundation established in the creation of Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZs). These zones have created more than 40,000 new jobs in Jordan, many of them for women. The free trade agreement expands upon the success of the QIZs, with an aim to phase out virtually all tariffs on industrial and agricultural goods over a 10-year period. (complete text)

Libya Lays Out Welcome Mat for U.S. Trade and Investment

The Libyan government is courting U.S. businesses to open trade and investment links as the country works to rejoin the international community. "Many companies from around the world are arriving in Libya now. The Libyan government does not want U.S. businesses to lose a good opportunity," Libya Economy, Trade and Investment Minister Ali Al-Esawi tells a group of U.S. businessmen in Washington. (complete text)

New Trade Centers Fuel Gulf Economy, U.S. Officials Say

New, fast-growing Gulf trade and financial centers attract foreign investment, stimulate regional development and can serve as models of diversified, open economies, U.S. officials say. Addressing the American Business Group of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Under Secretary of Commerce Frank Levin says the United Arab Emirates has become a vibrant business hub, “one of the best business platforms in the world and one of the most inviting environments” with which to work. (complete text)

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Fact Sheet: Middle East Free Trade Area Initiative [PDF 611KB]