Clearance companies association calls for easing of goods transport from Syria to Gulf

AMMAN — The Association of Owners of Clearance and Transport Companies has received complaints from traders in Gulf countries about disruption in the transfer of imported goods, especially olive oil, from Syria via Jordan, association President DaifAllah Abu Aqouleh said on Wednesday.

In a press statement, Abu Aqouleh called on concerned authorities to facilitate the transportation of these goods through the Kingdom’s territories to the Gulf countries.

He noted that there was a disruption in the transportation of olive oil via 12 trucks over the Jaber border crossing, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

He added that the trucks were released after being held for two weeks, which caused "significant losses" to merchants as a result of the delay in delivering the goods according to the contracts made for their import.

Abu Aqouleh noted that these procedures cause significant financial burdens for clearance companies and merchants, especially since the goods remain in the custody of customs clearance companies until they leave the Al Omari customs centre.

The association president stressed the importance of facilitating transit trade procedures through Jordanian lands to revive and rescue clearance companies that have suffered during the past years due to the closure of many markets in the region.

He pointed out that the total number of clearance companies actually operating at Jaber customs number 18, out of 218 companies licensed to operate, noting that this is a "great indication" of the decline in the volume of activity at Jaber border crossing.

Abu Aqouleh highlighted that the clearance sector is considered one of the "most important" sectors for the national economy, stressing the need to address the challenges facing clearance companies.