The Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) on Sunday celebrated its 90th anniversary with a special ceremony attended by His Majesty King Abdullah.

King Abdullah honoured former presidents and members of the ACC for their contributions to the Kingdom’s economy.

During the event, representatives of the commercial sector recounted the Chamber’s achievements since its establishment by 40 Amman merchants in 1923.

ACC President Riad Saifi said over 44,000 firms and business establishments are currently registered at the chamber, with a capital of around JD44 billion. The ACC has played an important role in developing Jordan’s economy by promoting the investment and business environment in the Kingdom, Saifi noted.

Representing former ACC presidents, Jordanian Businessmen Association Chairman Hamdi Tabbaa said the Chamber was among the first in the Arab world and in its early days included members from various Arab countries.

Industry and Trade Minister Hatem Halawani spoke about the economic achievements in Jordan over the past decade, saying that the gross domestic product increased from JD6 billion in 2000 to JD22 billion in 2012. Halawani indicated that Jordanian exports went up to over JD5 billion last year from JD1.1 billion in 2000.