Doha: The Qatari market's imports of Jordanian dates during the first half of this year recorded a noticeable increase of 14.2 percent compared to the same period in 2023. According to recent trade data published by the official website of the Qatar Planning and Statistics Authority on Thursday, the volume of Qatar's imports of Jordanian dates, from the beginning of this year until the end of June, amounted to about 70 tons, up from 60 tons during the corresponding period in 2023. Date merchants and owners of import and export companies in Qatar noted that this increase reflects the positive economic and trade cooperation growth between the two countries and the ongoing efforts to enhance this cooperation in various fields. They confirmed that Jordanian dates are today classified among the finest and best dates imported by Qatar, whether from Arab or foreign countries, explaining that Jordanian Medjool dates attract a wide segment of consumers with exquisite taste and a preference for distinct dates. Qata r imports all types of wet and dry Jordanian dates, but the Medjool variety is the most prominent, followed by Barhi. Jordanian dates are distinguished by their high competitiveness in terms of quality and prices, and their compliance with quality and food safety standards between Qatar and Jordan. This makes them a favorite among a wide segment of consumers in the Qatari market compared to many types that Qatar imports from abroad. Dates are considered a strategic agricultural product in Jordan, with production and export rates witnessing a growing annual increase. The markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are among the most prominent foreign destinations for Jordan's date production. Source: Jordan News Agency