By : Daoud Kuttab and Laith Habash
Jordan Daily – Jordanian businessman Ghosoub Kawar expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of the late Tawfiq Amin Kawar, noting that “words fail to express all that this man did to serve Jordan, whether in supporting maritime navigation, developing tourism, or creating real job opportunities in various economic sectors.” Tawfiq Amin Kawar was born in Nazareth in 1927 and passed away in Amman on May 23rd, 2025.
Ghosoub Kawar added, “It is enough to see the large crowd that came to offer condolences. “It was as if a quarter of Jordan had gathered to bid farewell to this great man. Delegations flocked from all over the Kingdom, led by prominent figures, including current Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan and former prime ministers such as Abdullah Ensour, Abdul Karim Kabariti, and Samir Rifai, along with dozens of national, political, and economic figures who expressed their love and loyalty to a man who gave so much.”
Ghasoub Kawar recalled the late Tawfiq Kawar’s achievements, saying they are too numerous to enumerate, but some can be cited as examples:
He contributed to breaking the economic blockade imposed on Iraq.
He succeeded in convincing the Japanese government to establish a floating port to support shipping operations.
He supported the establishment of Jordanian shipping companies, believing in the necessity of an independent Jordanian shipping line.
He founded the Jordanian Shipping Association.
He was one of the first developers and supporters of the Port of Aqaba.
He played a pivotal role in converting the phosphate export route from land transport to shipping directly through Aqaba instead of Beirut.
He took courageous positions in his dealings with the former Soviet Union.
He was active in the field of tourism and investment there.
He was a prominent member of the Rotary Club of Jordan for more than fifty years.
Jordan’s Ambassador to Washington, Dina Kawar, expressed her sorrow over the loss. She told Milhilard.org: “Jordan has lost a figure renowned for his achievements and accomplishments. The late Tawfiq Kawar was an economic figure who contributed with great efficiency to the renaissance of the national economy. His tireless efforts had a profound impact on achieving remarkable successes that are widely acknowledged… His intellectual and professional legacy will remain a beacon.”
Ambassador Kawar continued: “The deceased had close ties with the outside world, which earned him an international standing that transcended the borders of the nation. He was an honorary consul for Denmark, which has always praised his economic contributions and his prominent role in strengthening Jordanian-Danish relations. With his great name, high morals, and remarkable achievements, Tawfiq Kawar will remain present in our memories, and his role in the economic renaissance will not be forgotten.”
“Milhilard.org” obtained information from the office of Rudin Kawar, son of the late Tawfiq Amin Kawar, highlighting key aspects of his father’s life and his contributions to building the national economy.
Tawfiq is the eldest son of the late Amin Kamel Kawar, considered the person who discovered phosphate in Jordan. His father graduated from the American University of Beirut with a degree in pharmacy and later established the first pharmacy in Amman, called “Emirate Pharmacy.” In 1935, his passion for geology led him to discover phosphate in the Russeifa area, which later contributed to the establishment of the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, a fundamental pillar of the Jordanian economy.
Tawfiq, who grew up in this pioneering household, played a pivotal role in the transition from discovering resources to transporting and exporting them worldwide. He was responsible for exporting phosphates in the early days of JPMC and leveraged his position to build a broad network of relationships with international shipping agencies. This paved the way for the establishment of Amin Kawar & Sons in 1955.
This company, which initially provided shipping, insurance, and tourism services, later expanded into a major business group covering multiple sectors, such as:
Marine shipping and logistics, global trade, tourism and travel, information technology, energy, infrastructure, health insurance, real estate, and industrial investments.
Thanks to the expansionist vision that began with Tawfiq, the new generation of the family continued to build the economic empire, until the group became Today, Kawar is one of the most important economic groups in Jordan and the region.
Royal and International Honors for the Silent Statesman
Tawfiq Kawar was not one to seek the limelight, but his significant achievements and distinguished professional reputation made him a respected figure among institutions and countries. Throughout his career, he was awarded several local and international honors in recognition of his prominent role in supporting the Jordanian economy and strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a maritime and commercial center in the region.
Among the most notable of these honors are:
The Jordanian Order of Independence, Second Class, was awarded by King Hussein bin Talal in February 1995, in recognition of his role in supporting national trade and strengthening the role of the private sector.
The Order of Al Hussein for Distinguished Contributions, First Class, one of the highest royal honors, which he received in September 2005 for his continuous efforts in the fields of investment, maritime shipping, and logistics services. The Order of Honour, Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), from the United Kingdom, in recognition of his contributions to the development of Jordanian-British economic relations.
The Knight of the Order of the First Class, from the Kingdom of Denmark, awarded by King Frederik IX in 1980, and later promoted to Commander of the Order of Dannebrog in November 2007, by decree of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II.
The Order of Independence, Second Class, from the Arab Republic of Egypt, was awarded in 1985 for his role in coordinating trade exchanges between Jordan and the countries of the region.
Source: Milhilard.org
