Aqaba Special Economic Zone
Authority (ASEZA) Chief Commissioner Kamel Mahadin said on
Wednesday that Aqaba, approximately 330km south of Amman, will
become an important economic capital in the region because of
investment incentives which are creating a competitive
environment, attracting capital and major regional projects.
Mahadin made his comments during the second Arab-British
Economic Forum in London.
Furthermore, he praised King Abdullah II's support of the
Aqaba Special Economic Zone, which has turned it into an
integrated economic system that contributes to advancing
economic growth and community development, along with making
fertile ground for the growth of business and investment.
Mahadin also pointed to the king's efforts to protect
Jordan from the risks that beset the region and neighboring
countries, as Jordan endures the "burdens and endurance" while
continuing to be a security - and politically stable - oasis.
He called on friendly countries to support Jordan by
assuming a part of the burden caused by hosting large numbers of
Syrian refugees, a factor which has led to significant pressure
on many sectors, especially education, health and water.
ASEZA's Chief Commissioner highlighted the challenges
facing the kingdom's economy, which require full participation
from the public and private sectors to address those problems
through international campaigns promoting the country's
investment environment, in collaboration with the Aqaba
Development Corporation (ADC), ASEZA's investment arm.
He also said he valued the role being played by the Jordan
Chamber of Commerce and, in particular, the Aqaba Chamber of
Commerce.
Mahadin noted that the Jordanian workforce in ASEZA has
increased from 35% to about 75% since the establishment of the
zone, adding that 50% of the workforce in the logistics sectors
are Jordanians, while 75% of those employed in the tourism
sector are Jordanians.
ASEZA's Commissioner for Economic Development and
Investment Affairs, Sharhabeel Madi, said that tourist traffic
to Aqaba rose by 13% in the first half of this year, accounting
for almost 300,000 tourists of various nationalities.
Madi added that the total capital of companies in Aqaba
since the beginning of this year has exceeded JD2 billion,
indicating the success of Jordan's policy in attracting
companies from all economic sectors.
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