Amman: Minister of Investment Tariq Abu Ghazaleh engaged in a comprehensive dialogue with 11 developers responsible for development zones, free zones, and industrial estates, focusing on future work plans and improving Jordan's business climate. These zones are deemed essential to the national economic framework.
According to Jordan News Agency, Minister Abu Ghazaleh emphasized the Ministry of Investment's commitment to enhancing the investor experience and maintaining open communication channels with the administrations of development and free zones. He highlighted the ministry's regulatory and supervisory role in ensuring effective management and service quality within these zones.
Minister Abu Ghazaleh stated that the ministry's efforts align with a strategic vision to position Jordan as a competitive investment destination both regionally and internationally. This initiative aims to reinforce Jordan's standing as a hub for attracting investments across various sectors. He also noted the presence of 20 development zones and 6 public free zones throughout the country, which benefit from incentives and exemptions, thus driving economic growth and job creation.
The minister reported that these zones currently host investments amounting to approximately JD5.7 billion and house 964 registered companies, which benefit from developmental incentives and facilities. These enterprises contribute significantly to job creation for Jordanians, promoting balanced development across the governorates.
The zones' significance extends beyond attracting investments; they also play a pivotal role in local economic development by enhancing production, distributing development gains more equitably, encouraging exports, and boosting transit trade. This makes them instrumental in achieving comprehensive and sustainable growth.
Minister Abu Ghazaleh mentioned that the government has approved incentive packages to support governorates and increase occupancy in these zones, thereby enhancing investment returns and Jordan's ability to attract quality investments. He highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline investment procedures from registration to operation, in line with the Economic Modernization Vision, to bolster Jordan's competitiveness on regional and international fronts.
He concluded by underscoring the importance of developers as key partners in the development process, urging them to develop clear promotion and improvement plans, ensure sustainable infrastructure and services, and meet investor needs, thus enhancing their contribution to local communities and the national economy.