Aqaba: Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Shadi Majali met with Japan's Ambassador to Jordan Hideki Asari to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and develop promising investment opportunities in the economic and tourism sectors, artificial intelligence and advanced skills projects, and the reinforcement of digital infrastructure.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting was attended by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) representative Morihata Shingo and the agency's team in Jordan. Majali emphasized the long-standing relationship between Jordan and Japan and stressed the importance of leveraging these ties to benefit both nations.
Majali commended JICA for its critical role in supporting the update of Aqaba's 2040 comprehensive urban masterplan and preparing the smart-city masterplan. He also highlighted JICA's contributions to the development of the "ASK AQABA" smart assistant system, which uses artificial intelligence to enhance user experience in tourism and investment services.
Majali further elaborated on the incentives and advantages offered by ASEZA to attract investors and businesspeople. He pointed out Aqaba's secure and attractive business environment, the potential for Japanese investments, its strategic geographical position linking continents, and Jordan's free-trade agreements that position Aqaba as a vital export gateway and trade route in the region.
Ambassador Asari expressed appreciation for the unique status of ASEZA and indicated Japan's interest in exploring available opportunities. He emphasized strengthening future cooperation in artificial intelligence, green industries, and alternative energy to transform Aqaba into a smart city, thus elevating bilateral economic relations.