Dr. Tareq Ali Abu Ghazaleh, Minister of Investment, held a discussion session with a number of investors from various sectors at Beit Al-Sharif Hussein bin Ali in Aqaba Governorate, in the presence of Eng. Shadi Al-Majali, Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, alongside several officials and investors. The session aimed to discuss the challenges facing investment and ways to address them, contributing to increasing investment rates in the Kingdom in general and in Aqaba in particular.

The session also reviewed the key advantages of Aqaba as an investment destination and the government incentives offered.

During the session, Dr. Abu Ghazaleh affirmed that the government pays special attention to local investments, especially the local investor, considering them a fundamental pillar in supporting the national economy and providing job opportunities.

He pointed out that the ministry seeks to open direct communication channels with investors to ensure listening to their feedback and developing practical solutions that guarantee a sustainable, attractive, and competitive business environment.

He added that Aqaba enjoys competitive advantages that have made it a leading investment environment, reflecting investors’ confidence in the Jordanian business environment. He explained that the tax and legislative incentives provided by the Special Economic Zone enhance Aqaba’s attractiveness, including an income tax not exceeding 5% on net corporate profits, full exemption from customs duties, no sales tax on the final consumption of goods and services, special incentives for companies operating in logistics centers, and flexible customs procedures facilitating trade and investment movement.

The minister indicated that Aqaba includes promising investment sectors that represent strategic growth opportunities, foremost among them the industrial sector, the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, the tourism sector which enhances Aqaba’s status as a global destination, and the logistics services sector that reinforces its role as a regional center and a main artery for trade and investment in the region.

He confirmed that Aqaba is a comprehensive economic center capable of attracting quality investments and creating success stories reflecting the Kingdom’s ability to compete regionally and globally.

For his part, Nawaf Naimat, General Manager of the Phosphate Company, said that Aqaba today represents an exceptional investment opportunity thanks to its advanced infrastructure and attractive incentives. He added: “We, as investors, see Aqaba as an ideal environment to expand our businesses and strengthen our partnerships, and we trust that our investments there will contribute to consolidating its position as a regional economic center.”

The Minister of Investment concluded the session by emphasizing that investment is the main driver of economic growth in the Kingdom, as it supports all other sectors, creates new job opportunities, and contributes to achieving sustainable development across various governorates.

He stressed that Aqaba, with its strategic location and exceptional incentives, will remain at the heart of the national development process.