Aqaba
From The Report: Jordan 2018
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While most business activity in Jordan is still concentrated in and around Amman, as the only sea¬port city in Jordan, Aqaba plays an important role in the country’s economy. Since the decision to turn the coastal port city and its surroundings into a special economic zone was announced in 2001, it has grown in significance as an economic base and a tourist destination. Aqaba borders both Israel and Saudi Arabia, 360 km to the south of Amman on the Red Sea’s north-eastern tip, and extends to the territorial waters of Egypt. The city has a long tradition of being a regional centre for trade going back to 4000 BCE, with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) serving as the catalyst for recent large-scale expansion. This chapter contains an interview with Nasser Shraideh, Chief Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

The growing coastal city continues to attract investment: Forward momentum
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While most business activity is still concentrated in and around Amman, as Jordan’s only seaport city, Aqaba plays an important role in the economy. Since the decision to turn the coastal port city and its surroundings into a special economic zone was announced in 2001, its significance as an economic base and tourist destination has grown. Aqaba borders both Israel and Saudi Arabia, 360 km to the south of Amman on the Red Sea’s north-eastern tip, and extends to the territorial waters of Egypt.…

Analysis

Port upgrades and expansion programmes for related facilities: are set to support growth All hands on deck
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The Port of Aqaba has long provided a gateway not only to Jordan but also to the wider region. Recent times have seen the port undergo a number of major modernisation and expansion schemes, with new facilities and more efficient systems now in place. However, despite the upgrades, there is still room to streamline procedures and reduce bottlenecks. A lack of space is also a challenge, with plans for a dry port welcomed but the exact location remaining a subject of some debate. But perhaps the defining…

Interview

Unlocking potential: Nasser Shraideh, Chief Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, on transforming Aqaba into a leading investment and tourism destination
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Interview:Nasser Shraideh What areas are being targeted to maximise Aqaba’s strategic location and meet future demand? NASSER SHRAIDEH: It is high time for Jordan to solidify its efforts and fulfil promises by bringing in high value-added investments to strengthen the backbone of the economy. Jordan needs to emerge as a competitive and dynamic logistics hub, and Aqaba can be the figurehead of this strategy, as much effort has been put into building competitive infrastructure and a wide…