Aqaba Strengthens Its Position as a Regional Gateway for Investment and Growth
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), with support from the Economic Reform Activity (ERA), funded by the US Embassy in Amman, developing a comprehensive investment strategy to strengthen Aqaba as a regional hub for trade, investment, tourism, and industrial growth.
The initiative directly supports Jordan’s broader economic modernization priorities by improving investment attraction, investor outreach, and aftercare mechanisms across priority sectors. Building on previous analytical work and institutional strategies, the process aims to support a more coordinated, competitive, and investor-oriented framework that can drive sustainable private sector growth and long-term economic development in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone.
Strengthening Aqaba’s Competitiveness and Investment Readiness
The strategy development process focuses on enhancing the Zone’s ability to attract and retain high-value investments across key sectors, including logistics, tourism, manufacturing, ICT, and real estate. By consolidating existing research and aligning investment promotion efforts with international best practices, the initiative supports ASEZA and ADC in strengthening Aqaba’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
As part of the ERA-supported assignment, PMCG’s technical team conducted extensive stakeholder consultations and field meetings with representatives from both the public and private sectors. Discussions explored investment opportunities, operational challenges, infrastructure needs, export potential, workforce considerations, and opportunities for sector diversification.
Meetings were held with major investors, industrial operators, logistics companies, tourism and hospitality representatives, digital infrastructure stakeholders, and government institutions. These consultations provided practical insights into the factors that influence investor confidence and long-term business expansion in the Zone.
Stakeholder Consultations Highlight Key Growth Opportunities
The stakeholder engagement process also examined ways to strengthen investor facilitation services, improve logistics and connectivity, and enhance Aqaba’s value proposition for international investors.
Discussions highlighted the importance of efficient customs procedures, reliable infrastructure, competitive operating conditions, and targeted investment promotion efforts. Stakeholders also emphasized Aqaba’s growing role as a regional gateway supporting trade, manufacturing, tourism, and digital connectivity across the region.
The strategy development process includes competitiveness analysis, investor targeting frameworks, outreach planning, and implementation mechanisms supported by measurable performance indicators. Once finalized, the strategy and implementation roadmap are expected to provide ASEZA and ADC with practical tools to strengthen investment attraction, improve investor retention, and support evidence-based economic development.
PMCG is providing technical assistance for this assignment as a subcontractor to the Economic Reform Activity, funded by the US Embassy in Amman, contributing analytical, stakeholder engagement, and strategy development support to ASEZA and ADC’s efforts to strengthen Aqaba’s investment competitiveness and long-term growth.
