Jordan is setting out its stall as an industrial center in the Middle East, from which companies will have privileged access to export markets and a favorable business climate. To this end, it is increasing the number of new economic zones and industrial parks, following the success of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ). These developments should encourage further investments, thereby creating jobs for Jordan’s growing population and tackling high unemployment in poorer areas. The ASEZ has to a large extent been a flagship for Jordan’s economic development and a model for further economic zones. The zone was launched in 2001 and offers a range of tax and tariff incentives to businesses, as well as a more favorable repatriation and operating regulatory environment. The 375 sq km zone drew in $8 billion worth of investment in its first five years, an amount that officials rather conservatively estimate will increase to
