Amman, Dec. 17 (Petra) -Zarqa Industrial Estate project, spearheaded by the Jordan Industrial Estates Company (JIEC), is more than 60% complete in its first phase, according to JIEC Director General Omar Juwaid.

The project is expected to be finalized and begin attracting industrial projects by mid-2025.

In a statement, Juwaid said the project as a "cornerstone" of JIEC’s strategic initiatives, aligning with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision (EMV). He emphasized that Zarqa Industrial Estate will be the region's first green industrial city, setting a benchmark for "sustainable" industrial development in Jordan and beyond.

Progress on the project is on schedule, with promotional campaigns already underway to attract industrial investments, he noted, adding that these efforts include government-backed directives to enhance development in central Zarqa governorate by creating hundreds of job opportunities and fostering economic growth in line with the EMV.

To incentivize investments, JIEC’s Board of Directors has approved significant discounts on land prices, offering reductions of 20-40% for the first 100 dunums of developed industrial land.

Juwaid noted that these incentives have already sparked interest, with several investment requests under review.

He also highlighted a promotional event, held in collaboration with the Zarqa Chamber of Industry earlier this year to raise awareness about the project's benefits.

The first phase of the project spans 1,116 dunums out of a total planned area of 2,500 dunums and includes the construction of industrial buildings covering 22,000 square meters at a cost of JD35 million.

The estate is designed to accommodate industries in sectors such as food, chemicals, packaging, and engineering, aiming to attract a diverse range of industrial investments.

Strategically located 30 km east of Zarqa, near Azraq district and just 15 km from the Zarqa Free Zone, the industrial city benefits from proximity to key international routes leading to Iraq, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. This location is expected to make the city a hub for investors, while also encouraging existing industrial projects in the region to transition into its borders to leverage its advantages.

The Zarqa Industrial Estate also boasts access to "abundant" labor and nearby residential areas, making it a "practical and appealing" choice for industrial expansion, the statement pointed out.

JIEC’s promotional efforts for 2024 will continue to focus on attracting investments, further advancing the industrial sector and contributing to regional development.

//Petra// AO

17/12/2024 14:52:01