Aqaba, Jan. 18 (Petra) -- The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) on Sunday held a consultative workshop to discuss the launch of the Center for Sustainable Blue Economy Innovation (CSBEI), to be established in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Jordan and with support from the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR).

ASEZA Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety Nidal Ouran said the blue economy provides a practical framework for integrating marine protection into Aqaba’s economic development, citing policy approaches aimed at sustaining marine resources, strengthening long-term competitiveness, and aligning with the Economic Modernization Vision.

The workshop brought together official, national, and international entities, along with specialized experts, as part of efforts to support the Economic Modernization Vision and position Aqaba as a regional hub for the blue economy.

Participants discussed the Center’s future role in advancing the blue economy in Aqaba by promoting innovation across marine sectors, catalyzing sustainable investment, and building effective public-private partnerships that support local development and job creation, while strengthening national and international cooperation.

Program Management Officer at the UNDP Economy Division, Luc Reuter, said the blue economy is one of the key pathways supporting the Economic Modernization Vision, aligning public policy with innovation and investment and enabling coastal cities such as Aqaba to sustainably leverage marine resources in ways that stimulate growth and create quality jobs.

The workshop also featured technical presentations on the role of the Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reefs program in supporting nature-based solutions, enhancing the resilience of marine ecosystems, and stimulating sustainable investments linked to the blue economy.

The workshop concluded with findings reflecting consensus on the need to develop a clear operational model for the center focused on catalyzing sustainable investment, empowering national competencies, and strengthening Aqaba’s role as a regional connector for blue economy expertise and initiatives, supporting growth based on the responsible use of marine resources.

//Petra// AO

18/01/2026 18:53:02