ASEZA, JICA sign technical cooperation agreement for updating ASEZ Master Plan

AMMAN — With the support of the Government of Japan, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed an agreement for the Technical Cooperation Project including the provision of support to ASEZA for updating the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) Master Plan.

This project comes as a part of the outputs of Aqaba Executive Strategic Plan, and aims to conduct a comprehensive review and update the 2001-2020 ASEZ Master Plan reflecting vision for ASEZ and ADC in organising and developing strategy, land use, infrastructure and services in line with the expected changes in the next 20 years, especially that the 2001-2020 Master Plan needs to be updated to cope up with the new needs of ASEZ and the changes that have taken place in the recent years in all sectors, according to a JICA statement.

The project includes developing the vision and strategies, regional schematic plans, sector policies considering the framework for urban socio-economic growth.

This would lead to boosting investment opportunities in all development sectors including the economic and social dimensions with focus on the optimal use of land, said the statement.

In addition, the project is expected to pave the way and put the general framework for turning Aqaba into a smart city.

The project also aims at capacity development of ASEZA and ADC in the area of urban planning based on the recent and best practices worldwide, and aims to bring in international expertise in this field, which will be reflected positively on a better governance of procedures, simplifying the provision of services in the areas of regulating and development of real estate.

Nayef Bakheet, Chief Commissioner of ASEZA, emphasised that this project is considered a pivotal project and cornerstone in accelerating the economic development in ASEZ and enhancing the level of services provided to citizens and visitors to the service and recreational facilities. 

He also valued the role by JICA in providing technical cooperation to ASEZA through this project, which is expected to commence in August 2022.

Chie Miyahara, Chief Representative of JICA Jordan Office, said that JICA is honoured to work with ASEZA, and to support its development plan for the next 20 years as Aqaba throughout the past decades proved being able to play greater role than what anyone have expected, turning itself into a major exporting/importing hub not only for Jordan but also for the region, developing tourism potential, and being a strategic place for water/energy security. 

JICA has been very active in the northern part of Jordan for the past few years, but is looking forward to expanding its activities in the south as well, especially starting a new cooperation with ASEZA, read the statement.

She expressed her hope that this project will be a cornerstone for JICA-ASEZA future activities in years to come.