ASEZA chief, Bulgaria delegation discuss investment opportunities in Aqaba

AMMAN — Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Chief Commissioner Nayef Al Fayez and a Bulgarian delegation on Sunday discussed investment opportunities in Aqaba.

Fayez said that Jordan is known for having industrial zones that provide great investment facilities and "unique" tourist destinations at the global level, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The Bulgarian delegation, which included businesswomen from the Bulgarian international business club, is on a working visit to Jordan to become familiar with the possibilities of cooperation and opportunities to invest in administrative, economic, tourism and women's empowerment issues in Jordan. 

The visit was organised by the club, the Sofia-based Bulgarian-Jordanian Chamber for Economic Cooperation (BJCEC) and AdDustour Arabic daily.

Fayez said that Aqaba, in particular, and the “Golden Triangle” (Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Petra), in general, offer "distinguished" tourist products, and provide commercial and economic investment opportunities that can attract investors from across the world.

He noted that the ASEZA provides substantial facilities to local and foreign investors, noting that investment in Jordan is open and enjoys privileges, most notably the low tax rate of only 5 per cent, as well as the geographical location of Aqaba, which connects several countries and makes it an important centre for imports and exports through its ports.

Fayez noted that the Aqaba seashore extends over 27 kilometres, 7 of which serve as a marine reserve, which is part of the authority's environmental preservation commitment. 

Honorary Consul in Bulgaria and Head of the BJCEC Hassan Barmawi said that Jordan is known for its positive global reputation, adding that thousands of Bulgarian tourists visit Jordan annually.

Meanwhile, head of the delegation said that this is the first Bulgarian delegation to arrive in Jordan, represented by 40 women of various sectors, noting that the visit would lead to cooperation between the two countries in economic, commercial and tourism fields.

Also, the delegates met with Jordanian businesswomen at the Princess Basma Centre for Social Development about issues related to women's empowerment and the possibility of providing investment opportunities for the Jordanian and Bulgarian sides. 

The delegation was briefed on the experience of Jordanian women in various areas of business.