Ensour calls for enabling Aqaba authority to develop zone

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Sunday underlined the need to launch anew the Aqaba Special Economic Zone to make it a substantial contributor to the national economy.

Ensour made his remarks while chairing a Cabinet meeting during which ministers listened to a briefing by Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Chief Commissioner Hani Mulki.

The premier called for more follow-up on achievements realised at the zone, which he noted is currently suffering shortcomings.

“Aqaba needs the reactivation and revival of ideas to develop further,” he said, calling for more cooperation between ministries and ASEZA to address challenges facing the port city.

The premier noted that the “unjustified” work stoppages observed this year have caused millions of dinars in losses in Aqaba as the work volume at the port declined by around 21 and 22 per cent.

He urged employees and those working at the port to take care of their source of income and not to jeopardise it for the sake of those with personal and political agendas.

Ensour noted that the government will not permit any meddling in the management of the zone, especially as “past interventions by some” have caused losses worth millions of dinars at the expense of the Treasury and work opportunities.

The prime minister called on local institutions, including public and private companies, as well as security apparatuses and the Aqaba governor, to rally their efforts in support of ASEZA.

On the other hand, the premier said the government has been working to prevent smuggling attempts from Aqaba via the Wadi Araba road and the hills surrounding Aqaba Governorate, 330km south of Amman. 

He stressed the need to re-examine the relationship between the Jordan Customs Department and ASEZA to best serve the interests of the country.

He cited fraud cases in Aqaba that caused JD12 million in losses and the need to follow up on these cases as soon as possible.

During the session, Mulki presented a briefing on the course of work at the zone, and the impact of labour protests on operational expenses and production.

He noted that Aqaba does not need a new vision, but new strategies and plans to improve the quality of work.

Tourism investments in Aqaba between 2005 and 2014 stood at around JD14.6 billion, while hotel occupancy rate increased slightly this year compared to 2013, reaching 42.54 per cent, Mulki said.