Food traders plan to sue ACT, ASEZA over shipment handling delays

AMMAN — The Foodstuff Traders Association (FTA) is planning to file a lawsuit against the Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) for “delays in handling shipments that cause major losses for merchants”.

“Delays in handling and clearing containers have caused major damages to traders and we will sue both of these entities for the losses,” FTA President Khalil Haj Tawfiq told The Jordan Times over the phone on Monday.

“Because of the delays, some of the imported food items are already spoiled. The delay also increased the volume of fees traders have to pay,” Haj Tawfiq said.

“We are in the process of assessing the volume of damage traders incurred.”

Last week, ASEZA officials told The Jordan Times that there are no delays, but the terminal is experiencing increased pressure due to the closure of Syria’s Latakia Port.

Earlier this week, ASEZA Chief Commissioner Hani Mulki said there are some obstacles at the terminal due to the increased load beyond its capacity, Al Rai reported.

Mulki was quoted as saying that the rise in exports and imports and the closure of land borders adds to the pressure.

On Monday, the Aqaba Development Corporation’s board of directors, chaired by Mulki, decided to allocate 700 extra dunums to increase the capacity of ACT as part of a decision to refer “important” projects to local contractors for implementation.

The extra space will facilitate the handling and cold storage of containers and reduce their waiting period, according to Petra.