Comprehensive incentives introduced for Al Rawdah Industrial City in Ma'an, with land incentives in Madaba, Al Salt, and Tafilah extended for an additional three years
Amman – Minister of Investment Dr. Tareq Abu Ghazaleh affirmed that the Cabinet's recent decisions concerning industrial cities reflect the Government's approach to directing investment towards the governorates and linking it to tangible outcomes that benefit citizens through job creation, increased economic activity, and enhanced local development.
Speaking during a live interview on Jordan Television, Dr. Abu Ghazaleh said that extending the investment incentives in the industrial cities of Madaba, Al Salt, and Tafilah for an additional three years aims to enable serious investment projects to complete implementation and move into the production phase. He noted that eligibility for these incentives is contingent upon actual project implementation, the employment of Jordanian workers, and the achievement of industrial value added, ensuring that government support is directed towards genuine, productive investments.
He added that these incentives were originally introduced to encourage investment in the three industrial cities. Their extension follows field assessments which revealed delays in the implementation of certain projects due to market conditions, regional crises, and other challenges. The decision will provide committed investors with additional time to complete their projects and commence production, while ensuring the efficient utilization of industrial land and creating opportunities for new investments.
Dr. Abu Ghazaleh pointed out that, by the end of June, the three industrial cities had attracted 105 companies with investments exceeding JOD 162 million, generating more than 3,400 jobs. He stressed that the impact of investment extends beyond direct employment within factories to include supporting industries and related economic sectors.
Regarding Al Rawdah Industrial City in Ma'an, Dr. Abu Ghazaleh explained that the newly approved incentive package is a direct implementation of the directives issued by Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan following his visit to the governorate, where he assessed the city's conditions and the needs of investors and local residents.
He added that the Ministry of Investment worked, in coordination and partnership with the relevant stakeholders, to translate these directives into a comprehensive package addressing the key costs associated with industrial investment, including energy, land, employment, and exports.
The package includes support for electricity costs for industrial projects over a five-year period, covering 75% of electricity costs during the first two years of operation, 50% during the following two years, and 25% during the fifth year.
It also provides support for the employment of local labor for three years through contributions towards wages, social security subscriptions, and transportation allowances. In addition, the package covers 50% of the cost of handling export containers through the Port of Aqaba for three years, reducing production and export costs while enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian products.
The incentives also include reducing the price of industrial land from JOD 15 to JOD 7.5 per square meter for plots exceeding 20 dunums, within a maximum total area of 120 dunums. This measure will enable investors to allocate a greater proportion of their capital towards factory construction, equipment acquisition, and the commencement of production.
Dr. Abu Ghazaleh explained that benefiting from the incentives offered in Al Rawdah Industrial City is subject to conditions that ensure the seriousness of investments, including commencing operations within the specified timeframe, achieving a minimum local value added of 30%, and employing residents of the governorate in accordance with the minimum employment requirements for each project.
He concluded by emphasizing that the Ministry of Investment views industrial cities as development hubs that create opportunities for local communities and contribute to the stability and prosperity of the governorates. He stressed that the success of these decisions will ultimately be measured by the number of factories entering production, the jobs they create, and their positive impact on the lives of citizens.