AMMAN — The Investment Ministry and the Agriculture Ministry on Monday signed a main developer agreement for the Agricultural and Development Industries Complex in Ghor Al Mazraa and Al Hadeetha in Karak Governorate.
The agreement follows a Cabinet decision designating the area as a development zone and assigning the Agriculture Ministry as its main developer.
It was signed by Investment Minister Tareq Abu Ghazaleh and Agriculture Minister Saeb Khreisat, in the presence of representatives from relevant government agencies, according to a statement from the Investment Ministry.
Abu Ghazaleh said the project represents a model of intergovernmental cooperation aimed at supporting Jordan’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
Once operational, he said, the complex is expected to create more than 300 direct jobs and benefit around 5,000 farmers, transporters and workers, contributing to local economic development in Karak.
Khreisat said the ministry will begin implementing infrastructure works in stages over three years starting in 2026, to provide essential services and establish technical and administrative teams on-site.
He added that the complex will help absorb surplus agricultural production and enhance value chains for national products through modern food processing technologies.
The initiative, he noted, is expected to reduce import costs, boost exports, and strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both agriculture and industry.
Khreisat also stressed that the project will promote contract farming and reduce agricultural waste, ensuring fair and sustainable returns for farmers while improving productivity across the supply chain.
The complex, which spans 130 dunums, currently hosts two investments under development in juice, concentrate, and fruit and vegetable processing. A new project is also under construction to produce frozen potato products.
Future plans include expanding infrastructure and services to create an attractive, sustainable investment environment.
Launched in 2021 as part of the Royal Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV), the project aims to enhance national food security and encourage investment in agricultural manufacturing, contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Investors in the zone will benefit from incentives under the Investment Environment Law and Cabinet-approved support measures, including subsidised electricity for small and medium industries, inclusion in the Labour Ministry’s "productive branches" programme, local labour support, and assistance with export container handling costs through the Aqaba Port.