Special Economic Zones in the OIC Region:
Learning from Experience
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Table 5-19 – Aqaba Economic Performance Summary
Economic Performance Indicator Performance Summary
Foreign Direct Investment (USD)
Aqaba has managed to attract a total of $400 million
USD in investment since was established in 2001.
The zone has also attracted projects, primarily within
the hotel and property development sectors, valued in
excess of $8 billion USD.
The Aqaba SEZ was placed 20th in fDi Intelligence
Magazine’s June/July 2012 rankings of Global Free
Zones of the future.
Number of Companies within SEZ
There are currently 300 active companies within the
Aqaba SEZ, of which approximately 70% are Jordanian
and 30% international.
Direct and Indirect Job Creation
There is an objective to create 70,000 direct jobs over
the period to 2025 within the Aqaba SEZ. In 2005 it was
recorded that a total of 10,000 new jobs had been
created within the SEZ.
Export Values ($)
Information for Aqaba SEZ is not available. However, in
2006 it was recorded that the Aqaba Industrial Estate
which falls within the SEZ generated garment exports of
approximately $12 million.
Total Annual Output ($) Information not disclosed
Source: BuroHappold Analysis 2017
It is recorded that the Aqaba SEZ had a significant impact on the local economy growing 25%
faster than trends recorded before its establishment. The SEZ has now developed into a strong
hub for tourism and logistics activities.110
110 United States Agency for International Development (2007) Review of Free Zone and Industrial Estate Policy and Practice
in Jordan: Implications for Local Development.