The Jordan Economic Forum held a dialogue session on Saturday to discuss pathways for development and modernisation in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA).The session was attended by Forum President Mazen Hmoud and Chief Commissioner of the ASEZA Shadi Majali, along with members of the forum’s board and general assembly, according to Al Mamalaka TV.Hmoud said that Aqaba remains a “strategic” driver of Jordan’s economic growth, noting the renewed development momentum in the coastal city and the close attention it receives from His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein.He stressed that public-private partnership is key to maximising Aqaba’s economic potential.Majali said that Aqaba will mark 25 years as a special economic zone in three months, having undergone major transformations.He noted that the city’s population grew from about 50,000 to more than 220,000, while hotel capacity increased from 2,000 to around 6,500 rooms, accounting for 20 per cent of Jordan’s total.He explained that Aqaba’s sustainability depends on balancing three pillars, tourism, trade and logistics, and the local community, warning that imbalance would affect overall performance.He added that around 75 per cent of Jordan’s imports and exports pass through Aqaba’s ports, which handle about 4,000 trucks daily and can receive up to 30 vessels at the same time.Majali highlighted three major national projects centred in Aqaba, the National Water Carrier Project to desalinate 300 million cubic metres annually, a railway linking mines and industrial zones to Aqaba’s ports, including a dedicated potash line, and green hydrogen projects, with one agreement expected to be signed in the coming months.He also pointed to ongoing and upcoming investments, including the Marsa Zayed “Riviera Heights” project, redevelopment of the cruise terminal, completion of the first phase of a Formula 1 racing circuit by mid-2026, establishment of an aircraft museum near the airport, and expansion of sports, recreational, and community facilities.Majali said that Aqaba operates under the Economic Modernisation Vision, which includes 29 targets and nearly 190 projects, with 54 additional projects recently approved.He added that the airport will undergo a comprehensive upgrade ahead of being operated by an international company.The session concluded with an open discussion on challenges and opportunities facing Aqaba, stressing the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between the public and private sectors to support sustainable development. (ICE AMMAN)

Fonte notizia: jordan times