Ammon News - The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), the Aqaba Development Company, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) inked a technical assistance agreement on Tuesday to help the authority modernize the master plan of the southern coastal city.

The project will be carried out with the support of the Japanese government, in collaboration and coordination with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, through technical assistance provided by JICA to Jordanian institutions and ministries.

The project entails formulating a vision, strategies, plans, and sectoral policies for urban social and economic development, according to Nayf Bakhit, ASEZA's chief commissioner.

He emphasized that this will lead to increased investment opportunities in all development areas, including economic and social aspects, with a focus on land use efficiency.

He added that the project aims to strengthen ASEZA and Aqaba Development Company's urban planning capabilities by incorporating the latest and best international practices, as well as bringing in international expertise, which will result in better procedure management and service delivery in the areas of real estate regulation and development.

Bakhit emphasized that the project is critical to accelerating Aqaba's economic development and improving services for citizens and visitors, applauding JICA's role in providing technical assistance to ASEZA through this project, which is set to begin in August 2022.

Miyahara Chie, JICA's Chief Representative in Jordan, stated that JICA is proud to collaborate with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone and support its long-term growth goals.

She went on to say that Aqaba has shown throughout the years that it can play a bigger role than envisaged, evolving into a significant export/import hub not just for Jordan but also for the region, increasing tourism potential, and serving as a critical location for water and energy security.

She noted that JICA has been active in Jordan's northern region for the past few years, but is now looking forward to expanding its activities in the south, particularly by launching a new partnership with ASEZA, with the hope that this project will become the cornerstone of JICA and the Authority's activities in the years to come.