The Middle East Economy

While most business activity is still concentrated in and around Amman, as Jordan’s only seaport city, Aqaba plays an important role in the economy. Since the decision to turn the coastal port city and its surroundings into a special economic zone was announced in 2001, its significance as an economic base and tourist destination has grown....

Macroeconomic growth hit a 25-year low in 2016 as ongoing regional volatility continued to constrain trade, exports and investment. The Syrian refugee crisis has exacerbated existing pressures on fiscal stability and social infrastructure, while public debt has been on an upward trend as the government attempts to cover the costs associated...

The Port of Aqaba has long provided a gateway not only to Jordan but also to the wider region. Recent times have seen the port undergo a number of major modernisation and expansion schemes, with new facilities and more efficient systems now in place.

Private investment is an increasingly important part of the government’s development plans as public spending in some areas is reined in amid challenging internal and external conditions. To facilitate this, Jordan is undertaking measures to make its business environment more attractive to private sector players, and is therefore keeping a...