The Middle East

Industry accounts for about one-fifth of GDP and around 90% of exports. Mining, chemicals, and textiles and garments manufacturing are the top segments, but the kingdom is also the largest exporter of pharmaceuticals in the Arab world. Several new free trade agreements –including one with Turkey – are expected to boost export volumes and revenues. More malls are expected to be added to the three...

Average rental and sales prices for residential real estate have remained steady, although there has been a slight drop in the capital’s commercial segment. The construction sector is characterised by a host of large-scale, mixed-use developments. Plans have also been announced for the kingdom’s first solar cooling plant, while multiple water projects are progressing well, offering a range of...

Access to the Red Sea via the expanding port of Aqaba and proximity to emerging markets in the region, like Saudi Arabia and Iraq, has encouraged Jordan to strengthen its transport offerings and enabled it to support several key infrastructure and real estate projects. While fuel costs remain high, a $1.8bn investment programme to boost the road network, in addition to aviation, rail and maritime...

The kingdom is expected to reduce its reliance on energy imports by tapping into domestic oil shale reserves and promoting renewable energy development. The construction of a nuclear power plant and increased use of solar power promise to further help diversify electricity generation in coming years. In addition, discussions are under way to liberalise fuel distribution by removing the set price...

The insurance sector contributed 1.2% of total trade in the first nine months of 2012, down 54% on the same period of 2011, when it stood at 2.6%. While things are looking more positive for the sector in 2013, it nonetheless faces some major challenges, particularly in the dominant motor segment. Regulatory issues have been on insurers’ minds in recent times too, with the industry’s overall...

After the rough and tumble of the last few years, Jordan’s capital markets are now at a potential turning point. Although the Amman Stock Exchange saw four de-listings in 2012, it is still one of the most populous exchanges in the MENA region, with 243 companies listed. The three-tier market structure has been welcomed by investors for providing clarity on the status of companies. New regulations...