The Middle East

The arrival of the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment from Qatar at Aqaba Port in May 2015 signalled a major step forward for Jordan’s energy sector, while also putting the country’s plans for developing transport infrastructure firmly in the spotlight. The heightened activity at Aqaba has underscored the need to boost connectivity...

Hopes are high for the transport sector in Jordan, as a range of initiatives will soon come to fruition. The prime minister announced that 2015 would be “the year of the transport sector”, and signs point to greater prioritisation of the industry.

In recent years, Aqaba’s port complex has been undergoing major redevelopment and expansion. At the same time, as Jordan’s sole seaport and main import-export funnel, Aqaba has been responding to the challenges posed by regional security issues, while remaining a major charger for the kingdom’s economic growth. Indeed, the most recent...

New corporate governance rules enacted in late 2014 should support stability and transparency in Jordan’s banking industry as well as enhance its activities and relationships in the international arena. The regulations set new standards in critical policy areas, including the structure of boards of directors, family ownership, auditing,...