Aqaba, Feb 19 (Petra) – Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Nayef Fayez received on Wednesday the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Jordan, Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas.
The meeting covered strengthening cooperation between the ASEZA and the EU.
Fayez praised the EU clear vision regarding the situation in the region, highlighting the high-level cooperation between Jordan and the EU, a relationship initiated by His Majesty King Abdullah II to foster joint efforts with the EU.
He noted that the partnership between the two sides strengthens priority areas aligned with Jordan’s national strategies, which have been applied in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. These efforts aim to achieve shared goals such as economic, social, and political inclusion for underserved groups, including youth and women, as well as reforms in economic policies, social protection, education, human rights, the rule of law, green growth, and sustainable water resource management.
Fayez emphasized the flexibility of Jordan’s approach to achieving its goals, particularly through “Jordan 2025: Vision and National Strategy,” a ten-year plan designed to improve citizens’ welfare and essential services, enhance sustainable economic stability, foster inclusive green digital growth based on knowledge, and promote good governance, democratic reforms, and respect for human rights.
For his part, the EU Ambassador highlighted the importance of enhancing private-sector investment, as outlined in the new comprehensive strategic partnership document. He also spoke about the EU’s financial support package, which includes up to 3 billion euros. A key part of this support is a highly concessional loan of 1 billion euros with a long repayment period, enabling Jordan to better manage its financial constraints and stimulate structural and fiscal reforms.
The Ambassador further elaborated on the EU’s commitment to providing 600 million euros in grants, including budget support, which will help Jordan manage external challenges and continue its modernization efforts. He also praised the trade agreement between the two sides, which allows Jordanian industries and producers to export to the EU without quotas or tariffs.
The EU aims to increase trade between the two parties, as the EU market encompasses 450 million consumers, and intends to help diversify Jordan’s exports.
He also emphasized the EU’s support for Jordan’s efforts to reduce poverty, improve access to services such as education and healthcare, and address social challenges, particularly in employment, gender-based violence, migration, and the Syrian crisis.
//Petra// AF
19/02/2025 21:34:48
