Amman, Dec. 2 (Petra) – Chairman of the Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF), Omar Malhas, said the Fund is continuously assessing available investment opportunities in major national projects, chiefly the National Water Carrier, the Risha gas pipeline, and strategic energy and infrastructure ventures. He stressed that any national project generating a return exceeding 10 percent will fall within the Fund’s scope of interest, in line with its long-term investment strategy.

Malhas said in a statement on Tuesday that SSIF’s assets reached JD 18.2 billion by the end of October.

He noted that investment in land and real estate forms a fundamental part of the Fund’s investment framework, describing it as a safe and stable long-term option that delivers solid returns particularly given that the average age of Social Security subscribers is between 30 and 35, making long-term investment both logical and beneficial.

Malhas said the Fund’s participation in major national infrastructure projects is aligned with its objective of improving returns while maintaining the same risk levels. He added that strategic projects such as the National Water Carrier, the gas transmission pipeline, and the Risha gas line offer promising opportunities and represent a qualitative addition to the Fund’s investment portfolio.

He explained that the Fund has a clear plan for entering real estate development projects, noting that it recently purchased land including plots within the Amra area at preferential rates around 30 percent below administrative value.

Malhas praised the government’s cooperation and the opportunities made available for the Fund to join these strategic projects, expressing appreciation for the support that enabled the Fund to secure this preferential pricing and strengthen its ability to invest in long-term, yield-enhancing ventures.

He said the development of new areas requires integrated infrastructure, transport systems and railway networks projects that also offer major investment opportunities for the Fund through various models, including BOT leasing arrangements under which projects revert to the Fund after the operating period ends.

Malhas revealed that current investments in real estate and land represent around 5 percent of the Fund’s total assets, while investment policy allows expansion up to 10 percent. He stressed that any expansion will focus on projects offering the highest possible returns over periods exceeding 10 years.

On government bonds, Malhas said the Fund holds around JD 10 billion in Jordanian-denominated treasury bonds considered among the safest investments highlighting that the government has never defaulted on obligations in local currency and consistently pays dues at maturity without delay.

He added that the Fund has invested in equities and financing instruments in several major national companies, including a 16 percent stake in the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, noting that these investments have bolstered the Fund’s overall returns.

Malhas emphasized that the Fund’s investment decisions are institutional and independent, based on rigorous studies rather than discretion, adding that the Social Security Law and the Investment Fund’s regulations clearly outline the mechanisms for entering investment projects.

//Petra// AF
02/12/2025 21:57:17