Jordan’s new investment law prompts 47.6% rise in funds into the country

Aggregate investments in Jordan amounted to 598.2 million Jordanian dinars ($844.8 million) in the first six months of the year, up from 405.3 million dinars over the same period in 2022, according to data released by the government. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 31 July 2023
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Jordan’s new investment law prompts 47.6% rise in funds into the country

RIYADH: Jordan’s economy saw a 47.6 percent rise in investments in the first half of 2023, in what is seen as a validation of a new law designed to encourage more funds into the country. 

Aggregate investments in Jordan amounted to 598.2 million Jordanian dinars ($844.8 million) in the first six months of the year, up from 405.3 million dinars over the same period in 2022, according to data released by the government. 

Around 236 projects utilized the benefits provided by the Investment Environment Legislation, which was passed in Sept. 2022, reported the government.  

These results come following the Ministry of Investment’s efforts to put in place strategic plans to attract new funding streams and further amplify current ones.  

“As Jordan sets its sights on continued economic growth, the Ministry of Investment remains steadfast in its mission to empower existing investments, encourage expansion, and attract fresh investments across key sectors,” according to an official release by the department.  

Jordan’s economic prospects are further bolstered by the ministry’s cooperation with both the public and private sectors, standing in line with the Economic Modernization Vision 2033. 

According to research submitted by the investors, these projects are expected to generate a sizable workforce, with an estimated 15,200 employment prospects. 

The expansion projects garnered an investment volume of 307 million dinars – making up 51 percent of all investments made during the first half – which underlined the impressive increase shown in these initiatives. 

The report also underlined that these developments are anticipated to generate close to 10,600 new jobs.  

As for newly initiated investments supported by the law, they totaled 91.1 million dinars, making 49 percent of the total investments, and are anticipated to provide around 4,600 job opportunities during that period.  

The industrial sector harvested around 71 percent of the total investments, worth 422.1 million dinars, followed by the trade sector with 17 percent of investments, valued at 100 million dinars. 

The ministry also launched a number of promotional and marketing tools, such as the Jordanian debut of the innovative portal Invest.Jo, which acts as a resource for investors.  

The platform showcases eight priority investment sectors and features 21 investment opportunities worth roughly 1 billion dinars. 

“With such initiatives in place, Jordan’s economy stands well-positioned for sustainable growth and prosperity,” added the release.  


Saudi Arabia, Japan trade rises 38% between 2016 and 2024, minister says

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Saudi Arabia, Japan trade rises 38% between 2016 and 2024, minister says

RIYADH: Trade between Saudi Arabia and Japan has increased by 38 percent between 2016 and 2024 to reach SR138 billion ($36 billion), the Kingdom’s investment minister revealed.
 
Speaking at the Saudi-Japanese Ministerial Investment Forum 2026, Khalid Al-Falih explained that this makes the Asian country the Kingdom’s third-largest trading partner, according to Asharq Bloomberg.

This falls in line with the fact that Saudi Arabia has been a very important country for Japan from the viewpoint of its energy security, having been a stable supplier of crude oil for many years.
 
It also aligns well with how Japan is fully committed to supporting Vision 2030 by sharing its knowledge and advanced technologies.
 
“This trade is dominated by the Kingdom's exports of energy products, specifically oil, gas, and their derivatives. We certainly look forward to the Saudi private sector increasing trade with Japan, particularly in high-tech Japanese products,” Al-Falih said.
 
He added: “As for investment, Japanese investment in the Kingdom is good and strong, but we look forward to raising the level of Japanese investments in the Kingdom. Today, the Kingdom offers promising opportunities for Japanese companies in several fields, including the traditional sector that links the two economies: energy.”
 
The minister went on to note that additional sectors that both countries can also collaborate in include green and blue hydrogen, investments in advanced industries, health, food security, innovation, entrepreneurship, among others.
 
During his speech, Al-Falih shed light on how the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka achieved remarkable success, with the exhibition receiving more than 3 million visitors, reflecting the Japanese public’s interest in Saudi Arabia.
 
“The pavilion also organized approximately 700 new business events, several each day, including 88 major investment events led by the Ministry of Investment. Today, as we prepare for the upcoming Expo 2030, we look forward to building upon Japan’s achievements,” he said.
 
The minister added: “During our visit to Japan, we agreed to establish a partnership to transfer the remarkable Japanese experience from Expo Osaka 2025 to Expo Riyadh 2030. I am certain that the Japanese pavilion at Expo Riyadh will rival the Saudi pavilion at Expo Osaka in terms of organization, innovation, and visitor turnout.”
 
Al-Falih also shed light on how Saudi-Japanese relations celebrated their 70th anniversary last year, and today marks the 71st year of these relations as well as how they have flourished over the decades, moving from one strategic level to an even higher one.