Strategic Projects: Reviving the North and Uplifting the South is an ambitious vision aimed at enhancing the Jordanian economy by revitalizing trade and increasing competitiveness in regional and global markets. Jordan‘s entry into new projects, particularly those linking it with partners in Syria and the United Arab Emirates, is a vital step that will revive the north and drive the south’s renaissance, positioning them as a hallmark of comprehensive and integrated development.
Reviving the North Strategy
Jordan has always sought to achieve its economic ambitions through various strategic projects. Recently, Jordan signed 10 agreements with Syria aimed at reviving an important trade artery and facilitating access to Turkish and European markets. Forecasts suggest that trade between the two countries will grow significantly, reaching 334 million dinars by 2025, compared to 116 million dinars in 2024, achieving a growth rate of up to 188%. These projects are expected to restore the trade figures recorded before 2011, which were close to 460 million dinars.
The anticipated benefits from these projects are numerous, particularly regarding transit fee revenues and reduced import prices for agricultural goods and raw materials. The project is also expected to create thousands of job opportunities, enhancing the economic situation for tens of thousands of Jordanian families.
Uplifting the South: Aqaba Port Railway Project
As Jordan moves towards reviving the north, the Aqaba Port Railway Project emerges as another emblem of economic renaissance. Launched in partnership with the United Arab Emirates, this project represents a strategic investment of $2.3 billion. It is expected to contribute to reducing shipping and logistics costs by 15% to 25% compared to traditional transportation methods.
Estimates suggest that this investment will enhance the competitiveness of Jordanian exports, particularly phosphates and potash, thereby boosting revenues in the mining sector. Additionally, it will create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, further enhancing employment in the region.
Logistics Integration and Sports Training
The development of railways is a qualitative addition, not a substitute for the trucking sector, as it will contribute to enhancing logistics integration. This form of integration is expected to create an effective network of supporting services to stimulate regional growth. According to global estimates, every billion dollars invested in major infrastructure projects contributes to raising GDP by 0.5% to 0.8%, generating between 10,000 to 20,000 job opportunities.
The anticipated achievements require the introduction of new specializations in universities, such as railway engineering and maintenance, along with a focus on logistics services that utilize artificial intelligence and big data management, to produce competencies that meet the growing market demands.
The Future of Jordan as a Logistics Hub
The future ambition for Jordan is to transform it into a land logistics hub for food and medicine benefiting Gulf countries. Jordan aims to be the “land lung of the Gulf,” relying on its unique geographic location and relative stability away from potential disruptions in waterway corridors. This vision fundamentally depends on building strong infrastructure, developing transportation means, and stimulating investments, which will contribute to enhancing Jordan’s position as a major regional hub.
In conclusion, the strategic projects of Reviving the North and Uplifting the South are not merely developmental plans; they are a comprehensive vision aimed at building a bright future where Jordanians enjoy opportunities and prosperity.