Latest news with #NationalCarrierProject
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: ASEZA advances water, trade, green projects
AMMAN — The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) board of commissioners on Tuesday approved the registration of the "National Carrier Project" company within the zone. This move allows the company to benefit from the zone's incentives, paving the way for the launch of this "critical" water project, which will desalinate Red Sea water and transport it to the capital, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The ASEZA took several 'strategic' steps aimed at boosting investment, accelerating national infrastructure efforts, and promoting sustainability in the region. In a bid to strengthen Aqaba's role as a "regional" logistics hub, the board also endorsed new guidelines that will enable companies not formally registered in the zone to engage in "transit" trade. The board of commissioners decided to approve the signing of a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the integrated and sustainable management of textile waste within the ASEZA. The recycling textile waste project aims to promote the green economy and encourage sustainability in the industrial sector. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote a circular economy and reinforce Aqaba's transformation into an environmentally friendly, green city. The board also approved the "revised" zoning plans for the village of Dabbat Hanout. This decision is part of the authority's vision to regulate and develop Dabbat Hanout village in coordination with relevant entities, addressing existing irregularities to ensure proper land division, consolidation, regulatory amendments, and the removal of violations on state-owned lands. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Registration of the National Carrier Company in Aqaba to Begin Project Implementation - Jordan News
The Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority has approved the registration of the 'National Carrier Project' company within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone to benefit from incentives and privileges, enabling the commencement of the project's implementation. اضافة اعلان This decision aligns with the Authority's vision to promote investment by facilitating and accelerating procedures for this vital national project, which aims to desalinate Red Sea water and transport it from Aqaba to Amman via the National Carrier Project. Additionally, the Board approved the establishment of guidelines to facilitate the operations of unregistered institutions within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone to engage in transit trade, subject to a set of controls and conditions. This move supports the Authority's goal to promote investment, strengthen Aqaba's position as a regional logistics hub, and enhance trade movement, especially transit trade. The Board also approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate integrated and sustainable management of textile waste within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. This decision reflects the Authority's strategic vision towards sustainable growth and green economy promotion by recycling textile waste and encouraging sustainability in the industrial sector. This contributes to the Authority's efforts in green transformation and making Aqaba a green city. Furthermore, the Board approved the amended organizational plans for Daba Hanout village, depositing copies of the plans at Al-Quwayrah Municipality and opening a 60-day objection period. This step is part of the Authority's vision to organize and develop Daba Hanout village in coordination with relevant local authorities, aiming to address all irregularities, ensure proper zoning and unification, amend regulatory provisions, and remove encroachments on treasury lands.
Jordan News
17-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Abu Saud: Serious Implications of Declining Per Capita Water Share - Jordan News
Jordan's Minister of Water and Irrigation, Eng. Raed Abu Saud, has warned of the serious challenges facing the country's water sector, stating that the annual per capita water share does not exceed 60 cubic meters—one of the lowest globally—making Jordan the most water-scarce country in the world. اضافة اعلان Speaking during a recent policy dialogue hosted by the Jordan Economic Forum, Abu Saud outlined the ministry's dual-track approach to ensuring water security: implementing the National Carrier Project and reducing water loss by improving network efficiency through modern technologies. According to a statement issued by the forum, Abu Saud emphasized that the National Carrier Project is one of the largest strategic undertakings in Jordan's history, and will serve as a cornerstone for sustainable water supply in the coming years. The project is expected to provide around 300 million cubic meters of water annually. He stressed that water is no longer merely a service issue, but a matter of national security. A further decline in per capita water share—potentially dropping below 30 cubic meters annually—would have severe consequences for various sectors, particularly tourism, industry, and agriculture. In tourism, the high water demand would drive up operational costs, affecting the sector's competitiveness. In the industrial sector, increased water costs would burden factories, raising production costs and weakening export competitiveness. For agriculture, dwindling water resources threaten reduced cultivation areas and declining productivity. Addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure, Abu Saud said that some water networks are over 50 years old. The ministry aims to reduce water loss by 2% annually—about 5 million cubic meters—through pipe replacements, pressure monitoring, early leak detection, and crackdown on illegal connections. He noted intensified efforts against water theft, including legal classification as a state security crime. Dozens of unlicensed wells and illegal desalination stations serving tourist facilities without permits have been shut down. On digital transformation, the minister highlighted the installation of SCADA systems on water and wastewater networks, linked to the National Control Center in Dabouq, enabling real-time monitoring of water flow, pressure, and distribution. AI is now being used to manage pressure in high-altitude areas, with successful trials conducted in Khalda to enhance water supply efficiency. Regarding treated wastewater, Abu Saud said Jordan produces 150–200 million cubic meters annually from over 35 treatment plants. The ministry plans to involve the private sector in operating these facilities under long-term contracts to improve sustainability and reduce costs. He also praised advances in agricultural water use, noting that some Jordan Valley farmers now use smart irrigation systems with soil moisture sensors, reducing water consumption by up to 50%, saving energy, improving crop quality, and opening new export markets. Abu Saud reiterated the seriousness of water theft across the country. With security forces, the ministry has conducted operations leading to the confiscation of equipment and arrests. Water theft is now officially categorized as a state security issue. The ministry plans broader engagement with the private sector in loss reduction projects and treatment plant operations. These partnerships will be based on performance metrics, with private firms compensated according to their success in meeting targets. He highlighted challenges like the brain drain of skilled professionals from the water sector, emphasizing the need for capacity retention. Regarding the financing of the National Carrier Project, Abu Saud confirmed it will follow a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, with funding from international donors and financial institutions—without burdening the national budget. Though the project is costly, its strategic value is immeasurable. The project will rely on desalination plants in Aqaba and major pipelines to deliver water across the country. AI is also being used to detect network issues and manage dynamic pressure, with plans to unify communications systems across control centers to prevent outages. Given the shift to digital operations, the ministry has partnered with cybersecurity firms to protect Jordan's water infrastructure from cyber threats. Abu Saud concluded by stressing that achieving water security requires societal awareness, public-private collaboration, effective technology use, and sound resource management. 'Every cubic meter of water we save or secure is a step toward Jordan's stability and sustainable water security,' he said. He confirmed the ministry's commitment to implementing its comprehensive national strategy, reinforced by continuous royal support. 'We are working to protect Jordanian lives. Water is life—it is the foundation of all development, the economy, and stability.' He also revealed the use of a cleaning boat for King Talal Dam and environmental patrols with the Ministry of Environment to prevent littering in Zarqa River. The session concluded with a wide-ranging discussion between the minister and participants, focusing on expediting the National Carrier Project, addressing water losses, enhancing private sector collaboration, and intensifying public awareness campaigns. The minister affirmed the ministry's transparency and readiness to cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure Jordan's sustainable water security.
Jordan Times
25-03-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Cabinet approves amendments to property, labour, penal laws
The Cabinet on Tuesday, in a session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, approves a series of legislative, economic, and administrative decisions (Petra photo) - Gov't endorses digital transformation, flexible work measures - Phosphate mining concessions, green hydrogen investments approved - Jordan secures 31 million euro Dutch grant for National Carrier Project AMMAN — The Cabinet on Tuesday, in a session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, approved a series of legislative, economic, and administrative decisions aimed at boosting economic growth, attracting investment, and improving public administration. Minister of Government Communications and Government spokesperson Mohammad Momani outlined the measures in a press conference at the Prime Ministry, emphasising reforms, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The Cabinet approved a draft amendment to the 2025 Property Law, aimed at streamlining property procedures, regulating expropriation and compensation, and ensuring fairness in dispute resolution. The Council of Ministers also endorsed amendments to the 2025 Groundwater Monitoring Bylaw to regulate unlicensed wells and promote sustainable water extraction. The rationale for amending the 2025 Work Permit Fees Regulation for non-Jordanians was approved, aiming to ease the financial burden on employers, enhance compliance with labour laws and introduce structured fee adjustments. To address prison overcrowding, the government advanced amendments to the 2025 Penal Code, focusing on alternative sentencing and rehabilitative justice. In a move to encourage industrial development, the Cabinet reduced land prices in Hussein Industrial City in Karak and Tafileh Industrial City from JD25 per square metre to JD10, aiming to attract investors and create jobs. The government also granted four phosphate mining concessions on state-owned land in Maan's Shidiyeh and Abu Amoud Al Gharbi for 25 years. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was approved with China's International Energy Group to invest in green hydrogen and its derivatives, reinforcing Jordan's commitment to expanding clean energy. To support businesses, the Cabinet resolved 730 tax disputes between companies and the Income and Sales Tax Department, providing relief and promoting financial compliance. The Council of Ministers also endorsed the rationale for the 2025 Government Services Management and Development System, aimed at enhancing digital transformation and institutional efficiency. Measures included implementing flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and rotating shifts to optimise public service delivery. The 2025 oversight and compliance bylaw was also enacted to strengthen administrative accountability and ensure adherence to legal frameworks. As part of efforts to finance key projects, the government approved a 31 million euro grant agreement from the Dutch government for the Aqaba-Amman National Carrier Project. The initiative will desalinate 300 million cubic metres of seawater annually to address Jordan's water shortage. The Cabinet also allocated land in Aqaba's Qreiqira region and Baqoura in northern Shuna for agricultural and food security projects, requiring investment activation within three years. On education, the government approved the rationale for the 2025 regulation of the Royal Academy for Inclusive Education. It also endorsed a joint declaration with Germany ahead of the 2025 Global Disability Summit in Berlin, reaffirming Jordan's commitment to disability rights and education reform. Diplomatically, Jordan established relations with Timor-Leste and Grenada and ratified a development policy agreement with the World Bank. The agreement aims to strengthen economic competitiveness, facilitate SME participation in public procurement, and improve access to finance. On regional issues, Momani reiterated Jordan's firm opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. He reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to Palestinian statehood based on the June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Jordan Times
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Jordan celebrates World Water Day, pursues sustainable water resource management
AMMAN — Jordan on Saturday celebrated the World Water Day, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing the sustainability of its water resources through "ambitious" projects and strategic plans to preserve water and ensure a secure and sustainable water future. World Water Day, observed annually by the United Nations on March 22, aims to highlight the importance of water and inspire action to address the global water crisis. Jordan places "significant" importance on sustaining its water resources, recognising water as a fundamental resource for life and sustainable development. Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that the Kingdom has achieved notable success globally in advancing the sixth Sustainable Development Goal: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all. Despite growing challenges and pressure on water facilities, Jordan focuses on sustainable management of water resources, wastewater, and ecosystems while emphasising the need for a supportive environment. He added that the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda includes a commitment to systematically monitor and review progress towards the desired goals and targets using relevant global indicators, a commitment Jordan is working to fulfil through carefully studied plans. Abu Soud highlighted Jordan's integrated strategies for water conservation and achieving water security through desalination, reusing treated wastewater for irrigation, constructing dams, implementing water harvesting projects, and managing groundwater. "World Water Day offers an opportunity to reaffirm and implement the directives of the Letter of Designation and the concern of His Majesty King Abdullah over the water issue, which is strategically vital for water and food security," the minister said. "Speedy implementation of strategic projects to achieve water security is essential, with the National Carrier Project being a key initiative that will provide 300 million cubic meters of water annually. Efforts are also underway to reduce water loss, curb water pipeline violations, and hold offenders accountable," Abu Soud said. Recently, the government launched the National Water Strategy for 2023-2040, outlining objectives and plans to achieve water security while aligning with population growth and urban and economic expansion, he noted. Key aspects of the strategy include reducing dependence on fresh water by increasing the use of reclaimed water for irrigated agriculture, adopting more efficient irrigation methods, expanding rain-fed agriculture, and collecting rainwater. He said that the Ministry of Water, in collaboration with international organisations, encourages modern agricultural techniques like hydroponics, which require less water compared to traditional farming. The ministry also promotes innovation and utilises advanced technology to optimise water resources, contributing to achieving the SDGs and benefiting from renewable energy. Regarding the use of modern technology in energy, he explained that the water sector has adopted the Energy Management System (EnMS) according to the global ISO 50001 standard, consistent with the water sector's energy policy. All water facilities are expected to be included in the EnMS by 2030, aligning with the sixth SDG. The minister referred to significant expansion in wastewater infrastructure, with the number of wastewater treatment plants rising from seven in 1999 to 36 in the present. These facilities treat 235 million cubic meters of water, providing 190 million cubic meters of reclaimed water suitable for restricted agricultural use. Also, 66 per cent of the population now has access to wastewater services, said the minister, adding that a wastewater strategy was launched at a cost of JD930 million to implement wastewater projects, expand services to new areas, and improve environmental conditions. According to reports from the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Jordan is among the world's most water-scarce countries, with per capita water availability at some 61 cubic meters annually, where the Kingdom faces a water deficit of about 400 million cubic meters annually due to declining water sources, Petra said. Jordan's total available water from all sources stands at 1.115 billion cubic meters, including around 510 million cubic meters for municipal use, 570 million for agricultural and livestock purposes, and 35 million for industrial use.
