The Aqaba Special Economic Zone  (ASEZ) was launched in 2001 as a duty-free, low tax multi-sectoral development zone encompassing the total Jordanian coastline (27 km), the sea-ports of Jordan, an international airport and the historical city of Aqaba with a current population of 100,000 people. It encompasses an area of 375 Km2 and offers global investment opportunities in a world-class business environment ranging from tourism to recreational services, from professional services to multi-modal logistics, from value-added industries to light manufacturing.  ASEZ is regulated by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), which has been mandated with all authorities to manage, regulate and be the municipality for the ASEZ.  ASEZA has a truly e-enabled one stop shop and is the single point of contact for all the needs of investors to establish/register their companies, set-up/construct their project and operate them. 

Advantages of doing business in the ASEZ:

·          375 square kilometers of investment opportunities within a duty-free zone ranging from tourism to recreational activities, from professional services to multimodal logistics, and from value added industries to manufacturing.

·          Ability to expand markets in the Middle East & North Africa region (Gateway into Levant and the wider Middle East and connecting GCC with the Levant and North Africa).

·          A major trade hub and corridor for the reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

·          Ability to create pools of multinational work teams.

·          Ability to penetrate existing/new markets in a preferential manner (Free Trade access to the EU, US, Singapore and most Arab Countries and WTO member

·          Multi-modal transport hub whereby investors/traders can bring goods & passengers by land, air or sea.

·          Hub for regional distribution with free zone storage with full service seaports that handle all kinds of cargoes and an international airport with open skies.

·          Serviced land/facilities for light/medium manufacturing, warehousing, residential and commercial uses.

Benefits of Doing Business in the ASEZ:

·          5% income tax on income generated from activities inside the ASEZ or outside Jordan except for banking, insurance and land transport services

·          Duty-free import of goods in commercial quantities from the National Customs Territory and overseas (except automobiles and petroleum)

·          Exemption from Social Service Tax

·          Exemption from Sales Tax on vast majority of goods and services

·          Exemption from annual land and building taxes on utilized property

·          Exemption from taxes on distribution of dividends and profits on activities in the ASEZ and outside Jordan.

·          No foreign equity restrictions on investment in tourism, industry, retail, and other commercial services (100% foreign ownership allowed)

·          No tariffs or import taxes on imported goods for individual consumption and Registered Enterprises

·          No foreign currency restrictions and full repatriation of profits and capital

Streamlined labour and immigration procedures (a project may employ up to 70% in foreign labour as an automatic right)