Prime Minister Jafar Hassan inspected operations across the Aqaba port system and, during a meeting he chaired at the Aqaba Company for the Management and Operation of Ports, stressed the need to accelerate expansion and development projects at the ports, which are operating efficiently and have become a major regional gateway for several neighboring countries despite the circumstances and challenges facing the region.
The Prime Minister also inspected the Aqaba Oil Port, highlighting the importance of development and expansion projects and plans to increase its capacity, which are scheduled to be completed over the next two years. He said the projects would strengthen energy supply security and reinforce Aqaba’s position as a key hub for supplying petroleum products to several neighboring countries.
Hassan said Jordan, under its Hashemite leadership and throughout its history, has been known for its ability to turn challenges into real opportunities. He said the developments and achievements currently taking place in Aqaba provide clear evidence of this, thanks to the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II and the close follow-up of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, which have driven and encouraged progress and achievement.
The Prime Minister praised the efforts of those working at Aqaba’s ports and stressed the need to maintain the same pace and momentum while doubling efforts in the coming period to keep up with the development and growing activity across the port system.
Hassan said the government had taken important decisions over the past year to keep pace with the rapid expansion and development of the port system. These decisions have significantly accelerated handling and customs clearance procedures, strengthened transit trade, facilitated operations for importers and exporters, increased storage yard capacity, supported the sustainability of supply and logistics chains and strategic stocks, and contributed to infrastructure development, among other measures.
The Prime Minister noted that the foundation stone for the Aqaba–Al-Shidiya–Ma’an railway project was laid two weeks ago. He stressed that, alongside implementation of this strategic project, Jordan must continue developing port infrastructure and logistics services to improve the efficiency of freight and storage operations and transit trade, while strengthening Aqaba’s position on the region’s transport and logistics map.
He described the Aqaba–Ma’an inland port project as a strategic development project and a government priority.
Hassan also stressed the need to adhere to the highest safety and security standards at the ports in order to strengthen confidence in Jordan’s ports and enhance their competitiveness.
The Prime Minister said the project to supply the industrial clusters in Aqaba and Al-Quwayrah with natural gas, which the government inaugurated around three months ago, would reduce costs for national industries, strengthen their competitiveness and support Jordanian exports.
He added that the project would complement the development of the port system, expressing optimism that new projects would soon be launched in Aqaba.
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