Deputies prevent projected commission from selling state land to investors

AMMAN — The Lower House on Tuesday decided to strip the projected investment commission of the right to sell state-owned land to major developers investing within special economic zones across the Kingdom.

The decision followed a heated debate between MPs and the government during discussions of the draft investment law in Parliament.

A majority of deputies present rejected provisions authorising the commission to sell state land, but agreed to allow it to rent this land to investors.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said the decision will not serve the country’s investment climate. 

“Preventing the government from selling lands to investors nullifies the main idea behind this draft law,” Ensour said, but added that he respects the deputies’ decision.

However, several MPs were against the decision, signing a memo to reopen the relevant provision for further discussions. 

Trade Minister Hatem Halwani told deputies that special economic zones contribute up to 25 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product.

His remarks came in response to a query by MP Amjad Majali (Unified Front list) who asked about the added value of such zones. 

The Lower House is scheduled to continue its deliberations over the draft investment law on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, MPs endorsed a provision to establish an investment council chaired by the prime minister to recommend investment policies and laws, and endorse the annual plans of the projected investment commission.

The draft stipulates the establishment of an independent investment commission whose annual plans and policies must be endorsed by the investment council.