Jordanian-Syrian Free Zone sees imports worth over $82m in H1 2022

AMMAN — Director General of the Jordanian-Syrian Free Zone Company Irfan Khasawneh on Monday stressed that the zone has seen noticeable investment activity and a "good" volume of trade between the two countries since its reopening in early 2022.

During the Jordanian-Syrian economic forum currently being held in Damascus, Khasawneh noted that the weight of goods imported to the zone during the first half of this year amounted to 45,000 tonnes, transported by an estimated 1,950 trucks, with a total value of more than $82 million, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

He added that about 190 companies have been restored to pre-closure status, out of 590 that operated before the closure.

Solar panels, foodstuffs, auto spare parts and agricultural and construction materials were the top imports to the zone in the first six months of 2022, he noted, adding that around 70 trucks cross the Jordanian and Syrian borders daily.

Khasawneh also referred to cooperation between relevant authorities to improve the zone’s investment climate, attract investors and revive the zone's commercial and financial activity.

He added that the zone, built on an area of 6,500 dunums, currently has some 5,000 dunums available for investment in various industrial, commercial, agricultural, service and car showrooms, inviting those interested to visit the zone and utilise its privileges.

The Jordanian-Syrian Joint Free Zone was established in 1976, with joint capital from the two countries under an agreement for economic cooperation and trade regulation, and serves as one of the pillars of collaborative Arab economic action.