AMMAN — Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Shadi Majali inaugurated the JIFEX 2025 Conference on Tuesday.

 

The opening was attended by Chairman of the Greater Amman Municipality Committee Yousef Shawarbeh, Aqaba Governor Ayman Awaisheh, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation Hussein Safadi and President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) Fathi Jaghbeer

 

The opening was also attended by decision-makers, experts, and business leaders from Arab countries, with wide participation from the regional and international transport and logistics sectors.

 

Majali noted that hosting the event in Aqaba reflects the visionary guidance of HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein, emphasising the importance of developing the transport and logistics sector as a key driver for economic growth and reinforcing Jordan’s role as a regional hub for trade and supply chains.

 

He highlighted Aqaba as Jordan’s maritime gateway and a strategic logistics hub in the region.

 

The conference featured an overview of development projects in the West Airport area, including the international racetrack project, the heritage aircraft museum, and the Aqaba International Exhibition Centre, which "directly" contribute to enhancing Aqaba’s profile and driving local development.

 

CEO Hussein Safadi addressed that the direct maritime line with the United States is designed to reduce shipping times to a maximum of 25 days, lowering costs and time for Jordan’s industrial and commercial sectors, and offering a "reliable" alternative to other regional shipping routes.

 

General Manager of the International Promotors Company for Marketing and Organising Exhibitions (IPCO) Raed Abu Saada noted that JIFEX as a landmark event in the shipping and logistics sector, serving as a platform for industry leaders and experts to solidify Jordan’s position as a key regional supply chain hub.

 

Abu Saada said that Aqaba serves as a strategic transit gateway connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, supported by a modern port, an advanced airport, and comprehensive logistics infrastructure.

 

He added that Aqaba enjoys a business-friendly environment featuring tax incentives, streamlined procedures, and no restrictions on foreign ownership, making it an ideal platform for investment and regional expansion.

 

The three-day JIFEX 2025 conference and exhibition includes specialised panel discussions and business meetings aimed at producing practical recommendations to strengthen Jordan’s position as an effective regional logistics hub.