Sunday, March 21, 2004
Croatian president describes Aqaba Special Economic Zone as a ‘real success story'
AQABA, March 21 (Petra) - Visiting Croatian President Stjepan Mesic described the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) as a “real success story” and “a living example” of cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Upon his arrival at the port city on Friday, Mesic expressed interest to copy the ASEZ experience in his country and benefit from Jordanian expertise calling on ASEZ commissioners and officials to help the Croatians build a similar zone.
Urging Croatian businessmen to invest in ASEZ, Mesic highlighted the diversity of investment opportunities available in the zone and pinpointed the pharmaceutical sector as a feasible field of investment.
In a welcome address, ASEZ Chief Commissioner Nader Dahabi underlined Aqaba's central regional location, and the availability of sea and air ports as factors that led to selecting the area as venue for the special economic zone.
Dahabi said ASEZ has the flexibility to process applications by foreign investors interested in setting up projects in the area and benefit from the incentives offered.
ASEZ Deputy Chief Commissioner Emad Fakhouri briefed Mesic and the accompanying delegation on the privileges provided by the law governing the work of the zone. He said all kinds of economic activities, including tourism ventures, are allowed under the legislation.
The president and the accompanying delegates were received at Aqaba's King Hussein Airport by Labor Minister Amjad Majali and senior ASEZ and Aqaba officials.
Majali escorted the Croatian president on a tour of the old city of Petra.