FDI Magazine (Financial Times) in its Oct/Nov. 2015 issue, recognized “Best in Class” winners among global Free Zones.

“Free Zones” includes Special Economic Zones and Industrial Estates.

Aqaba International Industrial Estate (AIIE) is the only zone in Jordan included in the list of winners.

AIIE was commended as a Best in Class Winner in three categories

• Facilities upgrades
• Infrastructure improvements
• China strategy and engagement.

PBI Aqaba Industrial Estate LLP,(PBIA) a partnership registered in the United Kingdom, is the developer and manager of AIIE. Its partners are US, UK, and Turkish Nationals.

PBIA has been operating for the past nine years. During that period it has marketed land areas of about 700,000 sq.m. Infrastructure is in place for that area and for an additional 500,000 sq.m. In addition AIIE has an undeveloped land reserve of  500,000 sq.m. and is presently negotiating additional area of one million m2.

AIIE, is building a world-class base for environmentally friendly industries, metal engineering, security industries and services, renewable energy  and energy efficiency systems, acqua-culture, logistics, and services

AIIE is one of the few regional projects where investors, (including foreign investors) may buy land. Lease opportunities are also available.

PBIA provides support and assistance to investors before and after commencement of operation.

Achievements

• Signing of approximately 70 contracts.
• The volume of actual investment exceeds $300 million and is expected to reach $ 700 million.
• AIIE has created 1000 new jobs as of now and, when fully occupied, will provide over 3000 places of employment

AIIE on its own initiative, introduced ASEZ to the investment community in Shenzhen and other cities in South East China. AIIE signed a J-V with the Shenzhen Chamber of Investment and ASEZA to market, encourage and support investment and has opened an office in Shenzhen in cooperation of SZCI.

PBIA , SZCI and ADC  have signed an MOU for development and marketing of the AIIE expansion area as a Shenzhen – Aqaba Industrial and Logistics Estate.