USAID and Development Zones Commission set the course for future cooperation

The meeting convened at the DZC premises and was attended by the DZC Board of Commissioners.

The DZC and USAID partnership has been established to build a DZC cross agency implementation platform, to achieve common objectives of driving economic growth through increasing the workforce and to drive local, Arab and foreign investments. The USAID Program has provided DZC with the necessary consultancy that would ensure it's evolvement into a world class organization, and provided assistance in the building of creative innovative solutions.

The meeting included a presentation on the rationale and operation of the Development Zone's program, inspiring discussion between both parties on future cooperation programs that covers current engagements between DZC and USAID's Economic Development Program (SABEQ) and builds further on the success accomplished so far.

Future plans for this partnership embody a DZC goal to have USAID as its donor partner for the forthcoming years. Plans for the partnership highlight an expansion of resources and time horizons to deliver value to Jordan, and simultaneously represent a unique opportunity to achieve mutual goals.

After the meeting, the USAID Jordan Mission Director Mr Knott said that the USAID's engagement in the DZC operations come in response to the Royal vision that called for equal distribution of development benefits amongst Jordanian Governorates.

He added this will achieve the economic growth we aspire for, as it creates job opportunities and enhances the overall performance of the economy, "USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) objectives tie in well with those of the DZC and together achievements will gain momentum."

H.E Mr. Saleh Kilani, Chief Commissioner of the Development Zones Commission, stated:

"The Development Zones Commission values the support provided by USAID through its Economic Development Program (SABEQ), manifested in the continuous support to DZC on various portfolios, such as the regulatory and legal regime set up, institutional development and capacity building, investment promotion. And as we appreciate this partnership, we look forward to sustaining a long term platform with USAID and SABEQ towards achieving the development zones vision and objectives."

It is worth noting that the Development Zones Commission (DZC) is the public authority for creating, regulating and monitoring Development Zones in Jordan. Established in 2008, DZC aims at increasing Jordan's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), facilitating the creation of economic growth within certain zones, and creating an advanced investment environment. DZC Board of Commissioners alongside a One Stop Shop team administers, supervises and centrally approve a comprehensive investment related administrative transactions and provides a number of investment incentive, tax and customs exemptions. Five Development Zones are currently operating in Jordan; King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area in Mafraq, Ma'an Development Area, Irbid Development Area, Dead Sea Development Zone and Jabal Ajloun Development Zone.

The USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by Deloitte Consulting LLP and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms. By supporting improvements in the business environments and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, it supports the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.