المناطق الصناعية المؤهلة الأردنية : الأداء و الآثار الاقتصادية و الآفاق المستقبلية

Abstract EN

The focus of this study is on the economic impact of the Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ) in Jordan.

The study applies two main methodologies, namely, an analytical approach utilizing data and information analysis; and analysis of structured interviews' results carried out with QIZ stakeholders in (exporting firms, government officials, and business associations).

The study found limited effects of QIZ on domestic investment, employment, exports, forward and backward sectoral linkages, and technology transfer.

Although the agreement has succeeded in boosting the nominal value of exports, its real contribution remained very limited due to the small added value created by QIZ.

Also the study indicates to trivial impact on domestic employment since QIZ’s investors preferred foreign to domestic workers.

The QIZ in Jordan faces many challenges including the rigidity of rule of origin, the terminating of the multi-fiber agreement, domestic labor markets bottlenecks, and competition from Egyptian QIZ.

These challenges are expected to be neutralized by the opportunity opened to investors in Jordan as the FTA agreement between Jordan and U.S.

will take full effects starting 2011.