Aqaba, Jan. 26 (Petra) -- The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), on Monday launched the Center for Sustainable Blue Economy Innovation (CSBEI).

The center is part of ASEZA’s plans to position Aqaba as a regional hub for the blue economy through advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied research, enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and opening new investment pathways that diversify the local economy and create quality jobs, while safeguarding marine resources and ensuring their sustainability, said ASEZA Chief Commissioner Shadi Majali.

The move, he pointed put, aligns with the Royal Vision announced during the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice in 2025, and is consistent with national priorities and international initiatives supporting sustainable ocean governance and the protection of marine ecosystems.

UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan Randa Aboul-Hosn said the center offers a practical platform to translate blue-economy concepts into measurable development outcomes by supporting work on a national blue economy strategy, strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation, and scaling low-impact economic activities that balance growth with marine environmental protection and sustainable employment.

Organizers said applications will open soon for Aqaba-based SMEs seeking to transition toward blue-economy activities, with JD200,000 earmarked this year to help eligible enterprises develop ideas and expand operations within blue-economy tracks.

//Petra// AO