Amman, July 14 (Petra) – Minister of Transport Dr. Nidal Qatamin said the transportation sector enjoys the direct attention and support of His Majesty King Abdullah II, as a "key" driver for economic growth and the Kingdom's "competitiveness." The minister's remarks came during an ad hoc session, held by Center for Studies and Research at Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) on railways in the Kingdom, themed: "From a Transportation Project to a Pillar for Restructuring the National Economy and Enhancing the Kingdom's Position as a Regional Logistics Hub." Qatamin added that the sector also receives "close" follow-up from the Prime Minister, as part of the government's priorities for implementing the Economic Modernization Vision, which places the transport and logistics sector at "the nexus of national development." He stated the government is placing "special attention" to railway projects, which have become a "key" component in developing the national transportation system.
As for its impact, he said this vision would enhance efficiency of supply chains, cut transportation costs, and connect production centers with export outlets, which would "positively" affect the national economy.
He added that Jordan's "strategic" location makes it a "natural corridor" connecting the region not only by land but also by air.
He announced approximately 700 aircraft cross Jordanian airspace daily, following the development and enhancement of air navigation systems.
He said ths process contributes to "significant" financial revenues for the Kingdom and strengthens its position as a "regional hub for transportation and logistics." Regarding the railway sector, Qatamin stated the project was launched under a Jordanian-Emirati partnership to construct a 360-kilometer railway linking the Port of Aqaba to mining and industrial areas.
The project, with an investment cost of $2.3 billion, aims to transport phosphate and potash to the industrial port in Aqaba "efficiently," he pointed out.
He noted this enterprise represents the first step of the national railway network, which aims to connect the Kingdom's various regions in the future.
At the regional level, he noted this policy would pave the way for rail links between Jordan and neighboring Arab countries, which would boost trade, investment, and regional economic integration.
//Petra// AG
