Aqaba, Sept. 22 (Petra) -- China's Jiangsu Hongdou Energy Technology plans to invest about $100 million in manufacturing, energy and technology projects in Aqaba, with annual exports projected to reach nearly $200 million once the projects are operational.

The investment is planned for the Quweira International Industrial Estate (QIIE) under a strategic cooperation framework agreement signed Tuesday between Jiangsu Hongdou and Aqaba Industrial Estate (PBI).

The agreement is designed to advance investment and industrial cooperation and explore projects in manufacturing, technology and energy as Aqaba works to expand its base of international investors and attract higher-value industries.

PBI Chief Executive Officer Adele Yan and Jiangsu Hongdou General Manager signed the agreement at Aqaba Development Corporation headquarters in the presence of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Chief Commissioner Shadi Ramzi Majali and Aqaba Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Hussein Safadi.

Jiangsu Hongdou General Manager said the company views Jordan, particularly Aqaba, as a strategic gateway for expanding its operations in the Middle East and neighboring markets.

The planned projects are expected to establish a cluster of interconnected industries at QIIE, potentially drawing suppliers, technology partners and supporting manufacturers to the industrial estate.

Jiangsu Hongdou operates in electrical and energy equipment manufacturing, solar energy projects and electrical engineering and is seeking to establish Jordan as a base for manufacturing, investment and exports to regional markets.

Majali said the agreement reflects growing interest from Chinese companies in Aqaba and its investment environment, infrastructure and access to regional and international markets.

He said the Jiangsu Hongdou projects would support Aqaba's efforts to broaden its manufacturing base, develop higher-value industries, increase exports and create jobs.

Safadi said infrastructure and business-support services remain central to attracting investment and enabling companies to implement projects efficiently.

The planned investment at QIIE is expected to expand industrial and export activity and strengthen the role of Aqaba's industrial estates in attracting new manufacturing projects, he added.

Yan said the agreement marks a further step in efforts to attract international industrial investment to Aqaba and opens the way for cooperation in manufacturing, energy and technology.

PBI will continue working with ASEZA and Aqaba Development Corporation to support investors and attract projects that contribute to industrial growth, exports and employment, she added.

//Petra// RZ