Aqaba, June 11 (Petra) -- The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the Creative Circular Economy Center, the first facility of its kind in Jordan, marking a major step in the city's sustainable development agenda.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of ASEZA Chief Commissioner Shadi Ramzi Majali and attended by Aqaba Governor Ayman Awaisheh, Head of Unit at the European Union Directorate-General for the Middle East and North Africa and Gulf (DG MENA) Ana Pires, UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan Randa Aboul-Hosn, and members of ASEZA's Board of Commissioners.
The center is designed as the country's first integrated multi-functional facility dedicated to applying circular economy principles by transforming recoverable and reusable materials into products and resources with economic, social, and environmental value.
The center is being developed under the "Accelerating the Transition to a Circular Economy through Nine Circularity Principles in Aqaba" initiative, implemented by ASEZA in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and supported by the European Union to promote sustainable production and consumption patterns and strengthen integrated resource and waste management.
Majali said the project reflects ASEZA's vision of advancing a balanced development model that links economic growth with environmental protection while fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and quality employment opportunities.
He said Aqaba possesses the assets needed to become a national and regional hub for circular and blue economy practices, describing the center as a strategic investment in the city's future and a practical step toward building an integrated resource management system that converts waste into economic opportunities.
Pires said the project underscores the European Union's commitment to supporting Jordan's transition toward a more sustainable and inclusive economy. She noted that the circular economy remains a key pillar of EU cooperation with regional partners, given its role in promoting green and blue growth and strengthening resilience to environmental and climate challenges.
Aboul-Hosn described the center as a comprehensive platform for innovation, training, research and development, and environmental entrepreneurship. She said the circular economy has emerged as a leading global pathway toward sustainable development and more resilient economies. She added that the project represents a strategic partnership among the European Union, ASEZA and UNDP and offers a scalable model that could be replicated in other parts of Jordan.
Built on a site exceeding 5,000 square meters and backed by an investment of more than JD1.2 million, the center will include facilities for sorting, processing, repair, reuse and remanufacturing, alongside training and community awareness spaces, environmental business incubators, renewable energy systems and electric vehicle charging stations.
The facility is expected to divert a significant share of recoverable materials generated by households, hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments into value-added products and resources, supporting the creation of new value chains and expanding private-sector and community participation in the circular economy.
Aqaba currently faces growing solid waste management challenges driven by rapid population and economic growth. Around 90,000 tonnes of waste are landfilled annually, while recycling rates remain limited.
The center represents a pioneering step toward redefining waste as an economic resource and investment opportunity, supporting more efficient use of resources, reducing emissions, creating jobs, and strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of cities.
The Creative Circular Economy Center is expected to serve as a national model for advancing circular economy practices and further strengthen Aqaba's position as a leader in sustainable development and blue economy solutions in Jordan and the wider region.
//Petra// NQ
