8 New Investment Contracts at Syrian-Jordanian Free Zone

The director of the Syrian-Jordanian Joint Free Zone Customs, Abdulrahman Mahmoud al-Nawasra, affirmed the zone administration's commitment to improving performance and simplifying customs procedures through digital transformation. He said this speeds up transactions and encourages investment, in a statement to SANA on Monday.

Administration's Outlook

Al-Nawasra said the free zone is a promising strategic platform able to open new horizons for the private sector and create jobs. He added that there are no obstacles to investment, given the zone's competitive advantages.

The zone's public relations director, Mohammad Dibaja, stated that the administration is working with all its efforts and staff to carry out the directives of the two countries' leaderships, strengthen economic cooperation and offer the best services to investors and traders.

Traffic and Contract Figures

The investment director at the Syrian-Jordanian Joint Free Zone Company, Ahmad al-Sari, said the company has moved beyond its traditional role as a goods storage centre and now offers investment opportunities. He cited these figures:

• 22,000 freight vehicles entered the free zone since the start of the year.
• 44,000 passenger cars entered over the same period.
• Eight new investment contracts were signed since 6 September, covering a total of 11,000 square metres.

Investor Views

Clearing company owner Mohammad Saqqar said the free zone offers an attractive investment environment thanks to lower shipping costs, fast processing and flexible goods distribution.

Industrial investor Khaled al-Hayajneh stressed the zone's geographic location as an artery linking Syria and Jordan with neighbouring countries, and a shared market allowing direct deals without intermediaries. He praised investment security, easy entry of goods and tax exemptions.

Private Sector Requests

Saqqar pointed to challenges facing investors, including the absence of certificates of origin issued directly by the two countries (only free-zone certificates are issued) and short official working hours.

Al-Hayajneh called for lower fees and charges and longer working hours, to speed up transactions and meet the needs of service and industrial activities that require more time.

Location and Regional Role

The Syrian-Jordanian Joint Free Zone is located near the Nassib border crossing between the two countries and is described as a cornerstone for restoring regional overland transport routes, supporting intra-regional trade and the flow of goods.