Tenders for the development of a new qualifying industrial zone (QIZ) close to the international airport in Aqaba are expected to be issued in the first quarter of 2001. The 53-hectare first stage of the QIZ is being developed jointly by the Jordan Industrial Estates Corporation (JIEC) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

They will provide sites and services and will look for a private sector developer to expand and manage the QIZ on a 30-year concession.

Development costs for the first stage are estimated at $10 million-14 million. The feasibility study for the scheme was done by The Services Group (TSG) of the US.

Wilbur Smith & Associates, also of the US, is carrying out engineering design.

The new QIZ is expected to attract interest from light manufacturing, electronic assembly, IT and transport services companies.