The government has not named these companies, but they have committed to investing in the development area shortly.

Meanwhile, the government says it has completed infrastructure work on about 15 square kilometres of the 21 sq km site, according to Labour Minister Bassem Salem.

"Over the next three years, the government will spend JD63m [$89m] on infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity services," said Salem.

The King Hussein Ben Talal Development Area in Mafraq will house chemicals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and food companies.

A military airport in Mafraq will also be converted into civilian use as an air cargo hub.