Doing Business in Jordan Guide

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

Doing Business in Jordan

Amman Skyline

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

Unlocking the doors of opportunity If Jordan is one of your markets then our Trade Finance team would be pleased to hear from you if we can assist with: โ ข Discounting deferred payment letters of credit (whether advised through us or not)

โ ข Issuance of letters of guarantee โ ข &I[NXNSL FSI (TSล WRNSL QJYYJWX TK HWJINY โ ข Documentary collections (JIB account customers only)

(TSYFHY ZX YT ล SI TZY RTWJ WWW.JORDANBANK.CO.UK JORDAN INTERNATIONAL BANK P LC, ALMACK HOUSE, 26-28 KING STREET, LONDON SW1Y 6QW +442031440234

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CONTENTS 8 Jordan overview 10

Welcome from Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) – Director General, Institute of Export & International Trade 12

Welcome from Edward Oakden CMG, British Ambassador to Jordan

13

Foreword from His Excellency Mr Omar Al-Nahar, Ambassador of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Why Jordan?

24

16 About the Department for International Trade (DIT) 18 About UK Export Finance (UKEF) 22 About this Guide

2

24 Why Jordan?

25 28 29 30 32 33 34

• • • • • • • •

Summary Geography Political overview Economic overview The London Initiative 2019 Sector-specific overview World rankings UK and Jordan trade

36 Help available for you 37 38 40

• Support from the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) • Support from the UK Department for International Trade (DIT) • Support from the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT)

44 Getting here and advice about your stay 47 48 51

• • • •

Entry requirements Local laws and customs Safety and security Health

54 Sector–specific opportunities 57

60 62 65 67 69 73 75 82 3

• Research • Government tenders • Special development zones • Agriculture sector • Education and training sector • Energy sector • Healthcare sector • ICT sector • Industry sector • Tourism sector • Transportation and logistics sector • Water and wastewater sector

CONTENTS 36

84 Preparing to export 85 86 88 89 92

• Consultation and bespoke research • Start-up considerations • Getting started in the Jordanian market • Starting your business • Financial considerations

94 How to do business in Jordan

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95 • Legal considerations 102 • Taxation • Customs 108 • Shipping your goods 110 Business etiquette, language & culture 111 • Overview • Language • Meetings and presentations 112 • Cultural considerations

54

118 What are the challenges?

119 • Challenges when doing business in Jordan • Business risk

84

94

110

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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CONTENTS Resources

122

122 Resources 123 What does membership of the Institute of Export & International Trade mean?

125 Focusing on qualifications.

Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) – Director General, Institute of Export & International Trade 127 The British Embassy Amman

129 Supporting organisations contact details 132 Market experts contact details 138 Trade shows 139 Useful links 144 Map of Jordan 146 Quick facts

SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS

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Jordan overview

Jordan (officially The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) is an Arab kingdom in West Asia, on the East Bank of the Jordan River. The country has a strategic position at the heart of the Levant. It is politically stable, with an open business environment, with the region attracting more than ÂŁ1 billion worth of UK exports.

Jordan is a rapidly developing country with an untapped potential. Due to regional instability over the past decade, Jordan has become an attractive home base for businesses in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Limited in natural resources, Jordan depends on its educated population, its political stability and its integration with world and regional markets.

The Government of Jordan is committed to creating a win-win situation by helping businesses get started and expand through generous incentives in a variety of zones, including free zones, development zones, and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone.

Each zone comes with a unique incentives package catering to sector-specific needs, making Jordan the ideal location to set up, nurture, and grow your business.

Jordan offers one of the region’s most vibrant environments for innovation, research and development. This is mainly due to the result of the high availability of venture capital and Jordan’s globalised, liberal, and forward-thinking society, providing access to state-of-the-art technologies and fresh ideas.

MARKET EXPERTS

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Welcome from Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) – Director General, Institute of Export & International Trade

This ‘Doing Business in Jordan Guide’ looks at a key strategic entry point into the Middle East region and a market with plenty of opportunities for UK exporters.

Neighbouring Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the West Bank, Jordan has long played a key diplomatic role in the region, having emerged out of the division of the Middle East by Britain and France after World War One. Though blessed with fewer natural resources than some of its neighbours, Jordan is a fascinating country with myriad tourist wonders and a pro-British attitude.

It is a key member of the League of Arab States and has free trade agreements with the EU, USA, Singapore, Turkey and Canada. With a strong banking system and pro-business culture, Jordan is an ideal market for businesses looking to operate in the region generally. With a population of just under 10 million, Jordan is a multicultural society where English is often used as a business language amongst its widely welleducated workforce.

The UK could certainly export more to Jordan than it does at present. In 2016 the UK exported around £400 million to Jordan, with medical and pharmaceutical products, road vehicles and industrial machinery being the top exported goods. The UK also exports a decent amount of luxury goods, foodstuffs, clothing and electrical machinery to Jordan. While Jordan’s population isn’t the wealthiest in the region, there is plenty of demand for UK goods and services, given the favourable historical relations between the two countries, which is helped by the fact that King Abdullah II went to school in England.

As with any market, there are some challenges that exporters need to be aware of.

When working with partners in Jordan you will do well to establish clear terms and conditions that factor in processes for dispute resolution and payment terms – something we help our members to do. As is so often the case with international trade, it is also recommended that you go out to the market to properly meet and engage with your potential partners there – Skype calls and email will only go so far.

It’s a country well worth going to anyway, given its abundance of ancient and natural wonders including Petra and the Wadi Rum desert, exploring Jordan is well worth your time and investment. For support with the regulatory and compliance requirements involved with selling into Jordan, you can contact our technical helpline. We’re on hand to support exporters looking at the Jordanian market, so please do feel free to get in touch.

Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) Director General – Institute of Export & International Trade www.export.org.uk

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Welcome from Edward Oakden CMG, British Ambassador to Jordan

I am delighted to introduce the Institute of Export’s Doing Business Guide for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which aims to help UK businesses find the information they need to access this exciting market: a market which serves both the country itself and increasingly the region as a whole.

Jordan is rightly regarded as a landmark of stability and a moderate beacon in a volatile region. It is a business-friendly, modern location, with a young and dynamic labour force that is one of the most skilled, competitive, and productive in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Several recent studies have underlined its potential, including in the provision of high-value-added services. This was also the conclusion of the Jordan Growth and Opportunity: the London 2019 Initiative on 28th February of this year. With a globalised, liberal, and forward-thinking society providing access to state-of-the-art technologies and fresh ideas, Jordan offers one of the region’s most vibrant environments for innovation, research and development. Renewable energies, tourism, education, healthcare, professional services and ICT all are vibrant areas of growth.

The Government of Jordan is committed to helping businesses get started and expand through generous incentives, and with English widely-used as the business language, this dynamic nation provides a sound environment from which UK companies can find key talent, business assistance, and a willing government partner to help their growth into the MENA region and beyond.

I hope you will find this guide useful. The British Government as a whole – and the Embassy in particular, including our strong and energetic DIT team – will be pleased to support you in doing business in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Edward Oakden CMG British Ambassador to Jordan https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-amman

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Foreword from His Excellency Mr Omar Al-Nahar, Ambassador of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Dear readers,

It gives me great pleasure to greet you through this guide on Doing Business in Jordan.

I am sure it will offer a fair account of the Hashemite Kingdom, the country, its challenges and its potential moving forward.

I say moving forward because in Jordan, a while ago, we made the decision to be self-reliant, away from aid dependency and towards self-sustenance, something the country has been struggling to achieve due to regional and international circumstances that Jordan had no role in creating. But the overall outcome spells resilience and innovation for a Middle Eastern Arab nation that interconnects Asia, Africa and Europe.

On the 28th of February 2019 in London, the world came together along with the international financial institutions, CEOs and investors, in an unprecedented manner, to initiate Jordan’s plan for economic growth, to pledge support, respect and solidarity to a country that has given so much more than it can actually afford on behalf of the international community, its human security and dignity.

London witnessed the commitment and determination of the Jordanian Government, and that of the Friends of Jordan, to forge a way forward that will lead to fruition.

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Given the fact that Jordan has a skilled and educated human capital, it ranks 4th overall in the MENA region according to the Talent and Competitiveness Index 2018.

Also given the fact that the country benefits from a strategic location, with access to over one billion consumers by virtue of the Free Trade Agreements signed, growth is right there on the scoreboard, and you are welcome to contribute and benefit from it.

Specifically to our UK partners today, I say that Jordan is your perfect gateway and stepping stone into Europe, North America, the Arab World and the rest of the MENA region.

Jordan is a safe, friendly, easy living, English-speaking, law governed and regulated country with advanced ICT, financial and logistical infrastructure and capabilities.

It offers a comparative advantage where one can either joint venture or fully own a business. Export to the EU today tax free, with just 15% local component. Jordan also enjoys FTAs with the surrounding region and to the US and Canada.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is committed to go to the next level regardless of the challenges, which do exist, but the country believes and its history testifies, that it is able to turn challenge into opportunity.

You are all welcome.

H. E. Mr Omar Al-Nahar Ambassador of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan http://jordanembassy.org.uk/

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Department for International Trade (DIT) DIT is the British Government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in an increasingly global economy. DIT also helps overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy. DIT’s range of expert services are tailored to the needs of individual businesses to maximise their international success. DIT provides companies with knowledge, advice and practical support.

Through a range of unique services, including participation at selected tradeshows, outward trade missions and providing bespoke market intelligence, DIT can help you crack foreign markets and get to grips quickly with overseas regulations and business practice.

With headquarters in London, DIT have professional advisers around the UK and staff across more than 100 countries.

Contact DIT

Contact your local International Trade Team or Scottish Development International (SDI), Welsh Government (WG) or Invest Northern Ireland (INI) offices to find out more about the range of services available to you.

You can find your nearest International Trade Team at:

https://www.great.gov.uk/contact/office-finder/ General enquiry number: +44 (0) 207 215 5000 Department for International Trade 3 Whitehall Place London SW1A 2AW United Kingdom Email: enquiries@trade.gov.uk

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WHO MADE SURE THE SHOW WENT ON FOR A THEATRE COMPANY IN THE MIDDLE EAST? Without support from UK Export Finance, White Light wouldn’t have been able to take on a major contract for a theme park in the Middle East.

Working with their bank we were able to provide a government-backed guarantee. This freed up White Light’s working capital to take on the contract, which in turn boosted their revenues by over 20%.

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT GREAT.GOV.UK/GET-FINANCE AND DISCOVER THE EXPORTERS’ EDGE.

UK Export Finance is the UK's export credit agency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Å› ELOOLRQ RI VXSSRUW IRU 8. H[SRUWV KHOSLQJ FRPSDQLHV VHOO WR PDUNHWV DURXQG WKH ZRUOG DQG VXSSRUWLQJ DQ HVWLPDWHG 8. IXOO WLPH HTXLYDOHQW MREV RI DOO FRPSDQLHV VXSSRUWHG ZLWK ILQDQFH DQG LQVXUDQFH ZHUH VPDOO WR PHGLXP VL]HG EXVLQHVVHV.

To check your eligibility for trade finance and insurance Yisit: www.great.gov.uk/WUDGH-finance

UK Export Finance is the operating name of the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD)

Website: www.gov.uk/uk-export-finance Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7271 8010 Email: customer.service@ukexportfinance.gov.uk

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International Market Advisor (IMA) works with British and foreign government departments, Embassies, High Commissions and international Chambers of Commerce throughout the world. Our work helps to identify the most efficient ways for British companies to trade with and invest in opportunity-rich overseas markets.

During the last ten years IMA has worked with the British Government's overseas trade and investment department, the Department for International Trade (DIT) [formerly UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)], and has written, designed, produced, launched and distributed over one million copies of more than 100 countryspecific print and multi-media based reports, guides and publications, including the internationally-recognised ‘Doing Business Guide’ series of trade publications.

These are composed of market and industry sector-specific, multi-format print and digital trade reports, together with some of the internet’s most visited international trade websites – all of which are designed to advise and assist UK companies looking to trade with and invest in overseas markets. These reports and guides are then distributed free-ofcharge through the IMA and DIT global networks – over 500 distribution outlets in total. Further distribution takes place at global exhibitions, roadshows, conferences and trade missions, and IMA receives daily requests for additional copies of the guides from these networks and from businesses considering exporting.

Each of IMA’s 'Doing Business Guides’ is produced in three formats: a full colour, glossy, paper-based brochure; a supporting fully-interactive and updatable multi-media based website; and the website contents available as a free-ofcharge downloadable smartphone/ tablet app.

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Sponsoring a ‘Doing Business Guide’ therefore offers a unique opportunity to positively promote your products and services to high-profile business leaders, specific exporters, investors and effective business travellers who will be actively seeking out service providers to assist them in developing their business interests in the targeted markets.

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ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to other sources of help.

The main objective of this Doing Business in Jordan Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about Jordan; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and to identify the main issues associated with initial research, market entry, risk management and cultural and language issues.

We do not pretend to provide all the answers in the guide, but novice exporters in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Jordan. Full contact details are available in this guide.

To help your business succeed in Jordan we have carefully selected a variety of essential service providers as ‘Market Experts’.

The guide is available in 4 formats: • • •

•

this full colour hard-copy brochure

a ‘free’ downloadable 'mobile device-friendly’ app – available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store

the website: www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

PDF download/e-flipbook (available to download from the guide website)

Doing Business in Jordan Guide Team: Project Director:

Craig Smith

Sponsorship Manager:

James Clowes

Managing Editors:

Creative Managers:

Creative Consultants:

Production Co-ordinator:

Olivia Taylor / Brian Underwood Paul King / Claire King

Twistedgifted / www.twistedgifted.com

Megan Collingwood / Kitty Waldron-Draba

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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‘Doing Business in Jordan Guide’ published in the UK by International Market Advisor Ltd. © 2019 International Market Advisor Ltd (unless otherwise stated).

All rights reserved. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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Amman Skyline

JORDAN

Jordan has a strategic position at the heart of the Levant. It is politically stable, with an open business environment. The region attracts more than ÂŁ1 billion worth of UK exports.

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WHY JORDAN?

Why Jordan?

Summary Area: 89,342 km2

GDP per capita: US $4,278.3

Population: 9.9 million

Annual inflation rate: 4.5%

Urban population: 90.7%

Unemployment rate: 18.3%

Population density: 109.3 people per km2

General government gross debt: 94.2% of GDP

Population growth rate: 1.7% change

Fiscal balance: -4.8% of GDP

Capital city: Amman

Current account balance: -US $3.1 billion/-7.4% of GDP

Official language: Arabic

Exports of goods to UK: £189 million

Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

Exports of services to UK: £57 million

Nominal GDP: US $42.4 billion

Imports of goods from UK: £301 million

Real annual GDP growth: 2%

Imports of services from UK: £187 million

[Source – mostly FCO Economics Unit (May 2019)]

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Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

Jordan has a strategic position at the heart of the Levant. It is politically stable, with an open business environment. The region attracts more than £1 billion worth of UK exports.

Jordan is a rapidly developing country with an untapped potential. Due to regional instability over the past decade, Jordan has become an attractive home base for businesses in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The country is regarded as a stable nation, and as a moderate beacon in a volatile region. Limited in natural resources, Jordan depends on its educated population, its political stability and its integration with world and regional markets.

Since 2012, Jordan has experienced a large influx of 1.4 million Syrians, mainly refugees (estimated at 655 thousand), which has been a source of economic, social and demographic pressure, and as such, the country decided to close its borders. Amidst this challenging environment, Jordan remains as an emerging small-scale economy, undergoing a modest pickup driven by growth in the financial services, tourism, trade and real estate sectors, as well as an increase in public and private consumption. Economic growth remains satisfactory at 2.3% of GDP in 2017, underpinned by the current tensions in the region. Economic growth is forecast by the World Bank to reach an average of 2.6% for the period 2017-2019.

In 2016, inflation was negative, due to weak commodity prices and economic stagnation. It did, however, recover in 2017 due to the growth in oil prices. Jordan’s institutional framework and track record of policy implementation is considered to be relatively strong, especially

now that it is under the umbrella of the threeyear Extended Fund Facility program with the IMF that it entered in 2016. The country’s low fiscal strength stems from its weak fiscal fundamentals, as reflected in fiscal deficits and a high debt burden.

Jordan also has to deal with a high unemployment rate, a high poverty rate and high levels of inequality. However, development in the country has benefited from international aid, making it a central element of stability in the Middle East and ensuring peace on the borders it shares with its neighbouring countries.

The Kingdom of Jordan is a stable, businessfriendly, modern location for your next engineering, manufacturing, information technology, or life sciences activities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

This dynamic nation provides a sound environment from which companies can find key talent, business assistance, and a willing government partner who will help enable their growth into the MENA region and beyond.

[Source – FCO Overseas Business Risk, gov.uk, JIC]

Skilled human capital Jordan’s key strength lies in its highly qualified, flexible and cost-competitive workforce – one of the most essential elements needed for any global firm to establish a presence for its regional operations.

As a country with limited natural resources, Jordan recognises the importance of investing in its human resources and becoming more talent-driven. The Kingdom is now ready to reap this benefit, capitalising on the excellent

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workforce to accommodate a multitude of technology-based industries.

Jordan’s young and dynamic labour force is one of the most skilled, competitive, and productive in the region. The Kingdom’s advantages are driven by relatively low redundancy costs, co-operative relations between employees and employers, flexibility in wage determination and hiring and firing practices, making it easy to attract and retain suitable staff.

The combination of high public investment in industry-specific education, and institutions that are strongly committed to vocational and on-the-job training, results in a multi-talented and bilingual labour force. This in turn helps to explain the country’s high availability of scientists and engineers.

Incentives package The Government of Jordan is committed to creating a win-win situation by helping businesses get started and expand through generous incentives in a variety of zones, including free zones, development zones, and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. Each zone comes with a unique incentives package catering to sector-specific needs, making Jordan the ideal location to set up, nurture, and grow your business.

Innovation Jordan offers one of the region’s most vibrant environments for innovation, research, and development. This is mainly due to the result of the high availability of venture capital and Jordan’s globalised, liberal, and forwardthinking society, providing access to state -of-the-art technologies and fresh ideas.

Jordan’s innovative trait has transformed the Kingdom into the region’s hotbed for creativity,

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and it is now a frontrunner in creative goods, services and online creativity, which is further supported by various incubators and accelerators, including the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship and Jordan’s Technology Incubator.

Contact UK Export Finance (UKEF) about trade finance and insurance cover for UK companies, see: https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/uk-export-finance. You can also check the current UKEF cover position for Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ country-cover-policy-and-indicators#jordan.

[Source – JIC] [Source – DIT, UKEF, gov.uk]

Benefits for UK businesses exporting to Jordan Benefits for UK businesses exporting to Jordan include: •

English is widely used as the business language

•

a number of trade agreements with the European Union (EU)

•

multi-cultural society

Strengths of the Jordanian market Strengths of the Jordanian market include: •

strategic geographical location – gateway between the east and the west

•

well-educated and highly skilled workforce

•

favourable business environment

•

strong banking system

•

competitive costs of doing business

[Source – DIT, gov.uk]

Contact a Department for International Trade (DIT) Export Adviser at: https://www.great.gov. uk/contact/triage/location/ for a free consultation if you are interested in exporting to Jordan.

Geography Strategically located between Europe, Asia and Africa in the Levant, Jordan (officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) is an Arab kingdom in West Asia, on the East Bank of the Jordan River, and extending into the historic region of Palestine.

Lying between 29° and 34° N, and 30° and 40° E, Jordan borders Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq to the northeast, Syria to the north, and Israel and Palestine to the west, sharing control of the Dead Sea along its western borders with Israel. In the southwest it has a short 26 km Red Sea coastline on the Gulf of Aqaba.

The east of the country is an arid plain, and most of the major cities – including the capital Amman – are located in the more fertile northwestern part of the kingdom.

The western region is mountainous and Mediterranean in climate, dropping to the Jordan Rift Valley and Dead Sea on the western border with Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

The highest point is Jabal Umm al Dami at 1,854 m above sea level, and the lowest is the Dead Sea at -420 m, the lowest land point on earth.

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Political overview Jordan has a constitutional monarch. King Abdullah II is the ultimate decision-making authority and has the power to dissolve parliament and appoint the Prime Minister.

That said, the popularly elected National Assembly has some input into the policy making process. The country’s political power structure is divided along lines of tribal affiliation as opposed to party politics.

King Abdullah II succeeded his father, King Hussein, following the latter’s death in February 1999. King Abdullah II moved quickly to reaffirm Jordan’s peace treaty with Israel and its relations with the United States.

King Abdullah II, during his first year in power, refocused the government’s agenda on economic reform.

Legislative power rests in the bicameral National Assembly. The National Assembly (Majlis al-Umma) has two chambers: the House of Senate (members are appointed by the King) and the House of Representatives (members are elected by citizens). Senate membership is four years. The House of Representative’s term is four years since gazetting the election results. The King has the right to extend the term of the House by a Royal Decree for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years.

[Source – http://www.parliament.jo/en/node/145, http://parliament.jo/en/node/147]

The ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict and regional political developments faced by Jordan’s neighbouring countries have had a huge impact on the country’s economy, as a large number of Palestinians, Iraqis and Syrians flooded into the country, which in turn has stretched the government’s finite resources.

Jordan remains a key partner for the UK and

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EU, as it sits geographically between Iraq, Israel, Syria and Saudi Arabia.

[Source – FCO Overseas Business Risk, gov.uk]

Business and human rights The Jordanian Constitution and Human Rights Treaty ratifications are designed to protect the free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States that committed the country to uphold core labour standards.

Although the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions (GFJTU) highlighted some concerns from a few years ago regarding foreign workers employed in the Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZs) – in particular regarding some specific concerns about the general working conditions, the long hours and the limited rights of the employees – this has been offset with the US Department of Labour recently removing the Government of Jordan from its Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorisation Act list due to the significant reduction in incidents of forced labour, and the significant investment of resources from the Government of Jordan to tackle this issue.

Child labour is another issue that the Jordanian Government is actively trying to tackle. It is encouraging children to attain the right education and attend school, rather than start working at an early age. This remains a problem area, particularly in the economically deprived areas of the country.

Whilst there has been some improvement in the area of women’s rights, the female labour participation rate is still low (the lowest in the Middle East) and female unemployment rates are still high.

[Source – FCO Overseas Business Risk, gov.uk]

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

Economic overview Jordan’s real GDP registered a growth of 2% in 2018, slightly lower than that in 2017. A strong services sector contributed 1.5% to GDP growth, and the industrial sector 0.4%.

GDP growth is projected to gradually increase to 2.2% during 2019 and to 2.6% over the medium-term, assuming a restoration of macro-economic stability, a supportive external environment, official support as indicated in the London Initiative, lower costs of energy generation and stable international oil prices.

The current account pressures are likely to ease as Jordan’s trade balance improves through a recovery in exports and a reduction in energy-related imports.

[Source – World Bank (Apr 2019)]

Free trade agreements (FTAs) Jordan’s multitude of free trade agreements, with a wide range of countries and regions, has created a vehicle for both domestic and economic development, as well as greater integration with the global economy. Jordan has more free trade agreements than any other Arab state, making the country ripe for economic opportunity.

In 2000, Jordan joined the WTO. It is a founding member of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, enjoys ‘advanced status’ with the EU and is part of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).

FTAs exist with: •

USA

•

EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland)

•

EU (Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, UK)

•

Arab Mediterranean Free Trade Agreement (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt)

•

Canada

•

Singapore

•

Turkey

•

MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay)

Main exports and imports Jordan’s top exports include potash, textiles, pharmaceuticals, phosphates, vegetables and fertilisers. Its main imports include petroleum, fabrics, manufactured goods, iron, cereals and machinery.

Development zones Jordan has successfully attracted significant investments, and this has resulted in the creation of development zones in key locations across the country. This offers specialised business clusters, reliable infrastructure, and proximity to resources and markets, in addition to a package of fiscal incentives.

Gateway to Iraq Jordan has traditionally been seen as a hub for doing business in Iraq, with an estimated 200,000 Iraqi nationals based in Amman.

Most leading Iraqi businesses have their headquarters in Jordan, and for the first time since 2015, Jordan has restored its trade links with Iraq by opening its main border crossing with the country in September 2017. This has improved and increased industrial exports, and revived the two countries’ trucking industry.

[Source – DIT, gov.uk]

30

The London Initiative 2019 On 28th February 2019, the Government of Jordan and the UK Government co-hosted ‘Jordan: Growth and Opportunity, the London Initiative 2019’, a major international conference in Central London to support investment, growth and jobs for Jordan.

The Initiative marks the start of a new partnership approach between Jordan and the international community in pursuit of Jordan’s sustainable growth and self-reliance.

The conference brought together senior government officials, distinguished members of multilateral development and financial organisations and civil society, and high-level investors and business people from over 60 countries, and international organisations to help support Jordan’s transition to a more productive, competitive and equitable economy for the benefit of all those who live there.

The conference focused on growth and opportunity, linked to reform, highlighting four interlinked objectives, each of which will support growth whilst maintaining economic stability.

While Jordan has growing opportunities in many sectors, including in manufacturing and industry, the conference looked at specific sectors of comparative advantage which have the potential to also drive job creation in tourism, technology and entrepreneurism, logistics and infrastructure, and high-skilled professional services.

The four interlinked objectives of the conference were:

1. Robust and realistic measures and reform to stimulate growth The path to growth will require deep economic reform to boost exports and foreign direct investment (FDI), encourage business diversification and innovation, create jobs, and improve the business climate.

Jordan is in the process of enacting and implementing new laws to address challenges faced by the private sector. Additionally, Jordan plans to make the necessary reforms to lower energy costs, ease access to high-skilled labour, and unleash its female participation in the labour force.

Jordan has developed and will launch a five-year Reform and Growth Matrix to prioritise cross-cutting measures to jump start the economy and create jobs and opportunities for all. This will be aligned to IMF measures to preserve macro-economic stability, and Jordan will demonstrate its commitments and progress.

2. Financing growth: Debt sustainability and international support to achieve this Jordan’s ability to transition to a more productive, diversified and competitive, export-led economy hinges on freeing up fiscal space through lower interest costs, less volatility and greater predictability of financing.

Therefore the five-year Reform and Growth Matrix must be supported by a robust fiveyear Financing and Debt Management Strategy which will involve re-targeting existing finance more productively, and unlocking new concessional financing from partners to stabilise Jordan’s debt service costs, with the ambition of maintaining them at manageable levels.

32

3. Financing growth: Ecosystem to develop and finance bankable growth projects Substantial new public and private investment is also required to boost economic growth and employment, expand Jordan’s strained infrastructure (transport, energy, water, schools, and hospitals), exacerbated by the surge in population, and provide support for new businesses that will help expand the private sector, diversify the economy and create jobs.

Specifically, the conference helped create a pipeline of prioritised and bankable opportunities and launched a new structure to prioritise, develop, and finance those projects in a way that maximises growth potential. Specific project financing opportunities were also showcased.

4. Business-led growth and attracting investment in key commercial opportunities The conference united key private and public-sector leaders from Jordan to promote business opportunities serving the country and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

This included strategic prospects for global companies to utilise Jordan to expand their businesses in the Levant and across MENA. Plenary and sector-specific sessions provided first hand insight into the unique competitive advantages that Jordan offers for business, enhanced by targeted reforms and advancements that Jordan has undertaken.

For more detailed information about the London Initiative, and accompanying publications, visit: https://www.londonjordan .co.uk/londonjordan/?page=minister.

Sector-specific overview Jordan’s developing economy has major market opportunities in its energy, ICT, telecommunications, and healthcare sectors.

ICT is the third largest contributor to Jordan’s economy and one of the fastest growing sectors, with revenues accounting for 12% of Jordan’s GDP. There are more than 500 companies in telecom, IT, online and mobile content, business outsourcing, and games development.

Jordan has more than nine million mobile phone subscriptions. The telecommunications sector is liberalised with the internet and smart phone penetration rate at 103% and 100%, respectively.

Jordan is investing heavily in alternative and renewable energy, including wind and solar.

The renewable energy market for equipment and services is around £29 million. This is expected to grow as international companies implement new wind and solar projects in Jordan. The energy sector, particularly power generation, municipal gas systems, and oil shale development, are additional key sectors of growth.

Jordan’s healthcare services and facilities are regionally recognised as advanced. Existing hospitals are expanding and renovating their facilities, while new private and public sector facilities continue to be established. As for the e-health programmes, they are currently piloted in major hospital and healthcare units around Amman, and are based on electronic health solutions. As such, medical tourism is drawing large numbers of patients to Jordan as a medical destination, generating over £850 million in revenue.

[Source – JIC, HMRC]

The Central Bank is a regional role model in terms of the stringent controls that were

33

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

maintained over the banking sector, and as a result Jordan was not as exposed as some markets to the credit problems, and has healthy cash reserves.

See the ‘Sector-specific opportunities’ section in this guide for further details.

Contact UK Export Finance (UKEF) about trade finance and insurance cover for UK companies. You can also check the current UKEF cover position for Jordan. See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/country-coverpolicy-and-indicators#jordan.

[Source – DIT, UKEF, gov.uk]

[Source – FCO Overseas Business Risk, gov.uk]

World rankings In addition: •

•

•

In Transparency International's latest 2018-19 Corruption Perceptions Index (announced January 2019), Jordan was ranked 58th out of 180 countries (the UK ranked 11th): https://www.transparency. org/country/JOR

UK and Jordan trade UK exports to Jordan reached £488 million in 2018.

The top three UK exports to Jordan include: •

medical and pharmaceutical products

•

road vehicles

Jordan is ranked 104th out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s 2019 Ease of Doing Business Index launched on 31st October 2018, down from 103rd the previous year (the UK now ranks 9th, down from 7th): http://www.doingbusiness.org/en/rankings

•

industrial machinery

•

luxury goods

The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2018-19 ranks Jordan 73rd out of 140 (the UK is ranked 8th): http://reports.weforum.org/globalcompetitiveness-report-2018/countryeconomy-profiles/#economy=JOR

•

foodstuffs

•

clothing

•

electrical machinery

Other major exports from the UK to Jordan include:

[Source – DIT, gov.uk]

•

Jordan is ranked 53rd out of 180 countries in the Heritage Foundation’s 2019 Index of Economic Freedom (the UK ranks 7th): https://www.heritage.org/index/country/ jordan

Contact a DIT Export Adviser at: https://www. great.gov.uk/contact/triage/location/ for a free consultation if you are interested in exporting to Jordan.

34

Marina of Tala Bay, Aqaba

JORDAN

The Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) provides a host of services geared towards providing investors with a trustworthy, sustainable and rewarding environment for their investments.

36

HELP AVAILABLE FOR YOU

Help available for you approvals and licences and who have the authority to deal with the investment projects.

Support from the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) The JIC provides a host of services geared towards providing investors with a trustworthy, sustainable and rewarding environment for their investments.

Investment Window/‘Fast Track’ services include: •

providing information and technical advice to investors

•

registering activities covered by the Investment Window services and granting the necessary licences to operate its various activities

•

granting of sectoral and environmental approvals

•

facilitating regulatory approvals (construction licences, work permits, vocational licences)

•

issuance of the investor card, recruitment and use of foreign labour, visas and residence approvals and certain private approvals

These services include: •

providing comprehensive information about investment in the Kingdom

•

providing provisional feasibility studies for potential projects

•

providing registration, licensing and other services through an accessible ‘Investment Window’

•

regulating incentives and privileges in accordance with the investment law

•

providing aftercare services

•

supporting exports and promoting them to new markets in a bid to gain bigger shares of global markets

Investment Window – ‘Fast Track’ The Investment Window at JIC, or ’Fast Track’, empowers local and foreign investors by working to simplify the registration, licensing and procedures of investment projects in various economic activities.

The Investment Window includes commissioners from all government agencies authorised to grant the necessary

37

Licence guide for investment projects The Investment Window provides a licence guide. This comprehensive guide includes procedures for investment projects, starting from registration to obtaining organisational and sectorial approvals and licences.

Additionally, the licence guide offers information on how to qualify for investment incentives as stipulated in the investment law.

For further information contact the JIC at https://www.jic.gov.jo/en/.

[Source – JIC]

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

Support from the UK Department for International Trade (DIT) The Department for International Trade (DIT) helps businesses export, drives inward and outward investment, negotiates market access and trade deals, and champions free trade. They provide tailored support packages for companies who are: •

first time exporters (FTEs)

•

small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

•

medium-sized businesses (MSBs)

Business opportunities If you are a UK-registered company you can benefit from a unique programme, ‘Exporting is GREAT’, presenting real-time export opportunities that you can apply for online.

This is part of the drive to significantly increase the number of UK companies exporting.

‘Exporting is GREAT’ is part of the UK Government’s GREAT campaign, and presents live export opportunities to UK businesses across a range of media outlets and digital channels. Hundreds of these export opportunities, with a potential total value of more than £300 million, are hosted on: https://www.great.gov.uk/.

‘GREAT’ has tailored support and advice for UK businesses on how to start exporting or increase the amount of goods and services they sell overseas.

•

find out about services offered by ‘GREAT’ partners

•

use the selling online overseas tool at: https://www.great.gov.uk/selling-onlineoverseas/ to find the best marketplaces to showcase your products online – you can take advantage of special deals negotiated by the government for UK businesses, and find out more about the UK Government’s E-Exporting Programme, at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ e-exporting

•

apply at: https://www.great.gov.uk/ export-opportunities/ for overseas export opportunities for your products or services

•

create a business profile at: https://www. great.gov.uk/find-a-buyer/, which will allow you to promote your products and services to international buyers

•

search for events, trade fairs, missions and webinars relevant to your sector or overseas markets, at: https://www.events. great.gov.uk/ehome/index.php?eventid =200183029&

•

see upcoming DIT international ministerial visits, at: https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ ehome/index.php?eventid=200183333&

•

apply for a tradeshow access grant at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ tradeshow-access-programme to attend an overseas event

•

contact a trade adviser in your area, at: https://www.great.gov.uk/contact/ office-finder/

You can: •

read guidance for new, occasional and frequent exporters

38

& INTERNATIONAL TRADE

www.export.org.uk

@ioexport

Choosing a great export training partner can really help your company take off in international trade! We can help develop new ideas and find ways to drive down costs and produce sustainable improvements in your export business. Our team of experts can help with questions on documentation, export controls, Bribery Act, Customs & VAT procedures, regulatory and compliance issues, insurance issues, payment terms, transport and logistics...

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Membership : Training : QualiďŹ cations : Advice

Call: +44 (0) 1733 404 400 : email: institute@export.org.uk

Getting local market help to sell overseas DIT has trade specialists who can help you commission services from local experts overseas.

organise events for you to meet contacts in Jordan, or to promote your company and your products/services.

•

country and sector advice

For further information about DIT services, see: https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/department-for-internationaltrade/about-our-services.

•

local market research

[Source – DIT, gov.uk]

•

support during overseas visits

•

identification of possible business partners

•

preparation for exhibitions and events

This includes:

To find out more about commissioning any of these services, contact a DIT Trade Adviser in your region at: https://www.great.gov.uk/ contact/triage/location/ for a free consultation, or see further details at: https://www. gov.uk/government/organisations/ department-for-international-trade/aboutour-services.

Support from the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) Raising the profile of international trade qualifications and experienced members is only part of how IOE&IT membership is essential for any individual or business involved with global trade.

Importantly, the IOE&IT also offer access to a unique range of benefits and services specific to international trade: •

Help with any export issues you come across. Our team of experts can help with questions on documentation, export controls, the UK Bribery Act, customs and VAT procedures, regulatory and compliance issues, insurance issues, payment terms, transport and logistics. Members get free access to our experts via a technical helpline. See: https://www.export.org.uk/ page/Export_Helpline

•

A voice for your ideas and concerns. We represent your point of view and feed back to government, HMRC and other influencing bodies on issues that impact you, plus participate in Institute responses to central government with regard to proposed legislative changes

In-market support If you already trade internationally, and have decided Jordan is part of your business strategy, you are advised to contact DIT at the British Embassy Amman prior to your visit to discuss your objectives and what help you may need. See: https://www.gov.uk/world/ organisations/department-for-internationaltrade-jordan#contact-us.

They can provide a range of Jordan-specific services for you, including the provision of market information, validated lists of agents/potential partners, key market players or potential customers; establishing interest from such contacts; and arranging in-market appointments. In addition, they can also

40

Open to Export is a free online information service from The Institute of Export & International Trade, dedicated to helping small UK businesses get ready to export and expand internationally

How can we help?

A wealth of free information and practical advice on our website using: Step-by-step guides covering the whole export journey from ‘Selecting a market’ to ‘Delivery and documentation’

A comprehensive webinar programme covering all aspects of international trade

The online Export Action Plan tool helping businesses create a roadmap to successful new markets

Quarterly competitions for the chance to win £3,000 cash and further support Sign up today to take your next steps in international trade

Register for free on www.opentoexport.com for updates on our content and webinars, and to start your Export Action Plan.

Powered By

•

•

A complete range of international trade qualifications – for those that have no experience, up to those who wish to qualify themselves to take a business degree. The Institute's qualifications are widely recognised as providing both employers and employees with the necessary international business practice linked to satisfying career planning and development. See: https://www.export. org.uk/page/qualifications A range of short courses giving you the skills and expertise you need to gain a competitive advantage in the challenging and complex world of export, import and international trade. See: https://www. export.org.uk/page/TrainingCourses

•

An extensive events programme to help you share information and connect at every level in the international trade community, whether it is sector-specific or regional. See: https://www.export.org. uk/events/event_list.asp

•

Inclusion in surveys to research the attitudes and changes to world trade

Open to Export Open to Export is the IOE&IT’s free online advice service for UK companies looking to grow internationally. It offers free information and support on anything to do with exporting and hosts online discussions via its forum, webinars and social media, where businesses can ask any export question and learn from each other.

Open to Export can be accessed at: http://opentoexport.com/.

[Source – Institute of Export & International Trade]

For more information on how the IOE&IT can help you, or on becoming a member, contact the IOE&IT at: https://www.export. org.uk/page/about.

42

Cityscape of downtown Amman from the Citadel

JORDAN

Local laws reflect the fact that Jordan is a predominantly Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend.

44

GETTING HERE AND ADVICE ABOUT YOUR STAY

Getting here and advice about your stay

Entry requirements Passport validity Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Jordan.

Visas You will need a visa to enter Jordan. You can get a single entry visa valid for one month on arrival at the airports or the Sheikh Hussein/north border crossing at the Jordan/Israel border.

Check with the Jordanian authorities if you are planning to cross the Wadi Araba/south border crossing (Aqaba/Eilat) or the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge.

An exit tax, currently 10 JOD, is payable at all border crossings, except the airports.

If you wish to combine travel to Jordan with a visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, it is usually better to get a multiple entry visa before you travel from the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in London. See: http://jordanembassy.org.uk/.

You can extend your visa after you arrive in Jordan up to a maximum period of six months. If you overstay your visa you will be fined.

If you are entering for tourism you can get a combination of a visa and reduced cost entry to the major tourism sites by applying for a Jordan Pass online.

Previous travel to Israel Evidence of a previous visit to Israel like an

47

Israeli entry/exit stamp in your passport does not normally cause any difficulties when entering Jordan. It is, however, for the Jordanian authorities to determine the right of entry into the country. If you have any concerns, you should contact the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in London.

See: http://jordanembassy.org.uk/.

Yellow fever certificate requirements Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website at: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/ country/115/jordan.

HIV test You must undergo an HIV test if you intend to stay in Jordan for more than 30 days, either as a resident or as a long-term visitor. The fee to obtain the health certificate is currently 20 Jordanian Dinars (JOD).

Dual nationals If you are a British/Jordanian national, you are allowed to use your British passport on arrival, but will need to show your Jordanian passport on departure.

UK Emergency Travel Documents UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, transit and exit from Jordan. However, for entry and transit using an Emergency Travel Document, you will need to get a visa from the Jordanian Embassy in the country where the document was issued. For exit using an Emergency Travel Document, you will need to get a stamp from the Immigration and Residency Department in Amman (not at the airport). A minimum of one month remaining validity is required on an Emergency Travel Document.

[Source – FCO Travel Advice, gov.uk]

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

Local laws and customs Local laws reflect the fact that Jordan is a predominantly Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend.

Money Cash machines are available throughout Amman and in other major towns and cities.

ATMs are less widely available in rural areas, although most petrol stations on major roads offer ATMs. [Source – FCO Travel Advice, gov.uk]

In 2020, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 24th April and finish on 23rd May. See the UK Government’s guidance on travelling during Ramadan at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travellingduring-ramadan.

The Jordanian Government does not interfere with the practice of Christianity but encouraging conversion to the Christian faith is illegal. It is also illegal for a Muslim to convert to Christianity.

Jordan is a conservative society. You should dress modestly and behave courteously.

It is illegal to drink alcohol on the street but permissible in bars, clubs, hotels and private homes. There are strict alcohol limits for drivers, similar to that of the UK. If you are found guilty of drink driving you could face a driving ban, a fine or even imprisonment.

Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in a lengthy prison sentence and a heavy fine.

While Jordanian law may not explicitly prohibit homosexual acts, Jordan is a conservative society and public displays of affection between homosexual couples are not generally tolerated. You could be arrested under other Jordanian laws. See the UK Government’s information and advice for the LGBT community at: https://www.gov.uk/ guidance/lesbian-gay-bisexual-andtransgender-foreign-travel-advice before you travel.

Safety and security Political situation War in the surrounding region, continued pressures of large refugee populations and economic reform programmes have helped create an atmosphere in which protests often occur. These have taken place in many parts of Jordan on Fridays and sometimes on other days of the week. Demonstrations may occur in town centres, refugee camps and other locations. Violent clashes have also been known to occur on university campuses.

Follow news reports and be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. Avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations. Take care, especially at night, when travelling to or via towns outside of Amman. Stay away from downtown Amman and the centres of other major towns and cities after Friday midday prayers and be aware of the possibility of spontaneous demonstrations and road blockages occurring elsewhere, particularly after sunset.

Border areas The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to within 3 km of Jordan’s border with Syria. Whilst levels of military activity in southern Syria near the border with Jordan have decreased, the situation in Syria continues to evolve, and security threats in the form of instability or terrorist activity could arise with little or no 48

notice. The land border between Jordan and Syria at Jaber-Nasib reopened on 15th October 2018.

Jordan’s land borders are closed from time to time. Take care at all border crossings, particularly when travelling by taxi into neighbouring countries.

Jordanian army and police units patrol the entire border area with both Syria and Iraq.

They have been known to engage vehicles and people in the border area and will continue to monitor traffic.

Terrorist groups are present in Syria, including those like Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) who routinely use kidnapping as a tactic.

There have been cases where passengers travelling into Iraq have been handed over to kidnappers once over the Iraqi border.

Landmines may be located near military installations and borders. Minefields are usually fenced-off and marked with a skulland-crossbones sign, but fences and signs may be in a poor state of repair.

Crime Crime levels are generally low – most crime is limited to pick-pocketing, occasional bag snatching and theft from cars. Be vigilant and keep your money, passport and valuables secure.

Whilst large numbers of foreigners enjoy visiting Amman and hiking in some of Jordan’s more remote areas, women travellers often receive unwanted attention in the form of verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. On occasion this can escalate and over the last 12 months there has been an increase in reports of cases of sexual assault. Female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone even during daylight hours. You should

49

maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in the UK. See the UK Government’s tips for women travellers at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ advice-for-women-travelling-abroad.

Jordanian police advise anyone who finds themselves stranded – even in daytime – to call the police on 911.

Tribal violence Clashes between feuding tribes, clans or families periodically erupt without notice and sometimes involve violence and the use of firearms. You should follow news reports and, if caught in an incident, leave the area and follow any police instructions given.

Road travel Do not accept lifts from strangers. If you have to use a taxi ask your hotel to recommend a reliable driver. Women should not ride in the front seat of a taxi, particularly when travelling alone.

You can drive in Jordan using an International Driving Permit. Make sure you have third party insurance. In Jordanian law a driver is always considered guilty if they hit a pedestrian. If you are involved in such an incident, you could face imprisonment and be liable for the payment of hospital bills and other compensation.

According to the latest available World Health Organization data, Jordan ranks 36th in the world for the number of deaths as a result of road traffic accidents. Drive with care, especially at night, and avoid driving on unlit roads. Stray animals, broken down vehicles and unmarked road works are common. If you have an accident, do not leave the scene before the police have arrived and taken a statement. You can contact the police by calling 911.

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

The police carry out random security checks.

Keep identification documents with you to present at these checkpoints. The police also strictly enforce the speed limit with fixed and hand-held speed traps. They issue on-thespot fines of between 15 to 150 Jordanian Dinars.

Front seatbelts are required by law. Failure to wear one can result in a fine. All cars must carry a fire extinguisher and warning triangle.

It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.

Cars and coaches can become trapped by occasional heavy snowfalls in winter, and roads in mountain areas, including Petra and the surrounding area, can become blocked.

dive or snorkel unaccompanied. Where possible make bookings through your tour representative and make sure the operator is accredited with an internationally recognised scheme such as PADI. [Source – FCO Travel Advice, gov.uk]

Terrorism Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Jordan. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners, particularly hotels, shopping malls and tourist sites.

There have been a number of incidents in recent years, most of which have targeted local security forces.

Adventure travel Many organisations offer trips across Jordan to take advantage of the outdoor activities on offer. The quality of these tour operators varies greatly. You should ensure you are well prepared for any outdoor activities in Jordan with appropriate clothing and sufficient food and water for what can be extreme temperatures.

The authorities in Jordan have successfully disrupted a number of planned attacks and made a number of arrests.

There are around 80 wadis (valleys) in Jordan.

During the rainy season (November to March) there is a risk of flash floods in these valleys.

Before travelling to a wadi check the weather forecast and do not travel to places where heavy rain is expected and for at least one day afterwards. If you are caught in a flash flood go to a high point and do not attempt to cross the water. If you are in a vehicle try to drive to a dry spot. Contact the civil defence if the situation continues.

There is a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.

You should be vigilant at this time.

You should be vigilant at all times and keep updated on the situation in the country through local media and travel reports, and by subscribing for updates to the FCO’s travel advice.

Find out more about the global threat from terrorism, how to minimise your risk and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack, at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-yourrisk-from-terrorism-while-abroad.

If you are considering diving or snorkelling in Aqaba, be aware that safety standards of diving operators can vary considerably. Never

50

Kidnap Terrorist groups are present in Syria, including those like Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) who routinely use kidnapping as a tactic.

The long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

Health Visit your GP around four to six weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures.

Check the latest country-speciďŹ c information and advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website: https://travelhealth pro.org.uk/countries and by NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website: http://www.ďŹ tfor travel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx.

Useful information and advice about healthcare abroad is also available on the NHS Choices website: https://www.nhs.uk/ using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/.

Medical facilities outside Amman are basic.

In an emergency you should seek treatment in Amman. Emergency treatment is also available in Aqaba. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Temperatures in summer months can be very high. Drink plenty of water and use high factor sun-block.

51

Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in patients from Jordan have been reported to the World Health Organization. You can ďŹ nd more information on this virus on the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre at: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/115/ jordan#important.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

[Source – FCO Travel Advice, gov.uk]

FCO travel advice If you are travelling to Jordan for business, the Foreign & Commonwealth OďŹƒce (FCO) website has travel advice to help you prepare for your visit overseas and to stay safe and secure while you are there.

For up-to-the-minute advice please visit the FCO travel section pages on the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-traveladvice/jordan.

Travel insurance Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. See the FCO foreign travel insurance guidance at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travelinsurance.

52

Oil Terminal, Aqaba Port

JORDAN

There are abundant opportunities for UK business to get involved in priority sectors such as agriculture, education and training, energy, healthcare, ICT, industry, tourism, transportation and logistics, water and many others.

54

SECTOR–SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES

KHBP is a dynamic and vibrant model for a modern corporate environment and a core hub for innovation and excellence that is currently playing a major role in attracting professionals, businesses, and investments to Jordan.

KHBP is currently proceeding with its expansion master plan as the largest mixed-used development project located at the heart of Amman, spanning over 1.4 million square meters of land, offering: •

• • •

The Business Park; an active nucleus of more than 75 international corporations and over 100 start-ups, employing 4000 employees anchoring the expansion.

A strategic location coupled with a range of business solutions and financial incentives offered by Jordan’s investment law.

SMART and Green city within a city, combining a unique synergy of offices, healthcare, hospitality, retail and residential components in an already-sprawling site.

A development opportunity over 3 million square meter built-up area.

www.businesspark-jo.com

Sector-specific opportunities

There are abundant opportunities for UK businesses to get involved in priority sectors such as agriculture, education and training, energy, healthcare, ICT, industry, tourism, transportation and logistics, water and many others.

Research You should carry out as much market research and planning as possible before exporting to Jordan using both desk research and visits to the market. You need to determine if there is a market for your product or service and whether your pricing is competitive.

DIT’s trade specialists can help you identify local representatives for your products in Jordan.

See: https://www.gov.uk/overseas-customersexport-opportunities.

DIT provides free international export sales leads from its worldwide network. Find export opportunities in Jordan at: https://www.great. gov.uk/export-opportunities/.

gtd.gov.jo/en/index. The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) has separate procurement offices with sole jurisdiction over defence sales to Jordan.

If you choose to have your tender bids submitted by a domestic company or agency, you can check with DIT in Amman first, at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-trade-jordan #contact-us for assistance and information about third-party advisers in Jordan.

Special development zones Development zones • Jordan’s development zones in Ajloun and the Dead Sea are working on the development of the tourism sector, medical-tourism, eco-tourism and hotel services •

the King Hussein Bin Talal Development Zone in Mafraq is working on development of the industrial sector, logistics, residential and commercial services

•

the Irbid Development Zone is working on the development of information technology and healthcare

•

the Business Park Development Zone is for specialised services, medical services, healthcare services, education, mass communication and entertainment services

•

the Ma’an Development Zone is working on the development of light, medium and heavy industries and the production of ceramics, plastic and electrical equipment

Government tenders in Jordan Foreign companies are permitted to bid for government contracts in Jordan independently of a local agent, although their chances of success might be better if they submit a joint bid.

The main government bodies implementing public sector procurement in Jordan are the General Supplies Department (GSD) at: http://www.gsd.gov.jo/ and the Government Tenders Department (GTD) at: http://www.

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Industrial cities • King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein Industrial City in Amman

Free zones • free zone in Zarqa – industrial, commercial, service, tourism

•

Al Hasan Industrial City in Irbid

•

free zone in Sahab – industrial, commercial, service, tourism

•

Al Hussein bin Abdullah II Industrial City in Karak Governorate

•

free zone in ALIA International Airport – industrial, commercial, service, tourism

•

free zone in Karak – industrial, commercial, service, tourism

•

free zone in Karama – industrial, commercial, service, tourism free zone in Mowaqqar – industrial, commercial, service, tourism

•

Al Aqaba International Industrial City

Advantages of investment in development zones • only 5% income tax on all revenues of economic activities •

only 5% income tax on all revenues of industrial activities

•

•

customs exemptions on all products and services

•

customs exemptions reach 0% on all products and services needed by operating companies in the zones

Special free zones There are 37 private free zones in Jordan which are authorised to operate in a variety of economic activities, including: •

media activity

only 7% sales tax on some services provided by registered companies within the zones

•

business and self-storage

•

industrial, agricultural and service activity

•

customs exemptions with the exception of some products

•

foreign investors can have the possibility of total ownership of all project components

For further information and updates on all development zones in Jordan and benefits to UK investors, contact the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) at: https://www.jic.gov.jo/ en/.

•

additional facilities for the issuance of visas and residence permits in the Kingdom to investors and foreign workers and their families

•

possibility of capital and profits transfer to the country of origin

•

[Source – JIC (2018)]

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Agriculture sector Jordan’s agriculture sector, with its modern production technology and multiplicity and diversity of products with high technical specifications and quality standards offered in local and international markets, is one of the Kingdom’s most competitive sectors. The Jordan Valley’s fertile soil and favourable temperatures enable year-round agricultural production.

The Jordanian agricultural land is of significant importance, with 89,300 km² (including the Dead Sea), divided into three main climatic geographical areas: the Jordan Valley, the Highlands, and the Eastern Badia desert. The Jordan Valley is part of the Jordan Rift Valley, also called the Syro-African Depression, and is the most fertile part of Jordan, extending from the northern border of the Kingdom down to the Dead Sea with heights ranging from 220 m below sea level in the north to 407 m below sea level at the Dead Sea. The highlands extend from north to south in the western part of Jordan, and the Jordan Valley separates the eastern desert region. The eastern desert covers about 88% of the total area of Jordan, and the elevation of the earth is between 600-900 m above sea level.

The climate of Jordan also varies following the diversity of its landscape. The Jordan Valley is the most fertile part of Jordan and is characterised by its warmth in the winter compared with the rest of the Kingdom and enjoys the exclusive advantage of early agricultural production, especially for vegetables and fruits. The Highlands extend from north to south in the western part of Jordan, ranging between 600-1500 m above sea level, receiving the largest amount of rain in Jordan and enjoying the widest natural vegetation cover.

Jordan’s location in the heart of the Middle East not only advantages trade opportunities

within the MENA region but also Europe, Africa and Asia. Competitive labour prices and the valuable incentives from the government also make Jordan a prime destination for agricultural investment in the region.

The agriculture sector is also self-sufficient in a number of vegetables, citrus, goat meat, poultry, olives, olive oil, eggs and fresh milk.

Investment into Jordan’s agriculture sector equalled approximately US $250 million from 2015 to 2017. The Gulf market is the main importer of Jordan’s production, with 82% of the fruit and vegetables imported by Gulf countries.

Jordan’s free zones and development zones offer high quality infrastructure and a streamlined business operating environment boosted by attractive incentive packages, offering agri-business investors corporate income tax exemptions and reductions on profits generated through exports, in combination with the exemption of customs duties and general sales tax.

Investment opportunities The agriculture sector has been growing strongly and has doubled its contribution to Jordan’s national GDP from 2% to 4% in the past five years, which is primarily driven by domestic demand and demand in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, to which Jordan enjoys direct market access.

The MENA region’s agriculture is characterised by the need to feed fast-growing populations, which are increasingly urbanised. Food demand in the MENA region is expected to grow by 2.1% per year until 2050, while agricultural productivity has averaged just 1.9% since 2000. As a result, the MENA region must import over half of food consumed, making it the most dependent food import region in the world. A number of investment opportunities exist across a variety of agriculture segments.

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Extraction and commodity production Jordan is blessed with a variety of medicinal and aromatic plants, which typically fits Mediterranean diets and healthy lifestyles for which global demand – particularly in Europe – is increasing. Moreover, once extracted, these local plants can be processed and used in spices, seasonings, perfumes, and fragrances.

Considerable livestock investment opportunities exist with respect to the establishment of cattle farms and husbandry of sheep and camels for dairy or meat production purposes, as well as poultry farms for the production of eggs and dairy products.

Agri-business and agro-processing The Government of Jordan encourages the establishment of integrated agro-industrial societies to promote areas of high valueadding, development and innovation, and the importance of linking industrialisation and sustainable development, thereby taking into account environmental health and safety issues.

This sector depends on the introduction and adoption of quality health and safety standards improving market access of Jordan’s processed agriculture products. This also requires adoption of modern technologies in manufacturing to promote modernisation and competitiveness of Jordan’s entire agriculture sector. The current dialogue between the Government of Jordan and key players in the agro-processing industry is expected to increase growth and contribute towards increased competitiveness in the near future.

A number of promising investment opportunities exist for agri-business and agro-processing. This primarily concerns the development of post-harvest activities for fruit and vegetables, as well as working towards adopting an ‘orchard-to-market

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approach’ that aggregates production and establishes economic packaging, storage, and marketing functions. Examples include: •

children’s food production by processing foodstuffs (e.g. non-manufactured foodstuffs, vegetables, fruits and legumes) by composing, freezing, mixing, adding healthy vitamins, and packaging and wrapping in a specific and confined space

•

utilisation of date palm by-products in the manufacturing of containers and floor mats

•

production of fruit concentrates (e.g. fruit jam and pickles)

Beverages Jordan’s beverage sub-sector is driven by the growth of consumer demand and new highvalue market segments, an increase in global commodity prices, and product innovation in order to provide healthier and more ethical beverage options. Jordan has been working on improving this sector through working with the Arab Beverages Association in order to standardise and unify the specifications and standards among Arab countries in order to increase trade.

Investment opportunities also concern the desalinisation, filtration, and production of drinking water, as well as the production of (non-)natural juices and beverages by acquiring raw materials available in Jordan.

Agriculture extension and services Finally, as the agriculture sector is expected to expand over the coming years, demand for agriculture-related services and extension will evolve. Promising activities for investors include marketing firms focusing on promoting agriculture products, consulting firms providing agriculture counselling, and research and

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development for enhancing attributes of food and beverage products, as well as agro-processing and agri-business methods, techniques, and innovations. The need for agriculture research and development is particularly high given the low expenditures on research and development in this sector across the MENA region.

For further information on investment opportunities in Jordan’s agriculture sector contact the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) at: https://www.jic.gov.jo/en/.

•

development of skills and personal development

For further information on investment opportunities in Jordan’s education and training sector, contact the DIT team in Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk/world/ organisations/department-for-internationaltrade-jordan#contact-us.

[Source – DIT, gov.uk]

Energy sector [Source – JIC (2018)]

Education and training sector Education represents a major source of investment, with more than 70% of Jordan’s population under the age of 30 and a relatively high population growth rate.

Both state and private universities are keen on international collaboration agreements with UK universities. Opportunities are available for general collaborations, such as the one with Lancaster University. More specific collaborations include opportunities for research and development (R&D), such as the Cambridge University Institute of Biotechnology’s recent partnership with a local biotech company.

Opportunities for UK companies include: •

educational software

•

Arabic translation of English content for regional markets

•

accreditation

•

teacher training

As a result of industrialisation, population growth, growing domestic demand for energy and a growing economy – in combination with its favourable climatological conditions, technically skilled labour force, strong grid connectivity and high insulation and irradiation levels – Jordan is emerging as an ideal location for investment in renewable energy and clean technology that offers a starting point for international companies considering regional or global expansion.

Jordan seeks to increase the contribution of renewable energy sources in electricity generation up to 10% by 2020 and has fostered numerous public private partnerships (PPPs) to establish projects that will help diversify the energy mix and reduce its costs.

Jordan is the second most attractive environment for renewable energy and energy efficiency investments in the region, and is also ranked second in the Arab world with regards to renewable energy generation.

Positioned as a gateway to the Middle East, Jordan is emerging as an ideal location for investment in renewable energy and clean technology and is thus now poised to become a leading regional example of non-oil dominated energy mix and diversified energy sources.

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Investment opportunities The country has made significant progress on offering investment opportunities in oil shale and in expressing interest in peaceful nuclear power plants as additional means to diversifying the country’s energy mix, through which it aims to become a net energy exporter by 2030, driven by various energy sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, and waste.

The development of the renewable energy segment has seen a sharp rise in recent years as it is guided by specific legislation and a wave of new solar and wind energy projects under implementation.

As mentioned above, Jordan looks to diversify its energy sources, reduce its reliance on energy imports, and increase the share of renewable energy as a source for its electricity by up to 10%, or 1,800 MW by 2020. This includes, among others, renewable energy generated from solar and wind sources: •

8% to be generated from solar, equalling 800 MW by 2020

•

7% to be generated from wind, equalling 600-1,000 MW by 2020

Wind and solar are expected to deliver the highest returns given Jordan’s favourable climatological conditions. Hence, considerable investment opportunities exist for energy generation through wind turbines, photovoltaic inverters, and solar and photovoltaic installations, as well as for the actual manufacturing of solar reflectors, solar panels, solar cells, photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, wind blades, generators, support structures, and storage batteries.

Wind energy Wind energy is one of the best sources of renewable energy to generate electricity in the Kingdom. Many regions in the Kingdom

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are characterised by wind speeds ranging from 7-8.5 metres per second, which is an appropriate speed for building plants that use wind energy to generate electricity.

The first project of its kind in Jordan and the Middle East, the Tafila Wind Farm is a 117 MW project producing 400 GW hours per year. In 2016, the 86 MW Ma’an wind project was inaugurated with an expectation to generate 200 GW hours per year. In 2017, construction of the 89.1 MW Jordan Fujeij Wind Farm began, becoming commercially operational during 2018.

Solar energy Located within the world’s solar belt, Jordan enjoys one of the highest global radiation values, with more than 300 sunny days a year. Small-scale installations of renewable energy systems have long been used in Jordan as a means to reduce electricity dependency. Nearly 15% of all households are equipped with solar-based water heating systems, with plans to increase this rate to 30% by 2020. Jordan had initially planned to increase its solar power production capacity to 600 MW by 2020, yet it raised the target to 1,000 MW as a result of further demand.

Plans exist to install photovoltaic solar systems for power generation at over 6,000 mosques across the Kingdom. Jordan has also taken tangible steps to promote solar-powered vehicles, inaugurating its first solar-powered charging station for electric cars at El-Hassan Science City in February 2012.

As the largest privately-owned solar photovoltaic power plant in Jordan and the Middle East, Shams Ma’an Solar Photovoltaic Project covers a 2 million m2 area and has a capacity of 52.5 MW, producing 160 GW hours per year. As a result, the plant accounts for approximately 1% of Jordan’s total power generation capacity.

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Hydro energy Studies show a hydro resource potential of 400-800 MW that could be exploited from the 400 m elevation difference between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea (through the proposed Red-Dead Sea Canal project).

Investment opportunities also exist for other hydro-related appliances such as water desalination, water purification, and treatment plants.

Oil shale Jordanian oil shale is considered to be of very high quality. The majority of the deposits are considered to be shallow, making them suitable for open-cast mining. Utilising Jordan’s high quality marinite oil shale reserves, of which an estimated 70 billion tons of deposits are located throughout 60% of the Kingdom, should result in a share of 15% of energy generated from oil shale by 2030.

There are 26 known oil shale deposits, the eight most important of which occur at the surface close to developed infrastructure in western and central Jordan.

The Attarat Oil Shale-Fired Power Plant is expected to be completed at the Attarat um Ghudran oil shale deposit in central Jordan by 2020, making it the first shale oil-fired power plant in Jordan and the second-largest plant of its kind in the world. The Jordan Oil Shale Company (JOSCO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, is also expected to produce oil from oil shale.

Waste energy Investment in waste treatment, recycling, and waste oils recycling for generating electricity should result in 30-50 MW of waste-to-energy by 2020. The Greater Amman Municipality, for example, has already launched a wasteto-energy project.

Nuclear energy Jordan has invested in a nuclear power programme to generate energy via a safe, reliable, and economically proven way to counter the challenges demonstrated by the growing need for electricity in the Kingdom.

In 2015, Jordan signed a US $10 billion agreement with Russia’s state-owned nuclear firm, Rosatom, to build the country’s first nuclear power programme, with two reactors, at a total capacity of 2,000 MW. Biogas Established in 1998 through a project supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Jordan Biogas Company (JBC) is the first of its kind in the region. JBC produces electrical energy while reducing the quantity of pollutants in landfills.

This project is considered a best-practice model for a clean development mechanism (CDM) in the developing world and has been registered in the CDM agreements of the Kyoto Protocol.

Energy sector megaprojects: • Obtaining shale gas and shale oil from the Sarhan area •

Fourth expansion of the Jordan Petroleum Refinery

•

The Jordan-Iraq-Egypt Oil Pipeline

•

The Aqaba-Ma’an Oil Pipeline

For further information on investment opportunities in Jordan’s energy sector contact the DIT team in Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-trade-jordan #contact-us, or the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) at: https://www.jic.gov.jo/en/.

[Source – JIC (2018)]

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Healthcare sector The Jordanian healthcare sector is known for its high quality services, both regionally and internationally, due to the presence of its world-class, internationally qualified medical workforce and accredited hospitals and facilities equipped with state-of-the-art medical machinery and equipment.

Moreover, Jordan is considered one of the Middle East’s most pre-eminent medical tourism destinations and a regional leader in pharmaceutical production, with further growth likely to materialise in the coming years as a result of factors such as increased medical tourism from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Medical tourism alone attracts at least 250,000 patients to Jordan each year, generating 66% of the country’s overall tourism revenues.

The sustained growth in the number of publicly and privately owned hospitals, the construction and upgrading of existing hospitals and medical centres, expanding health insurance coverage, and the shift from older conventional methods to modern treatment drives the demand for medical equipment and services. Moreover, imports currently supply approximately 80% of Jordan’s demand for medical equipment.

Altogether, Jordan’s healthcare proposition comprises the availability of top–tier medical staff, world-class hospitals and facilities, a strong proposition for medical tourism, and a wide clinical base, which collectively allow for the expansion of services offered to both foreign and domestic patients and drive investment opportunities.

Jordan is also considered a regional leader in medical tourism and as a regional medical treatment hub, as 110 hospitals serve both its

65

domestic population and over 250,000 foreign patients per year. In fact, Jordan is ranked first in the MENA region as a best healthcare service provider and a top destination for medical tourism, according to the World Bank.

Finally, the King Hussein Business Park (in Amman) and the Irbid Development Area, two of Jordan’s development zones, focus on attracting healthcare opportunities and services, offering high quality infrastructure and a streamlined business operating environment, boosted by attractive incentive packages for businesses operating within these zones.

Investment opportunities Jordan’s healthcare industry totals about US $3.58 billion, representing approximately 10% of GDP, which is among the highest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Given the country’s existing competitiveness in terms of medical tourism, a healthcareminded workforce, renowned hospitals and facilities, reforms of the private hospitals’ regulatory framework and a growing market with increasing demand for world-class healthcare services in the region, a number of investment opportunities exist across a variety of healthcare niches: Hospitalisation Nearly 86% of the Jordanian population is covered by health insurance originating from either public, private, military, or United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schemes – which is a high percentage compared to the MENA region.

Jordan’s continued urbanisation and population growth, together with the growing need for healthcare services and medical supplies in neighbouring countries, all turn

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the country into a regional platform for healthcare services. Moreover, the large influx of Syrian refugees during the last seven years demand suitable, sustained healthcare infrastructure and services.

To accommodate this growing healthcare market demand, a need exists for new private/public hospitals and medical centres in Jordan in the next five years, thereby particularly focusing on the larger cities of Amman, Zarqa, and Irbid. The construction of new hospitals will also trigger demand for both professional services and medical products.

The hospitalisation segment not only includes basic healthcare infrastructure (such as hospitals and medical centres), but also provides investment opportunities in more high-end segments. This concerns companies looking to establish specialised therapeutic or medical centres that offer all specialties or specific therapeutic services, as well as medical centres and hospitals with five-star services.

Pharmaceuticals and medical devices The demand for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and medical supplies evolves with the increasing demand for new hospitals, medical centres and healthcare facilities.

Prospects include the manufacturing and production of human medicine, pharmaceutical drugs from medicinal plants, and medical supplies (such as medical gauzes, cylinders, instruments, needles, adhesive, diagnostic imaging equipment, testing equipment, cardiology and kidney dialysis equipment, equipment and supplies for plastic surgery, medical surgical sterilisers, medical x-ray, alpha, beta, and gamma-ray equipment, orthopaedic and prosthetic appliances, clinical laboratory diagnostic equipment, clinical laboratory equipment, organ transplant equipment and consumables for clinical laboratories).

Jordan’s existing medical and therapeutic industries comprise of more than 100 domestic factories, generating about 8,000 employment opportunities, covering all administrative and technical levels. The sector’s output reached about US $880 million in 2014, of which 80% was targeted for exporting purposes.

Moreover, the Jordanian pharmaceutical sector has accrued suitable manufacturing and technical expertise. Jordan has become a centre for good manufacturing practices (GMP) in the MENA region and has expanded its pharmaceutical exports to more than 60 countries worldwide, including the Gulf, the US and Europe, all due to their high quality, excellent reputation and affordable prices.

The Jordanian medical device market is also projected to grow at an above-average rate of 9.3% per annum. The size of the pharmaceutical market in Jordan is estimated at US $1.3 billion.

The pharmaceutical sector in Jordan has benefited from the growth in MENA economies (mainly the Gulf countries) in recent years and is expected to do so in the near future, resulting in increased government spending on the healthcare sector. Indeed, one of the main drivers for growth in Jordan’s healthcare sector includes the continuing high volume of medical export activity generated by the country’s domestic drug manufacturers.

Medical education and services The Kingdom hosts a rapidly growing laboratory segment, which is increasingly applying more sophisticated capabilities. In fact, less than 1% of the samples sent out of the Kingdom for analysis are for very specific medical tests not offered throughout Jordan. Nevertheless, investment opportunities emerge in education and services related to healthcare as the sector progresses. Examples of such services relate to consulting in hospital administration,

66

education and training in quality control and certification standards, laboratory and hospital administration software, and laboratory reagents and diagnostics.

wellness centres, physiotherapy, Dead Sea cosmetics, and mud processing and refining are prevalent in order to accommodate medical tourists and cater to their needs.

As the Government of Jordan is implementing its e-health strategy, investment opportunities exist for a number of applications and services, including healthcare management systems, software modules for specific fields and applications, integrated medical insurance solutions, customer relations management, mobile healthcare applications, and online medical content providers.

For further information on investment opportunities in Jordan’s healthcare sector contact the DIT team in Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-trade-jordan #contact-us, or the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) at: https://www.jic.gov.jo/en/.

Medical tourism and cosmetics Medical tourism in Jordan, including patients’ expenditure on medical procedures, accommodation, transportation and other types of services, generated more than US $1.7 billion in 2015 and is expected to continue to grow over the next few years, due to global ageing and the increasing expenditures on healthcare and tourism.

As such, investment opportunities, such as medical tourism facilitators, health spas,

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[Source – JIC (2018)]

ICT sector Today, Jordan provides a highly attractive ICT environment required by international companies, thereby becoming a new regional hub that serves the wider MENA region and serves as a regional centre for tech start-ups, thanks to an ICT-focused educational system, the presence of venture capital, a business-friendly environment, and low start-up costs.

Contributing to about 12% of GDP, Jordan’s ICT has developed into one of the leading sectors in the region, with more than 600 active companies, directly employing about 16,000 employees, and an overall contribution of about 84,000 jobs in the wider economy.

Jordan offers a regionally competitive environment for innovation, research and development, which further supports the country’s strong proposition for the ICT sector. In addition it has a world-class modern and well-connected infrastructure for hosting a wide variety of ICT and ICTenabled businesses.

Moreover, Jordan’s electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, critical for efficient transportation and logistics, is well developed compared to its regional peers as it enjoys a reliable electricity supply and particularly strong mobile-cellular telephone connectivity. Jordan offers regionally competitive-priced broadband internet tariffs.

Furthermore, Jordan is one of the region’s largest magnets of venture capital and equity funds, which both target growing IT start-ups and mature companies in the region (i.e.

seed, growth, and beyond), and offers some competitive incentives and development zones for the sector.

Investment opportunities The ICT sector can be classified into six sub-sectors, for which considerable investment opportunities exist: Telecom Investment opportunities in Jordan’s telecom sub-sector exist for international operators, internet services providers, and application services providers.

IT infrastructure With regard to hardware and networking infrastructure, Jordan is calling for investors to implement civil work, fibre work and equipment connection to connect 990 public schools, 217 hospitals and healthcare centres and 126 government entities in Irbid, Mafraq, Jerash and Ajloun. Additionally, there is an opportunity to implement a national broadband network that connects 1,318 public schools, 231 public hospitals and healthcare centres and 169 government entities in Amman, Zarqa, Madaba and Balqa’.

Monastery at Petra

IT software Investment opportunities exist in IT solutions for Jordan’s financial sector as well as in enterprise solutions and emerging applications.

Online and mobile Jordan offers a competitive proposition for investment in content applications and e-learning with Arabised content, as 75% of Arabic internet content is already generated

by Jordan’s ICT sector.

Outsourcing IT outsourcing concerns investment opportunities in labour-intensive activities such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), and customer call centres. Jordan’s highly skilled labour force enables international firms to undertake back-office business and IT services and exports using Jordan’s BPO services park.

Gaming Jordan offers considerable investment opportunities in online and mobile console gaming as well as for design studios involved in gaming and animation and localisation of content.

For further information on investment opportunities in Jordan’s ICT sector contact the DIT team in Jordan at: https://www.gov. uk/world/organisations/department-forinternational-trade-jordan#contact-us, or the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) at: https://www.jic.gov.jo/en/.

[Source – JIC (2018)]

Industry sector The Jordanian industrial sector consists mainly of manufacturing, extractive industries,

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and electricity and water. These sectors are linked with sectors such as transportation, insurance, and trade. The industrial sector is a high contributor to Jordan’s GDP as it contributed approximately 24% in 2017, and employed more than 240,000 people, most of them Jordanians, in some 18,000 industrial facilities across the Kingdom.

The importance of the industrial sector can be traced to Jordan’s strong competitiveness for industrial investors. Jordan’s location within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, supported by the variety of free trade agreements (FTAs), offering access to 1.5 billion customers across more than 160 countries, enables the country to be a strategic trade route to many of its neighbouring countries and regions.

Continuous efforts have been made to ensure easy access of Jordanian products to international markets. The latest has been the agreement between Jordan and the EU with regards to the relaxation of the rules of origin over the next ten years from July 2016. The agreement covers most industrial products, which are expected to have greater access to the EU market, such as textiles, apparel, electrical and home appliances, chemical products, plastic products, and furniture.

Labour-intensive industrial businesses have an opportunity to gain from Jordan’s demography (more than 65% of the population is aged between 15 and 64, and it is expected to grow considerably up to 2040). The population growth represents an opportunity – to enhance investments as it encourages domestic demand for industrial goods and products on the one hand, while providing an increased pool of specialised and affordable labour on the other.

Special incentives are offered for industrial investments in a variety of development

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zones and industrial estates distributed across the Kingdom.

Moreover, Jordan offers a competitive tax environment for industrial activities, as the standard corporate income tax rate of 20% is reduced to 14% for firms engaged in industrial activities.

Investment opportunities The industrial sector in Jordan is considered the most economically significant sector in terms of value added to the national economy, the availability of trained labour, linkages with other sectors, and the level of technical competence.

It comprises of an array of essential sub-sectors that exhibit sophistication and dynamism.

They are characterised by reciprocity and complementarity among the constituent sub-sectors, as some of their products serve as the input to the production of others.

Jordan’s industrial sector can be classified into a number of sub-sectors, for which considerable investment opportunities exist: Garments and leather The garments and leather sub-sector mainly consists of the production of textiles, apparel, and leather. Its importance is attributed to its labour-intensive nature and large contribution to Jordan’s total national exports (approximately 20% of Jordan’s total industrial exports). The sub-sector has shown remarkable growth in recent years, benefiting from the advantages provided by the incentives contained in the FTAs which enable investors to access many of the world’s major consumer markets.

Jordan’s value proposition offers considerable potential to invest in textiles and in the production of fabrics and yarn and fibres, tissues, non-woven fabrics, garments manufacturing, embroideries and handmade textiles, carpets and rugs, knitted fabrics, crocheted and knitted fabric products,

garments and clothing accessories, as well as non-apparel textiles such as towels, bed sheets, curtains, woven bags, and tents.

Leather products for which Jordan offers considerable investment opportunities include shoes and shoe parts, and leather bags.

Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies The demand for new hospitals, medical centres, and healthcare facilities is increasing, which also increases the demand for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and medical supplies.

Jordan has gained suitable manufacturing and technical expertise within its pharmaceutical sector, and has therefore become a centre for good manufacturing practices (GMP) in the MENA region. Jordan’s pharmaceutical products are being exported into over 60 countries worldwide.

Chemicals and cosmetics Jordan’s chemicals sub-sector primarily concerns the production of fertilisers. The fertiliser industry developed remarkably during the last decade and thus has become part of the global fertiliser industry. Moreover, Jordan’s close proximity to growing Asian markets, its efficient exports operations, and the increase in its chemicals production means the Kingdom is ready to capture an increased share of the global fertilisers and chemicals market. For instance, Jordan provides an excellent platform to capture global opportunities in the fertilisers market due to the enormous local availability of critical inputs to fertiliser production, including phosphate and potash, which are the main components for the strength of agricultural crops and the fertiliser industry in general.

Jordan’s cosmetic sub-sector is well established and expected to expand over the next few years. Medical tourism is particularly lucrative, generating US $1.8 billion in 2016. The ageing global population and growing expenditure

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on tourism and healthcare are creating investment opportunities for health spas, wellness centres, and physiotherapy. Mud processing and refining and Dead Sea cosmetics are also widespread, and there is a demand for medical tourism facilitators.

Plastics and rubber Plastics and rubber products are witnessing a growing demand due to the diversity of their multi-use products that are utilised by many other sectors and sub-sectors. Moreover, they indirectly contribute to the completion of the productivity loop of many other commercial and industrial sectors. This sub-sector is also a major source for packaging products needed by the majority of economic sectors of different activities.

Products and goods produced by Jordan’s plastics and rubber sub-sector include tyres, coating, tubes, panels, plates, rods, tapes, rolls, hoses, pipes and fittings, health plastic wares, baths and shower baths, sink tubs, house wares and plastic cosmetics, fibreglass products, toys, games and accessories, farm tools, and sponge products.

Engineering and electronics The engineering and electronics sub-sector is an important part of Jordan’s economy and has played a vital role in providing employment and improving the quality of life of Jordanians.

Foreign companies based in Jordan in the electronics sub-sector are engaged in acquiring raw materials, parts, and components for the production and assembly of electrical appliances such as computers, electronic devices, scales, calculators, medical and optical glasses, glass frames, and lenses.

Wood and furniture Jordan’s wood and furniture is the third largest industrial sub-sector (in terms of the number of firms which rely heavily on skilled labour). Most of this sub-sector’s firms are ISO-9000 certified and have acquired other

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essential quality certificates, in addition to the use of the latest technology and modern equipment to meet international quality standards.

Jordanian furniture is distinguished by the production of high quality products leading to exports to eight major markets, most of which are centred in the Gulf region. Key export products include wooden panels, foam, veneer, plywood, carpentry, moulds, hand tools and structures, wooden handicrafts, cork products, straw and plaiting, and furniture of all kinds (e.g. for kitchens, home, offices, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and laboratories).

Packaging and paper Jordan offers a variety of opportunities for manufacturers of all types of packaging, paper, cardboard, scrapbook paper, notebooks, and rolls of industrial paper and packaging.

Extraction The mining and extraction sub-sector is considered one of the key strategic industries in Jordan. It also contributes heavily to employing Jordanians and other nationalities.

In addition, extraction is considered one of the major exports of the country besides catering for the needs of the local market of raw material.

Construction Investment opportunities exist for companies engaged in the manufacturing and production of materials and equipment for construction purposes. These include products of glass manufacturing and silicon manufactured from silica, glass from ceramic, tile, marble, (non-)liquefied cement factories, artificial stone, ready mix concrete, sand crushers, mills, and furnaces, as well as cement production lines.

Jordan was considered a significant supplier of bromine, phosphate rock and phosphatebased fertilisers and potash to the world. It was among the world’s top ten producers of bromine, phosphate rock, and potash. It also produced modest quantities of calcium carbonate, cement, clay, crude oil, iron and steel, kaolin, limestone, natural gas, pozzolanic materials, refined petroleum products, silica sand, and zeolites, mainly for domestic use.

Agriculture Jordan’s agricultural sector is well supported by the Government of Jordan, which is keen to promote modernisation in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner. It intends to create an integrated agro-industrial society which is innovative in the adoption of new technologies, in order to boost growth and competitiveness. Priorities for the sub-sector include improving market access of Jordan’s processed agricultural products, and introducing and adopting standards of quality, health and safety. Leaders in the agro-processing industry are working with the Government of Jordan to establish a competitive and sustainable sector which is expected to expand and modernise in the near future.

Moreover, Jordan offers an attractive proposition for investors in the extraction and processing of copper, uranium, and oil shale.

Crafts Jordan’s crafts include the processing of wooden products as well as the production of jewellery, whereby gold or silver ore are brought for cutting, engraving, and shaping for the production of rings and bracelets, and various forms of jewellery, to be sold to jewellery stores, ateliers, and workshops.

For further information on investment opportunities in Jordan’s industry sector contact the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) at: https://www.jic.gov.jo/en/.

[Source – JIC (2018)]

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Tourism sector The tourism sector in Jordan is a fast-growing sector and involves many promising niches.

It continues to be a vitally important pillar of Jordan’s economy, as it contributes 19.4% to Jordan’s GDP. Jordan features some of the world’s most unique and iconic assets such as Petra, one of the seven wonders of the world, the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, the Baptism site, and the Wadi Rum desert, turning the country into a rich destination with a wide range of tourist attractions.

and Turkey. The safety and security of Jordan’s tourism environment is similar to that of Cyprus and is only regionally outperformed by countries like the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Morocco.

Tourism-orientated development zones are located in various touristic areas offering high quality infrastructure, streamlined business operating environments and a conducive business environment, further boosted by attractive incentive packages for tourism businesses.

Jordan has a well-developed tourism infrastructure with a plethora of luxury hotels and resorts, advanced transport infrastructure, a wide range of activities and cultural events, spas and wellness centres, and numerous tour operators operating in the country.

Jordan has an established leisure and tourism cluster of more than 2,200 establishments including hotels, restaurants, resorts, and entertainment facilities, generating about 19,298 jobs in the accommodation sub-sector and nearly 50,000 jobs in the entire sector.

Jordan features a total of 573 classified and non-classified hotels, including high reputation international hotel chains.

Investment opportunities Jordan has maintained generally constant international tourism arrivals over the past years with a positive outlook. The United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has forecast that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region could receive 195 million tourist arrivals by 2030 – almost triple the present number of 70 million tourists. Moreover, the region is expected to improve airport capacity with 300 million extra passengers by 2020, construct over 200 new hotels, add 100,000 additional hotel rooms, and increase the size of its aircraft fleet by over 150% by 2025.

Jordan is considered one of the Middle East’s most pre-eminent medical tourism destinations with further growth likely to materialise in the coming years as a result of factors such as increased medical tourism from Yemen, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Medical tourism alone attracts at least 250,000 patients to Jordan per year, generating 40% of the country’s overall tourism revenues.

Investment opportunities exist in:

Jordan is generally perceived safer than all other destinations in the GCC, except for the UAE. Jordan’s safety perception is far ahead of other highly travelled destinations such as Mexico, and when compared to larger regional tourist destinations such as Egypt

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Leisure tourism This more conventional type of tourism revolves around Jordan as a premiere leisure tourism destination, featuring key cultural heritage experiences that differentiate Jordan from its key competitors. This niche includes both cultural heritage adventure tourism as well as tourism concerning families, city breaks, resorts, and charters. Investment opportunities in this niche are widespread, ranging from different types of accommodation (e.g. hotel apartments, rural residential villas, tourist resorts, lounges and restaurants, tourist villages, chalets, and tourist lodges) to leisure activities (e.g. amusement city and

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aqua parks, amusement parks, children’s museums, heritage traditional markets, theme parks, amusement water parks, and touristic traditional markets). In fact, the lack of two, three and four-star accommodations in Jordan’s touristic destinations deter potential budget and domestic tourists, turning these into strategic investment opportunities.

Medical and wellness tourism Medical and wellness tourism is becoming one of the most promising tourism segments in Jordan. Many of the visitors to Jordanian hospitals are international and come from various parts of the region (e.g. Palestinians, Iraqis, Syrians) as well as from the Gulf countries and Southeast Asia.

Medical tourism in Jordan, including patients’ expenditure on medical procedures, accommodation, transportation and other expenses, generated more than US $1.7 billion in 2015 and is expected to continue to grow over the next few years due to global ageing and increasing expenditures on healthcare and tourism.

As such, investment opportunities such as medical tourism facilitators, health spas, medication centres, wellness centres, physiotherapy, Dead Sea cosmetics, and mud processing and refining are prevalent in order to accommodate medical tourists and cater to their needs.

Faith pilgrimage tourism Religious holy site experiences and pilgrimages to Jordan are growing. The Baptism Site, Mount Nebo, and the Mosaic Map in Madaba are popular for Christian tourists while the Jordan River and the Dead Sea are also very popular for other religious tourists. Muslim pilgrims are offered a chance to add the Kingdom to Hajj and Umrah programmes.

Jordan’s rich variety of numerous medieval mosques and churches and 34 religious sites add to the Kingdom’s attractiveness as a popular destination for pilgrims.

Adventure tourism Jordan’s natural scenery provides extensive adventurous outdoor opportunities and attracts many international tourists looking for adventurous activities and experiences.

Adventure tourists staying in Jordan can enjoy rock-climbing in the Wadi Rum desert, hiking in Jordan's northern mountainous region, or scuba diving near Aqaba's magnificent coral reefs. Investment opportunities in this niche include diving centres, climbing centres, and tourist camps.

Educational tourism Jordan's excellent education programmes and infrastructure attract many international students looking to study Arabic in the Middle East or students from the Middle East looking to study at Jordan’s European and American universities.

Meetings, incentives, conventions, and events tourism Meetings, incentives, conventions, and events (MICE) tourism in Jordan is underdeveloped relative to its potential, particularly given the stable, safe, and secure environment Jordan offers, as well as the King Hussein Convention Centre at the Dead Sea, which features a capacity of 3,000 people and 25 fullyequipped conference rooms.

Investment opportunities exist for event management and organisation companies, convention centres, and multi-purpose halls.

Tourism sector megaprojects: • High lake resort •

Sports City Camps-Aqaba

For further information on investment opportunities in Jordan’s tourism sector contact the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) at https://www.jic.gov.jo/en/.

[Source – JIC (2018)]

74

Transportation and logistics sector The quality of Jordan’s existing transport infrastructure is widely recognised. Its electricity and telecommunications infrastructure ranks among the best in the region as does its air transport quality and connectivity. Jordan’s focal point is air transport infrastructure, and connectivity is strengthened by its three major airports of which two are located in Amman and one in Aqaba.

Jordan’s transportation and logistics sector is perceived as liberalised and business-friendly, thereby opening up domestic and regional markets to private operators and investors.

Transport demand, both for passengers and freight, is growing rapidly, resulting in consistent and stable growth in recent years. The Government of Jordan continuously strives to improve the quality and efficiency of the sector.

Indeed, several initiatives are already underway, including the Jordanian National Railway Network Project, connecting the port to the capital and the Kingdom with neighbouring countries. Moreover, the Aqaba Development Company (ADC), which is developing and improving the efficiency, capacity, and the operational performance of all terminals of the Aqaba Port, including the Aqaba Dry Dock Project, will contribute to attracting foreign direct investment and creating 200 to 300 job opportunities.

Jordan’s transportation and logistics sector benefits from a number of competitive advantages. Proximity to the regional feeder markets, major air hubs (e.g. Istanbul and Dubai), and the high volume cargo destinations within the Gulf is one of Jordan’s key competitive advantages. The national carrier, Royal Jordanian Airlines, is also a member of the OneWorld alliance. With two airports in

75

Amman and one specifically serving the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), the quality of Jordan’s air transport infrastructure and connectivity is among the highest in the region.

Moreover, Jordan’s electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, critical for efficient transportation and logistics, is well-developed compared to its regional peers as it enjoys a reliable electricity supply and particularly strong mobile-cellular telephone connectivity.

Jordan’s strong logistics proposition is reflected in its cost-effective logistics and international trade. Importing and exporting procedures (such as border and documentary compliance) are among the most efficient and least-costly across the region. Exporting from Jordan requires 38 hours and costs approximately US $131, while clearing imports requires roughly 17 days, costing US $40.

Furthermore, development zone incentives for the transportation and logistics sector are available.

Investment opportunities The past decade has shown a considerable growth of Jordan’s transportation and logistics sector with aircraft movement increasing by over 54%, while the number of passengers more than doubled. With an average annual growth rate of 5-6% up to 2030, and a number of government initiatives, Jordan’s transportation and logistics sector provides considerable investment opportunities, particularly in the following areas: Aqaba-Ma’an Land Port The project is located in the Governorate of Ma’an, 8 km east of Ma’an City; one of the major cities and transportation hubs in southern Jordan. The ADC is embarking on a new land port that will serve the industrial park in the

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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JORDAN MAIN OFFICE Al-Hijaz Tower-Makkah Street 5th Floor-Amman

Governorate (connecting several national and international roads among Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, and the Aqaba Port). The project is part of an initiative that aims to connect main cargo distribution facilities in Jordan through a railway network to ensure swift and efficient movement of containers traffic to and from the ASEZ. The new port will be connected with Aqaba’s ports through the Aqaba Railway and the existing road network.

The new dry port will include yards, administration buildings, and services.

Aqaba Dry Dock Since the beginning of the past decade, the carrying volume of merchant shipping has been steadily growing. This will have a positive impact on the shipbuilding and repair industry in the Gulf, resulting in increased demand for ship repair and maintenance.

Most if not all repair yards in this area are designed for large and medium vessels and ships, thus offering an opportunity for Jordan to provide ship repair services to small/ medium ships of up to 5,000 tons. Moreover, the Aqaba Dry Dock Project is an attractive investment proposition for companies offering services to large commercial ships, passenger vessels, tugs and barges, marine construction vessels, and mega yachts.

Transportation projects The connection between the ASEZ, Amman, and the borders with Syria, is the backbone of a railway system designed to intercept part of the long-distance freight demand that would be otherwise using roads. Moving freight from road to railway is not an easy task. It requires focusing on the full multimodal chain. Therefore, it demands a well-integrated system of interconnection between the port, the main logistic centres and the borders.

Integration cannot only be physical, but also requires smooth procedures (for instance, at border crossings, with direct connection to Jordan’s Trade and Transport Facilitation Strategic Framework). In fact, the new railway network, as part of the newly proposed

multimodal Red Sea-Black Sea ‘land bridge’ transport corridor, shows a clear commitment to integrating Jordan within the region, not only by road transport, but also by railway connections.

A tram in Irbid This investment opportunity looks at connecting the Amman Terminal in Irbid (northern Jordan), the Jordan University of Science and Technology, and the King Abdullah University Hospital. The project will be an 18 hour service time with six trams per hour.

The Jordanian National Railway Project The proposed Jordanian National Railway Network Project aims to connect the port with the capital. The development of a Jordanian national railway network is one of the major projects under the national transportation plan. The project will connect cities and production centres with 900 km of railway network, connecting the north with the south, and the east with the west.

The Aqaba Railway Project As mentioned before, the connection between Aqaba, Amman, and the borders with Syria is the backbone of a railway system designed to intercept part of the long-distance freight demand that would be otherwise using the roads. The network, as part of the newly proposed multimodal Red Sea-Black Sea ‘land bridge’ transport corridor, shows a clear commitment to integrating Jordan within the region, not only by road transport, but also by railway connections.

King Hussein International Airport (KHIA) There is growing interest to use this airport for regional freight delivery and distribution services. Supporting the reconstruction of Iraq, including sea air movements, has already commenced, therefore, the ADC established the Aqaba Airports Company as a step forward in commercialising airport activities, as the ADC aspires to provide the ASEZ with a modern, high standard and 80

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Water and wastewater sector

fully-equipped airport that can serve to develop the ASEZ and its future plans.

A new land use development master plan has been adopted for KHIA. Developed by Changi Airport Consultants (CAC), the master plan aims to enable the airport to be developed in a sustainable and cost-effective manner and attract and accommodate investments in various aviation-related businesses. Moreover, the development of new facilities or the upgrading/expanding of existing facilities is undertaken in a series of phases to match the actual growth of air traffic and maintain a required level of service.

The Government of Jordan’s overall aim in the water sector is to ensure sustainability of water resources, rehabilitate water facilities and infrastructure, improve the quality of water services, expand coverage of water and wastewater services, reduce non-revenue water, use renewable energy in its operations to reduce overall operational cost, and provide water for irrigation and economic sectors.

Furthermore, the Government of Jordan’s strategy and emphasis on wastewater collection and treatment is gradually expanding.

Transportation sector megaprojects: • Marka Airport

Investment opportunities – megaprojects: • The Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance (Phase 1)

•

Southern Shuna Airport

•

The Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance (Phase 2)

•

Madounah Dry Port/Logistic Centre •

Brackish Water Desalination Plant in Husban

•

Ma’an Dry Port •

•

King Hussein International Airport

Augment Water Supply for Central and Northern Jordan from Deep Aquifers (Sheediyya–al Hasa) (Phase 2)

•

National Railway Project

For further information on investment opportunities in Jordan’s transportation and logistics sector contact the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) at https://www.jic.gov.jo/en/.

For further information on investment opportunities in Jordan’s water and wastewater sector contact the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) at: https://www.jic.gov.jo/ en/.

[Source – Government of Jordan, JIC (2018)]

[Source – JIC (2018)]

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View of the Roman Amphitheatre, Amman

JORDAN

Different regions may have different industry clusters. Good local research is needed and you should consider market-entry requirements using both desk research and market visits.

84

PREPARING TO EXPORT

Preparing to export

•

Do you need to be involved in Jordan at all?

•

Do you see Jordan as part of a wider plan including e.g. other Middle Eastern markets now or in the future?

Consultation and bespoke research Visit: https://www.great.gov.uk/ for guidance on how to research overseas markets as well as a range of other important issues for exporters.

Researching the Jordanian market Different regions may have different industry clusters. Good local research is needed and you should consider market-entry requirements using both desk research and market visits.

Your company: • Can you carry out a detailed SWOT analysis of your company?

•

Are your competitors already in Jordan?

If so, what are they doing?

•

Can you carry out a detailed SWOT analysis of your competitors?

•

What are the Unique Selling Points of your product or service?

•

What are the Unique Selling Points of your product or service?

•

Do you know if you can be competitive in Jordan?

The questions listed here should help you to focus your thoughts. Your answers to them will highlight areas for further research and also suggest a way forward that is right for your company. You may then want to use this as a basis for developing a formal Jordan strategy, although this may not be necessary or appropriate for all companies:

•

Do you have the time and resources to handle e.g. the demands of communication, travel, product delivery and after-sales service?

Your aims: • Do you wish to buy from Jordan, sell to Jordan or both?

•

Do you know where in Jordan you should start?

•

Have you carried out any Jordan-specific customer segmentation, and do you know how to best reach potential customers in-market?

•

Do you know how to locate and screen potential partners, agents or distributors?

You need to determine whether: •

there is a market for your product or service

•

your pricing is competitive

•

to adapt your business model

•

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Do you wish to establish your own company presence in Jordan (for example setting up your own branch office, forming a joint venture or appointing a local agent)?

Your knowledge: • Do you know how to secure payment for your products or service?

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It is unlikely that you will have the answers to all these questions at the outset and these ‘knowledge gaps’ could form the basis for further research and investigation. Some of these questions will require quantitative research in your sector, while others involve more contextual and cultural considerations.

Talking to other people in your industry and regularly visiting Jordan will give you access to the most current advice and such experience can often lead to new insights and form the basis for further research.

There is also some useful guidance on developing a marketing strategy, customer segmentation, competitor and SWOT analyses, etc. on the https://www.great.gov.uk/ site – and the IOE&IT and British Chamber can help too.

There may be trade shows held in Jordan each year, which could be useful to test product viability in the market. The Department for International Trade (DIT) Tradeshow Access Programme at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tradeshowaccess-programme provides funding in the form of grants for eligible businesses to attend overseas trade shows.

Find out more about marketing your goods and services for Jordan at: https://www.great. gov.uk/.

Contact DIT in Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk /world/organisations/department-forinternational-trade-jordan#contact-us for events and company launches at British Embassy locations.

Start-up considerations Visit: www.great.gov.uk for guidance on how to research overseas markets as well as a range of other important issues for exporters.

Licensing The process required to establish a business in Jordan is straightforward, efficient, and transparent, particularly due to the streamlined procedures and hands-on support provided by the Jordan Investment Commission’s (JIC’s) Investment Window.

The Investment Window is in direct contact with staff from the mandated authorities, optimising and harmonising procedures, thereby enabling investors to make use of the ‘Fast Track’ to become operational quickly.

The funding helps your business gain:

Business licensing requires six steps:

•

market knowledge

•

company registration and establishment

•

experience in attending and getting the most from overseas trade shows

•

zoning and regulatory approvals

•

sectoral approvals

•

advice and support from trade experts •

construction licence

•

occupancy permit

•

vocational licence

Visit the DIT events portal at: https://www. events.great.gov.uk/ehome/index.php? eventid=200183029& to find upcoming events and missions in Jordan.

86

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Several of the registration procedures required for practicing economic activities run parallel with the business licensing steps. These include: •

registration with the Income and Sales Tax Department (ISTD)

•

a maximum of 7 days to receive the licence to operate the business in Jordan

The following legal entities are available in Jordan: •

Sole Proprietorship (in free zones only)

•

registration with the Social Security Corporation (SSC)

•

Partnership or Limited Partnership Company

•

registration of the commercial name

•

Limited Liability Company

•

registration of the property title

•

Private Shareholding Company

•

obtaining residence permits

•

Public Shareholding Company

•

obtaining residence cards

•

Foreign Company’s Operating Branch

•

obtaining work permits

•

Foreign Company’s Non-Operating Branch

•

Offshore Company

For more details on general application procedures, relevant authorities involved, approvals, fees, special conditions and terms, duration, required documents, additional information, special requirements for specific nationalities and relevant laws, please refer to https://www.jic.gov.jo/en/ to access JIC’s Licensing Manual.

[Source – JIC (2018)]

Getting started in the Jordanian market Company registration and establishment The standard company registration and establishment procedures are as follows: •

approximately 15 minutes to register a business via the Investment Window

•

7 working days if the sectoral priorapproval is needed

•

14 working days for the non-Jordanian investor who is required to obtain nonobjection from the Ministry of Interior

Zoning and regulatory approvals Zoning and regulatory approvals are issued by the concerned authority to classify the plot for suitability of the economic activity intended to be licensed.

Sectoral approvals Sectoral approvals are required for the manufacturing sector, ICT sector, health sector, tourism sector, and agriculture sector.

These are issued by the relevant sectorspecific authorities to practice the economic activity in accordance with regulatory legislation and requirements of each.

Construction licence A construction licence is issued for construction of buildings after having the designs and drawings checked by the concerned authorities.

Occupancy permit An occupancy permit is issued following a building inspection to verify conformity with the building licence and drawings.

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Vocational licence A vocational licence is issued to practice the economic activity within or beyond municipal boundaries.

3. Registration of the commercial name Investors are required to complete a commercial name registration application.

•

[Source – JIC (2018)]

Starting your business A number of registration requirements for particular economic activities accompany the steps of the business licencing procedure.

There are four additional registrations required that are straightforward and transparent with limited registration fees.

1. Registration with the Income and Sales Tax Department Investors need to register with the Income and Sales Tax Department (ISTD) to obtain an entity tax number to take advantage of the tax benefits contained in the investment law and also to abide by the income tax and sales tax.

Registration is possible directly following registration of the legal entity.

•

Duration: One working day to complete a registration application form, which can be filed by the ISTD officer through the JIC’s Investment Window.

2. Registration with the Social Security Corporation As workers are required to be covered by the Kingdom’s social security scheme, employers need to register their legal entity with the Social Security Corporation (SSC) when it employs one worker or more following the inception of work and payment of workers’ salaries.

•

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Duration: One working day to file the application, with all documents attached, to the SSC at the branch located within the territory to which the project belongs.

Duration: A maximum of ten working days to register the commercial name.

4. Registration of the property title An investor is required to complete a purchase and selling form, which should be authorised by the Department of Lands and Survey through JIC’s Investment Window.

•

Duration: A total of ten working days to register the property title in case the approval is under the authority of the Minister of Finance or 21 working days in case the approval is under the authority of the Council of Ministers.

Besides these four registrations, three different permits may be required depending on the type and nature of economic activity: residence permit, residence card, and work permit.

5. Residence permits Investors and workers must apply with the Ministry of Interior through JIC’s Investment Window in order to obtain the security approval to grant or renew their residence permit in the Kingdom. This is required for all non-Jordanian investors and workers for an entity that has already been established with the Investment Window.

6. Residence cards Investors and workers need to obtain the residence card in the Kingdom for residence in order to participate in the investment project.

7. Work permits Work permits are required for any nonJordanian worker legally residing in the Kingdom to work for an employer (regardless of whether they are located in one of the

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

zones or outside the zones). Required documents should be submitted to the Visas and Residency Directorate through the JIC’s Investment Window.

8. Citizenship Jordanian nationality under an incentives scheme introduced by the government can be offered to investors who meet certain requirements.

9. Investors cards The investor card is issued to investors provided that they fulfil the conditions for receiving the card. The card permits for property ownership, issuance of a driving licence and custom free vehicles to facilitate movement into and out of the Kingdom.

[Source – JIC (2018)]

Setting up a business in Jordan is further facilitated by the Companies Control Department (CCD) at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, see: http://www.ccd.gov.jo/ (site currently in Arabic only). 100% foreign investment is allowed in most industries.

Activities in the defence and security industries would need to be cleared by the relevant authorities.

Commercial agents An agent can be: •

•

a highly proactive investor, deeply involved in all aspects of management, finance and marketing on a day-to-day basis a hands-off agent who just arranges official paperwork and has little other involvement

It is very important to choose the right agent.

It should be made clear from the start which services will be provided and which will not.

You should evaluate your business partner thoroughly – take local legal advice and consult DIT in Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk /world/organisations/department-forinternational-trade-jordan#contact-us.

You should conduct due diligence checks once you have chosen your method of entry into the market. However, if you want to establish a business relationship that goes beyond exporting, you will need to carry out further research.

[Source – DIT, gov.uk]

Direct marketing and e-commerce UK companies can use direct marketing to target potential customers in Jordan.

However, it is recommended that this is done through a local agent. Contact DIT in Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations /department-for-international-trade-jordan #contact-us for advice, or details of local agents.

Franchising Franchising is a popular and successful approach to establish consumer-orientated businesses in Jordan, and is an ideal business model for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs and MSEs).

Franchising in Jordan is developing extensively. Many of the franchises are in the restaurant, food and beverage and retail sectors, and new malls are being built.

For further information contact DIT in Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-trade-jordan #contact-us for advice, or for help to find a legal adviser in Jordan before establishing a franchise.

Visit the international section of the British Franchise Association at: http://www.thebfa. org/international for more information on franchising.

90

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JORDAN INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC, ALMACK HOUSE, 26-28 KING STREET, LONDON SW1Y 6QW

Financial considerations Jordan provides a transparent and sound base of financial services with high levels of access to loans and venture capital.

Jordan’s diverse financial system offers a network of specialised equity, funding, investment, wealth, asset, and other banking services for any type of business looking to access specific financing opportunities.

Moreover, Jordan’s currency is pegged to the USD, making it a stable, predictable, and credible currency, which is further underpinned by a steady increase in the presence of foreign exchange reserves.

The Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) is a modern stock exchange that services the regional market and enjoys no taxes on capital gains and cash dividends, a free repatriation of investment and income, and no ceiling on foreign equity ownership.

[Source – JIC (2018)]

Getting finance to fulfil an export contract to Jordan Globally, Jordan ranks 134th out of 190 economies in the World Bank’s ‘Doing Business – Ease of Getting Credit’ report 2018. See: http://www.doingbusiness.org /en/data/exploreeconomies/jordan#DB_gc.

To make it easier to fulfil an export contract and grow your business, schemes are available to UK companies selling products and services to Jordan. Contact your bank or specialist financial organisation for assistance.

UK Export Finance (UKEF) has significant risk capacity to support exports to Jordan. See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/country-coverpolicy-and-indicators#jordan. You can contact one of UKEF’s export finance advisers at: https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/find-an-export-financemanager for free and impartial advice on your finance options.

Getting paid There have been instances of invoices not being paid on time and delays in processing payments. You are advised to take expert advice and appropriate measures to mitigate this potential risk, and any British company wishing to do business in or with Jordan should enlist the services of a law firm with experience of the country.

You must take a great deal of care when establishing payment terms with private and government entities in Jordan in order to help ensure you get paid on time. See the World Bank’s ranking of Jordan for ‘Enforcing Contracts’ at: http://www.doingbusiness.org /en/data/exploreeconomies/jordan#DB_ec.

You can contact DIT in Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-trade-jordan #contact-us for help to find a financial adviser in Jordan.

Payment insurance UK Export Finance (UKEF) helps UK companies to get paid by insuring against buyer default.

Be confident you will get paid for your export contract. Speak to one of UKEF’s export finance advisers at: https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/find-an-exportfinance-manager for free and impartial advice on your insurance options, or contact one of UKEF’s approved export insurance brokers at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications /uk-export-finance-insurance-list-of-approved -brokers/export-insurance-approved-brokers.

Currency risks when exporting to Jordan If you have not fixed your exchange rate you have not fixed your price.

You should consider whether the best option for you is to agree terms in Sterling (GBP), US Dollars (USD) or Jordanian Dinar (JOD) in any contract. You should also consider getting expert financial advice on exchange rates (sometimes called FX).

[Source – DIT, UKEF, gov.uk]

92

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JORDAN

The Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) is the official body in Jordan for issuing Jordanian Standards and ensuring companies adhere to them.

94

HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN JORDAN

How to do business in Jordan

Legal considerations Contact the DIT team in Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-trade-jordan #contact-us to help find Jordanian tax and legal advisers before entering into agreements. A list of lawyers in Jordan can be seen at: https://www.gov.uk/government /publications/jordan-list-of-lawyers.

Standards and technical regulations The Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) is the official body in Jordan for issuing Jordanian Standards and ensuring companies adhere to them. See: http://www.jsmo.gov.jo/en/Pages/default.aspx for information.

Labelling Local importers are responsible for informing foreign suppliers of any applicable labelling requirements.

All labelling and safety instructions should be in Arabic. Production and expiry dates must be printed on the original label or on the container by the manufacturer.

Product liability insurance You should consider taking out product liability insurance if you manufacture or supply a physical product that is sold or given away for free. See: https://www.abi.org.uk/productsand-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/ business-insurance/liability-insurance/ product-liability-insurance/.

95

UK companies entering into agreements in Jordan should contact the DIT team in Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-trade-jordan #contact-us for a list of lawyers offering professional advice.

Export licences for Jordan Contact DIT in Amman for further advice on the appropriate processes, at: https:// www.gov.uk/world/organisations/department -for-international-trade-jordan#contact-us.

You can find out about getting a licence to export dual use goods, services or technology to Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ beginners-guide-to-export-controls.

To find out which products will need certification or licensing before they can be exported to Jordan, see: https://www.gov.uk/ starting-to-export/licences.

Law on marketing and selling If you are selling to consumers you must be aware of and comply with relevant Jordanian consumer protection laws. It is recommended you consider using an agent in Jordan to provide customer support services.

DIT in Jordan can help you identify and meet potential Jordanian agents and distributors.

See: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations /department-for-international-trade-jordan #contact-us.

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

JORDAN

BAH RAIN EGYP T IRAQ JORDAN K UWAIT OMAN QAT AR SAUDI ARABIA UAE www.tamimi.com

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MOHANNAD JARRAR

SAMER AL ZURIEKAT

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Partner m.jarrar@tamimi.com

Partner s.alzuriekat@tamimi.com

ABOUT US

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

JORDAN

Abu Dhabi T: +971 2 813 0444 infoabudhabi@tamimi.com

Amman T: +962 6 577 7415 infojordan@tamimi.com

Dubai International Financial Centre T: +971 4 364 1641 info@tamimi.com Dubai Internet City T: +971 4 391 2444 info@tamimi.com The Maze Tower, Dubai T: +971 4 331 7161 info@tamimi.com Ras Al Khaimah T: +971 7 233 3841 inforak@tamimi.com

KUWAIT Kuwait City* T: +965 2 246 2253 infokuwait@tamimi.com

OMAN Muscat*** T: +968 2421 8554 infooman@tamimi.com

QATAR

Sharjah T: +971 6 572 7255 infosharjah@tamimi.com

Doha T: +974 4457 2777 LQIRTDWDU#WDPLPL FRP

BAHRAIN

SAUDI ARABIA

Manama T: +973 17 108 919 infobahrain@tamimi.com

Al Khobar T: +966 13 821 9960 infoalkhobar@tamimi.com

EGYPT

Jed eddah dd d da d ah h T: + T: +966 966 6 12 12 263 8900 00 inffo in infojedd f je jed ddah@tamimi.com dd d h da im mi.cco om m

Cairo** ** * T: +20 2 3368 1000 000 infoegypt@tamimi.co ami mim mii.co com om

Riyadh T: +966 11 416 416 96 9 9666 66 66 6 inforiyadh@tamimi.com adh@tamimi.com h@t @ am mimi mi.co m

IRAQ Baghdad T: +964 780 029 2929 29 9 LQIRLUDT#WDPLPL FRP Erbil T: +964 780 588 7848 LQIRLUDT#WDPLPL FRP

www.tamimi.com * Al Tamimi & Company International Ltd. provides services in Kuwait through a joint venture with Yaqoub Al-Munayae. Yaqoub Al-Munayae is a registered and licensed lawyer under the laws and regulations of Kuwait. ** Al Tamimi & Company is associated with Nour & Partners providing legal services in Egypt. *** Al Tamimi & Company is a registered trade mark in Oman & Kuwait.

9

Taxation Taxation is a specialised subject and advice should be sought from specialists practising in Jordan as part of the planning stage for doing business in this market.

The Jordan Ministry of Finance provides more information and a breakdown of the taxes.

See: http://www.mof.gov.jo/en-us/mainpage .aspx for further information.

Value added tax (VAT) The general VAT rate in Jordan is currently 16%.

Corporate tax Any (foreign) company registered in Jordan is considered a resident and is taxable on income sourced in Jordan. Taxable income is defined as income derived from Jordan or from Jordanian sources through income derived from dividends.

Jordan’s standard CIT rate is 20%, although rates ranging from 14% to 35% apply to different sectors and operating branches.

Losses may be carried forward up to five years although this requires approval from the tax authorities.

[Source – JIC (2018)]

Double taxation agreement The UK and Jordan have signed a double taxation agreement. This allows some taxes paid in one country to be deducted in the other. See: www.gov.uk/government/ publications/jordan-tax-treaties.

You can zero-rate the sale of your goods to Jordan, provided you get and keep evidence of your export, and comply with all other laws. You must also make sure the goods are exported, and you must get the evidence within three months from the time of sale.

More information on GST in non-EU markets can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance /vat-exports-dispatches-and-supplyinggoods-abroad.

Excise duty You should check you have paid excise duty on any energy products, electricity or tobacco products you send to Jordan.

[Source – DIT, gov.uk]

Customs The Jordan Customs Department provides information on customs procedures and latest details on tariffs for different products and commodities. See: https://www.customs .gov.jo/en/index.aspx.

You can find out about import tariffs at the EU’s Market Access Database (MADB). See: http://madb.europa.eu/madb/indexPubli.htm.

The MADB also has a full list of trade barriers for Jordan at: https://madb.europa.eu/ madb/barriers_details.htm?isSps=false&bar rier_id=14342.

Complying with HMRC regulations to export You must make export declarations to HMRC through the National Export System (NES) to export your goods to Jordan. See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exportdeclarations-and-the-national-exportsystem-export-procedures.

You can find out how to declare your exports to Jordan through the NES at: https://www. gov.uk/guidance/export-declarations-andthe-national-export-system-exportprocedures. You must classify your goods as part of the declaration, including a commodity code and a customs procedure code (CPC).

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Commodity codes and other measures applying to exports in the UK Trade Tariff can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff.

Contact the HMRC Imports and Exports Helpline in advance to make the arrangements:

Contact the HMRC Tariff Classification Service at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ finding-commodity-codes-for-importsor-exports#list-of-useful-contacts for more help.

•

Telephone: 0300 200 3700

•

Textphone: 0300 200 3719

•

Outside the UK: +44 29 2050 1261

You must declare any goods that you take with you in your luggage to sell outside the EU. See: https://www.gov.uk/take-goods-sellabroad for further information.

•

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Temporary export of goods Jordan does not recognise the ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet system. You therefore need to use a duplicate list to temporarily export goods to Jordan. As with an ATA Carnet, you do not have to pay customs duty or tax. There is no fee. See: https://www.gov.uk/taking-goods-out-uktemporarily/duplicate-list.

Before you export the goods, prepare a list on company stationery, including: •

a description of the goods

•

how many there are

•

serial numbers, if the goods have them

•

value of the goods

At customs, you will need to provide: •

two copies of the list

•

a completed HMRC form C&E 1246. See: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/374161/ce1246.pdf (PDF, 638 KB)

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Documentation For shipments to Jordan, exporters are required to provide: •

certificate of origin

•

commercial invoice and an air waybill

•

packing list and full description of goods

•

health and quality certificate (if applicable)

A customs declaration is also required. Only an authorised forwarding agent in Jordan can process the declaration and it must be filed electronically.

You should consider working with a Jordanian Customs Agent. Contact the DIT team in Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk/world/ organisations/department-for-internationaltrade-jordan#contact-us for further advice and lists of agents.

[Source – DIT, gov.uk]

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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JORDAN MAIN OFFICE Al-Hijaz Tower-Makkah Street 5th Floor-Amman

Shipping your goods If you are not knowledgeable about international shipping procedures you can use a freight forwarder to move your goods.

A forwarder will have extensive knowledge of documentation requirements, regulations, transportation costs and banking practices in Jordan.

You can find freight forwarding companies to help you transport your goods to Jordan via the British International Freight Association (BIFA) at: http://www.bifa.org/home or the Freight Transport Association (FTA) at: http://www.fta.co.uk/.

Posting goods You can find out about sending goods by post to Jordan at: http://www.royalmail.com/ jordan.

Shipping restricted, banned and dangerous goods Special rules apply if you are shipping dangerous goods to Jordan. See: https://www.gov.uk/shipping-dangerousgoods/what-are-dangerous-goods for more information.

You should consider working with a local agent who can advise on the latest import licensing requirements. Contact the DIT team in Jordan at: https://www.gov.uk/world/ organisations/department-for-internationaltrade-jordan#contact-us for assistance and information about third-party advisers.

Terms of delivery Your contract should include agreement on terms of delivery using Incoterms: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/internationaltrade-paperwork-the-basics#internationaltrade-contracts-and-incoterms.

UK Export Finance (UKEF) The UK Government’s credit agency (UKEF), wins export contracts by providing attractive financing terms to their buyers. They can help you: •

fulfil orders by supporting working capital loans

•

to get paid by insuring against buyer default

You can find out more about UKEF’s services and products at: https://www.gov.uk/ government/collections/uk-export-financeproducts-and-services.

For new business enquiries, email UKEF at: customer.service@ukexportfinance.gov.uk or telephone: 020 7271 8010 between 9am and 5pm.

For up-to-date country-specific information on the support available see UKEF’s cover policy and indicators for Jordan at: https:// www.gov.uk/guidance/country-cover-policyand-indicators#jordan.

[Source – DIT, UKEF, gov.uk]

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Monastery at Petra

JORDAN

Jordan is regarded as relatively liberal within the region and provides schools, cultural centres and restaurants catering for international cultures.

110

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE, LANGUAGE & CULTURE

Business etiquette, language & culture

Overview Jordan is regarded as relatively liberal within the region and provides schools, cultural centres and restaurants catering for international cultures.

Jordan is a Muslim country. You should respect and be aware of local traditions and sensitivities and always behave and dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. However, although the national culture revolves around the religion of Islam, other religions are also respected and churches and temples can be found alongside mosques.

The Islamic dress code is not compulsory.

However, Westerners are advised to dress smartly, with long sleeves and high necklines for both sexes. Women can wear headscarves or alternatively tie their hair up above the shoulders.

Jordanians are very friendly and will readily greet strangers and be keen to talk.

Handshakes are very common, although less so among women.

Language Modern Standard Arabic is the official and most commonly spoken language, followed

by English. Almost all official documents, forms, laws and decrees are in Arabic although English is widely spoken, particularly in the education sector where university classes are held predominantly in English.

111

Although English is widely spoken throughout the country, it is useful to have one side of your business cards printed in Arabic. During meetings you should: •

exchange business cards immediately after introductions, presenting with both hands or with the right

•

do not offer anything with your left hand, nor receive anything with your left hand

•

keep cards on the table, do not put them away immediately

Meetings and presentations Personal relationships are key to doing business in Jordan. UK exporters are encouraged to have a face-to-face business dialogue with their Jordanian counterparts. It is essential to obtain legal, financial and taxation advice, along with undertaking necessary research, all of which are critical when considering new markets. A list of lawyers is available at: https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/jordan-list-oflawyers.

As in other countries, more than anything it is important to target the right person in your contacts, the decision-maker. It is also preferable to establish new business contacts via an introduction by mutual contact, exhibitions, networking receptions or through the Embassy in the form of an Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS). Through an OMIS, DIT in Amman can provide a programmearranging service, whereby your company can be introduced to the most appropriate contact and an appointment can be confirmed on your behalf.

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

Face-to-face meetings are preferred as phone calls or emails are sometimes seen as impersonal. Appointments should be made no more than two weeks in advance and confirmed a few days before the actual meeting as priorities may change.

In 2020, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 24th April and finish on 23rd May. Visit the UK Government’s advice about travelling during Ramadan, at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travellingduring-ramadan.

The working week within the private sector is Sunday-Thursday from 9am-5pm and within the public sector Sunday-Thursday from 7:30am-2:30pm (some offices are open until 4pm).

Working hours during Ramadan are reduced – government offices should be open from 10.00am to 3.00pm. In the private sector many businesses will open at night during Ramadan, normally 10.00pm to 1.00am.

It is best to avoid non-essential business travel around Ramadan and Eid festivals.

Negotiations Personal contact with potential and existing partners/clients and regular visits to the market are important and it is natural for the business relationship to be built over time.

When entering a meeting, general introductions will begin with a handshake. You should greet each of your Jordanian counterparts individually. Avoid shaking hands with a woman unless they extend their hand first.

When you are in Jordan, especially on business, Arabic coffee, as well as tea, will often be offered to you in offices and at homes. Offering coffee is symbolic of hospitality.

Cultural considerations Jordan is a relatively liberal country in relation to much of the rest of the Middle East region.

As such, many traditional attitudes and business practices are understanding of a more Westernised approach. Nevertheless, it is still important to be aware and respectful of some of the differences that might exist.

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> Clear, consistent content is vital to making your business understood overseas. So don't leave it to chance.

> Well-known companies we already work with include: Serco, Experian, Intertek, IKEA and Caterpillar > For a structured approach to translation, please read the article that follows

T: 0115 9705633 | E: office@astls.co.uk | www.astlanguage.com

If you're reading this guide, the chances are you're either a seasoned exporter, or you're committed to investigating new export opportunities for your business.

Whichever category you fall into, you'll have a good idea of the huge investment in time, effort and resources which is required for export success.

Your priority will be to get your product or service to market, and it's a fact of life that procurement of peripheral resources such as translation is often left to the last minute. In this article we'd like to demonstrate to you how building translation into the early planning stages of your export campaigns can pay dividends.

The internet, mobile connectivity and social media mean that now more than ever before customers, be they B2B or B2C, are buying goods and services within the context of a connected world of instant communication.

Buying decisions carried out in isolation of wider and constantly changing sector, economic or social contexts are a thing of the past. This means that increasingly any product or service has to be supported with professional technical, marketing or other contextual content.

As examples of this, exporters need their technical documentation to be easily assimilated, their marketing content to be compelling, and their website to be informative and memorable. Human resources departments on the other hand need sensitive localisation of policies & procedures in line with local legislation, corporate guidelines and house style.

After all an international expansion strategy or company restructuring could easily be undermined by insensitive internal communication.

In non English-speaking markets, all of the above can be achieved by working with a reliable and professional translation partner.

So how can really good translation help build your export success: •

•

•

•

clear and accurate foreignlanguage branding and content will motivate foreign customers to buy from you

consistent and harmonised messaging helps to convey and reinforce your company's values and ethos corporate and operational risk through poor quality communication and misunderstanding is eliminated overall brand integrity and reputation are enhanced

The following components are key to a successful translation project, and show how AST can make the process of internationalising outward-facing and internal communications simpler, more professional and more costeffective: Rigorous selection of translators

AST’s ISO9001 certified and ISO17100 compliant processes mean that the company has approved sector-specialist translators whatever the language and deadline requirements, with experienced proofreaders to give the text precision and professionalism to really focus the reader’s attention.

Translation memory technology

Client-facing documents produced periodically often contain sections which stay the same and sections which need updating. Similarly company websites and technical data or manuals can contain identical paragraphs and sections. Translation Memory technology is used in this situation to identify duplicate and legacy text. The duplicates are logged and reused – leading to reduced turnaround times and resulting

cost savings – with company wordings for products, processes, titles and descriptions translated consistently.

Terminology management

The key words used to describe your company’s products, services and processes support your brand and identity. This is equally true in your foreign language communications.

Unfortunately, once translated it is often easy to lose control of key terms, leading to uncertainty as to whether the translations are having the desired impact. AST’s terminology management prevents this. Glossaries are maintained in multiple languages and client terminology is checked in each language by industry sector experts.

As the glossary grows it can be reused with each new project, so client content is always on-message and brand integrity consistent.

So there’s really no need for you to leave the “softer” aspects of your export campaign to chance. Using a professional translation company like AST provides a guarantee that your international content will be clear, consistent and effective. Whatever the language.

> YOU NEED YOUR SALES, TECHNICAL AND WEBSITE CONTENT TO BE TRANSLATED BY EXPERTS!

> We’re recognised as a UK leader for translating high profile, client-facing documents

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No matter how urgent your assignment we can translate it.

T: 0115 9705633 | E: office@astls.co.uk | www.astlanguage.com

Aqaba shoreline

JORDAN

Companies setting up in Jordan should be aware of the risks of getting established with the wrong partner. It can be very difficult and expensive to part ways and Jordanian courts will usually come down on the side of the local partner.

118

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES?

What are the challenges?

Challenges when doing business in Jordan Doing business in Jordan comes with a few challenges.

In addition, a commercial organisation carrying on a business in the UK can be liable for the conduct of a person who is neither a UK national nor resident in the UK or a body incorporated or formed in the UK. In this case it does not matter whether the acts or omissions, which form part of the offence, take place in the UK or elsewhere.

Changes of parliament tend to take place every couple of years which leads to changing ministers who will often alter policy and amend regulations. It is advisable to always ask for the latest version of laws and regulations.

•

In Transparency International's latest 2018-19 Corruption Perceptions Index (announced January 2019), Jordan was ranked 58th out of 180 countries (the UK ranked 11th): https://www.transparency. org/country/JOR

Companies setting up in Jordan should be aware of the risks of getting established with the wrong partner. It can be very difficult and expensive to part ways and Jordanian courts will usually come down on the side of the local partner. Going to arbitration can take months and will also prove costly.

•

Jordan is ranked 104th out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s 2019 Ease of Doing Business Index launched on 31st October 2018, down from 103rd the previous year (the UK now ranks 9th, down from 7th): http://www.doingbusiness.org/en/rankings

[Source – DIT/gov.uk]

Visit the Business Anti-Corruption portal at: https://www.ganintegrity.com/portal/country -profiles/jordan/ for procedures you can establish to protect your company from corruption risks.

You must take a great deal of care when establishing payment terms with private and government entities in Jordan in order to help ensure you get paid on time. See the World Bank’s ranking of Jordan for ‘Enforcing Contracts’ at: http://www.doingbusiness.org/ en/data/exploreeconomies/jordan#DB_ec.

You can also find information on the UK Government’s website on bribery and corruption at: https://www.gov.uk/anti-bribery -policy.

[Source – World Bank 2018]

[Source – FCO Overseas Business Risk, gov.uk]

Business risk Bribery and corruption Over the past decade, Jordan has taken major steps to foster a business-friendly environment. As such, bribery is illegal. It is an offence for British nationals or someone who is ordinarily resident in the UK, a body incorporated in the UK or a Scottish partnership, to bribe anywhere in the world.

119

Protective security advice The Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) also provides protective security advice to businesses. See: https://www.cpni.gov.uk/.

Intellectual Property (IP) IP Rights are territorial, that is they only give protection in the countries where they are granted or registered. If you are thinking about trading internationally, then you should consider registering your IP Rights in your export markets.

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

Registration of copyright, patents and trademarks is required in Jordan. Copyrights are registered at the Ministry of Culture’s National Library (http://www.nl.gov.jo/En/NL. aspx) and patents are registered with the Registrar of Patents and Trademarks, which is part of Jordan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT). See: https://www.mit.gov.jo/Default.

It should be noted that the current standards of IP protection in Jordan can be problematic in some areas. DIT recommends consulting with a law firm specialised in Intellectual Property Rights to confirm if there are particular products that may be at risk. Contact DIT in Amman at: https://www.gov.uk/world/ organisations/department-for-internationaltrade-jordan#contact-us for a list of Jordanian law firms.

Jordan has worked in close co-ordination with Arab Governments and multilateral organisations on introducing an efficient Intellectual Property (IP) system that has brought up significant changes to the region.

With this system, major multinational corporations have been given the confidence to expand to the region and plan major investments, as they are now assured that their investments are appropriately protected.

In addition, the creative Arab individuals such as architects, artists, designers, scientists, musicians and writers are encouraged to render more creations, as their hard work is properly rewarded and their creations are effectively protected.

Jordan also supported governmental committees and officials charged with revising and drafting new laws and regulations for the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in several Arab countries such as Bahrain, Lebanon, Yemen, Oman, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates.

This commitment to IP protection has been reinforced through Jordan’s continued involvement with international organisations, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO); with NGOs such as the International Trademark Association (INTA), International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys (FICPI) and with Jordan’s funding of Arab NGOs such as the Arab Society for Intellectual Property (ASIP) and the Licensing Executives Society-Arab Countries (LES-AC).

[Source – FCO Overseas Business Risk, DIT, gov.uk]

Information on IP is provided on the UK Government’s Intellectual Property page at: https://www.gov.uk/intellectual-property-anoverview, and at the Intellectual Property Office – the UK Government agency providing free and impartial advice on protecting and registering your IP in the UK and abroad. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations /intellectual-property-office.

Jordan’s Intellectual Property Rights Index (IPRI) score decreased by -0.07 to 6.192 placing it 5th in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and 42nd in the world.

See: https://www.internationalpropertyrights index.org/country/jordan.

Organised crime Organised crime in Jordan involves little more than small-scale smuggling. The country is not a trans-shipment point for drugs, and foreign firms working in Jordan should expect little or no contact with organised crime.

[Source – FCO Overseas Business Risk, gov.uk]

120

JORDAN

Changes of parliament tend to take place every couple of years which leads to changing ministers who will often alter policy and amend regulations.

It is advisable to always ask for the latest version of laws and regulations.

122

RESOURCES

What does membership of the Institute of Export & International Trade mean?

To most the Institute of Export & International Trade simply plods away providing much needed qualifications to professionalise the industry however, did you realise that our helpline is one of the busiest and best in the industry? It’s all part of membership and, if you need more than a phone call, we can put together a project to fulfil your needs. 2015 saw the launch of our Technical Help for Exporters that recognises the volume of legislation and regulation that covers our industry and gives you the comfort of knowing that if you don’t know, you know someone who does!

Innovation is key to the success of the Institute and new ideas include our New Exporter package. This allows a business to enter a new market secure in the knowledge that they have an understanding of how they will operate and comply with any specific regulations and standards. Practical help and assistance is always available from the Institute so any additional training can be tailored to the business and the team that needs the knowledge.

The work of the IOE&IT also extends to representing membership views.

Knowledge gained from our members’ feedback, those who get involved with

the forums and Special Interest Groups, and those who attend our training courses or study with us, enables us to represent the industry at government levels in both the process and delivery of policy for international trade. These views also help us to ensure that the training programmes are effective and pertinent to the industry needs. Our Diploma in World Customs Compliance and Regulation is testament to the way we listen to our members’ needs. This was driven by Nissan, Adidas, John Lewis and many others and will neatly dovetail into any AEO work ensuring that quality standards are met at manager and junior staffing levels.

www.export.org.uk

Starting in 1935, the Institute committed itself to building competence and growing confidence for businesses trading in goods and services, which at the time, was a far reaching remit.

Over the years this remit has seen us develop from simply providing training in short course format over a day, or perhaps two, into a fully-fledged Ofqual Awarding Organisation that operates specifically to deliver international trade education.

our young people at an earlier stage.

We need to engage the next generation in thinking about how world trade works and how it will be great for British businesses. They need to know how items arrive in the shops which, in turn, will begin to spark ideas. As these young people join companies they will bring a fresh outlook that all things are possible especially if you operate globally.

This status allows our individual members and corporates alike to be sure that they are part of a quality organisation with plans for growth integrated with a sustainable future for the global prosperity of UKPlc.

Why not call us and get involved?

It has never been more important that we act as an industry to help â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we need experts and commitment to professionalising international trade from businesses large and small â&#x20AC;&#x201C; help your institute to stay ahead of the curve.

Part of our work includes mapping existing qualifications to roles and producing training needs analyses to ensure staffing progression and continuity. The need to upskill our workforce to match those of our competitors is a key element vital for growth. Our focus is on recognising that International trade needs specific knowledge, coupled with a strong belief that we must start to talk to

Institute of Export & International Trade Export House Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 6FT, UK Telephone: +44(0)1733 - 404400 Fax: +44(0)1733 - 404444

124

Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) – Director General, Institute of Export & International Trade

Focusing on qualifications.

A focus on qualifications – but why do we need them?

I’d like to tell you about my story, it’s ok it won’t take too long but I think it’s similar to a lot of people that work in international trade.

I left school with no ambition to do anything other than help my mum make ends meet. I wanted to be a seamstress but we couldn’t afford the material for the interview so I went into an accounts department at a large pharmaceutical company. Luckily for me they recognised a hard worker and asked me to work in various departments. After a year they asked me which one I like the best and without even thinking I said “international”, and that was my career set out for me.

Working in international trade I found that I needed to understand so many different things – from how trade agreements impacted a sale to the legal aspects of trade and how different systems worked in terms of contract and disputes. Getting paid brought about a whole new set of issues and this really made me learn and think about the implications of offering credit and how it can be used to your advantage.

Things I learnt about logistics and the paperwork that was needed to support a trade were empirical and slowly I became sure of my knowledge. The problem was, that when I wanted to move on to the next company, I had nothing to show I had that knowledge. It was frustrating to find that the knowledge that I had accumulated over 11 years wasn’t evidenced in any way and that no-one knew exactly what I knew. I was lucky enough to get my next job with a well-known Japanese computer company but it made me realise that if I wanted a career, I needed to get qualified.

So I spent the next two years, two nights a week at night school honing my skills and building a knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the trade I had entered “by the back door”. Finally, exhausted but with a full understanding of how planning and control worked, I passed and became a Graduate Member of the Institute of Export & International Trade, suffix MIEx (Grad) in 1991.

Well, many things have changed since then, as after many years of working in international trade, I took over at the helm, steering the qualifications and the Institute towards a better place. We have now gained Ofqual Awarding Organisation status for the qualifications and have worked hard on ensuring we are ready for the next 80 years of representing the industry and standing as guardian of professional standards in international trade.

OFQUAL* awarding status is hard earned and we are proud to be the only professional body operating in this international trade environment.

IOE&IT Qualifications in brief www.export.org.uk/page/qualifications Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Level 4 Level 5

Level 7

Young International Trader (Available electronically) International Trade Logistic Operations* Certificate of International Trade Level 3 Customs Practitioner Award Certificate in Customs Legislation and Procedures (Delivered by KGH Customs) Certificate in Customs Duty Calculation (Delivered by KGH Customs) Diploma in International Trade Customs Practitioner Award Diploma in International Trade Diploma in World Customs Compliance and Regulations Foundation Degree jointly delivered with the University of Plymouth MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations with Warwick University

Specialist Courses •

• • •

Award in International Transport and Documentation International Marketing Specialist Finance of International Trade Specialist Selling Services, Software and Skills Overseas

Apprenticeships Working in conjunction with employers and Universities, the Institute has access to qualifications which are available now and funded through the apprenticeship levy, these apply for professional and degree qualifications, including Bachelors and Masters Degrees.

• • •

International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship (Level 3) Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (BSc Professional Management Practice) with the University of Plymouth Supply Chain Leadership Degree Apprenticeship (BSc Professional Practice in Supply Chain Leadership) with CP Training Services

Using our 4 Pillars of Learning, the IOE&IT qualifications offer students the opportunity to apply their learning to their current employer, or a business that they know well:

Learning Pillar 1: World Business Environment Learning Pillar 2: Market Research & marketing / selling in a different culture Learning Pillar 3: Finance of international trade, getting paid and how foreign exchange works Learning Pillar 4: Compliance, regulations and logistics OR Selling services overseas

As part of IOE&IT qualifications, students will plan, research and implement a work-based project that will act as a useful strategic management tool in each of the main topics they study. Each paper will produce a useful piece of work based on the company’s own product or offering which allows the student to gain new knowledge to be useful in the business.

This style of work-based projects ensures that all study is relevant to the student’s business context. Working on these projects using the organisation’s structure provides excellent opportunities for the student to apply theoretical ideas in real world contexts.

The employee will essentially become a practitioner-researcher to undertake each project, producing pieces of work with the potential to yield tangible benefits for the sponsor business – a benefit for both the student who qualifies and the employer who has a set of reports specifically about exporting and their own business.

*International Trade Logistic Operations is delivered through our approved centres

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The British Embassy Amman maintains and develops relations between the UK and Jordan.

They work on political, aid, commercial, security and economic interests between the UK and Jordan. The British Embassy Amman work to help British companies invest in Jordan and provide consular services to British nationals.

Find out more on their UK and Jordan news page, here: https://www.gov.uk/world/ jordan/news.

The British Embassy Amman provide services to British nationals living in and visiting Jordan. You can access UK Government services while in Jordan, here: https://www. gov.uk/world/jordan.

Urgent assistance If you are in Amman and you need urgent help (for example, you have been attacked, arrested or someone has died), call +962 6 590 9200. If you are in the UK and worried about a British national in Jordan, call 020 7008 1500.

Get an emergency travel document You can apply for an emergency travel document if you are abroad and your passport has been lost or stolen, damaged or expired, and you cannot get a new or replacement passport in time to travel, here: https://www.gov.uk/emergencytravel-document.

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If the person needing the emergency travel document is under 16, a parent or guardian should apply on their behalf.

Emergency Travel Documents will normally be ready in 2 working days.

If you are planning to travel within 48 hours contact the British Embassy Amman, here: https://www.gov.uk/ world/organisations/british-embassyamman#contact-us.

If you are travelling in more than 3 weeks, check if you can get a new or replacement passport in time to travel, here: https://www.gov.uk/renew-adultpassport.

Other consular services Notarial and documentary services The British Embassy Amman offer notarial services, including administer an oath, affirmation or affidavit, witness a signature and make a certified copy of a document. See the full list of notarial and documentary services they provide, here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ notarial-and-documentary-servicesguide-for-jordan.

The Consular Section no longer provides any legalisation services, please see: https://www.gov.uk/get-documentlegalised, for information on how to legalise documents.

Consular fees The British Embassy Amman charge fees for some of their services. See the full list of consular fees in Jordan, here: https:// www.gov.uk/government/publications/ jordan-consular-fees.

Contact details British Embassy Amman, main locality British Embassy (PO Box 87) Abdoun 11118 Amman Jordan

Consular Section

Email: Amman.enquiries@fco.gov.uk

Tel: For Consular assistance or emergencies call +962 (6) 5909200 then follow the dialling instructions to speak to a consular officer

Tel: +962 (6) 590 9200 Fax: +962 (6) 590 9279 Fax: Political +962 (6) 590 921 Office hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 6am to 1pm GMT (8am to 3:30pm local time) Thursday, 6am to 1pm GMT (8am to 3pm local time)

Email: cons.amman@fco.gov.uk

Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday from 8am to 3:30pm by appointment only.

Should you require assistance entering the British Embassy, please indicate ahead of your appointment so they can facilitate your entry.

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SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS

The Institute of Export & International Trade

The Institute of Export & International Trade Export House Minerva Business Park Lynch Wood Peterborough PE2 6FT, UK T: +44 (0) 1733 404400 www.export.org.uk

Department for International Trade (DIT)

Department for International Trade (DIT) If you have a specific enquiry about the Jordanian market which is not addressed by the information in this guide, you may contact: E: enquiries@trade.gov.uk T: +44 (0)20 7215 5000

Otherwise contact DIT at the British Embassy in Amman directly, for more information and advice on opportunities for doing business in Jordan: UK Department for International Trade Jordan British Embassy Damascus Street PO Box 87 11118 Abdoun Jordan E: DITJordan@fco.gov.uk

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Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

UK Export Finance UK Export Finance is the UK’s export credit agency. UKEF’s mission is to ensure that no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance from the private sector, while operating at no net cost to the taxpayer.

We help UK companies of all sizes and in all sectors win, fulfil and get paid for export contracts. We provide insurance to exporters and guarantees to banks to share the risks of providing export finance.

In addition, we can make loans to overseas buyers of goods and services from the UK.

SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS

UK Export Finance

As the world's first export credit agency, established in 1919, we've been innovating since day one.

•

• •

Last year, we provided £2.5 billion of support for UK exports, helping 191 companies sell to 75 markets around the world.

77% of all companies we supported were small to medium-sized businesses.

We also lent £666 million directly to overseas buyers to help them buy from the UK - more than double the amount for 2016 to 2017.

New business enquiries: To check your eligibility for trade finance and insurance:

Visit: www.great.gov.uk/get-finance T: +44 (0) 20 7271 8010 E: customer.service@ukexport finance.gov.uk

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS

Embassy of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Embassy of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan 6 Upper Phillimore Gardens London W8 7HA

T: +44 (0)20 7368 4817 E: emb.uk.london@fm.gov.jo

http://jordanembassy.org.uk/

Jordan Investment Commission (JIC)

Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) Fifth Circle Musa Bin Nusir Street PO Box 893 Amman 11821 Jordan

T: +962 (6) 560 8400 E: info@jic.gov.jo

Back2Businesses

Farazad Productions Ltd. 15-19 Bloomsbury Way London WC1A 2TH T: +44 203 865 4131

www.farazadproductions.com

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Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

.

British Expertise 23 Grafton Street London W1S 4EY

T: +44 (0) 20 7824 1920 F: +44 (0) 20 7824 1929

MARKET EXPERTS

British Expertisee

www.britishexpertise.org

E +

0

International Market Advisor

International Market Advisor IMA Ltd 2nd Floor 32 Park Green Macclesfield SK11 7NA Email: info@ima.uk.com

General enquiries switchboard T: +44 (0) 1298 79562

www.DoingBusinessGuides.com Media enquiries Newsdesk & out of hours T: +44 (0) 1298 79562

Language Services

AST Language Services Ltd Unit 8, Ayr Street, Nottingham NG7 4FX United Kingdom

T: +44 (0) 115 970 5633 F: +44 (0) 845 051 8780 E: office@astls.co.uk

www.astlanguage.com

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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MARKET EXPERTS

Law

Al Tamimi & Company Emmar Tower B 11th Floor 6th Circle P.O.Box 18055 Zip Code 11195 T: 0096265777415

E: K.saqqaf@tamimi.com www.tamimi.com

Contact name: Khaled Saqqaf

Insurance Arab Life & Accidents Insurance Company Shmeisani, Abd Al-Hamid Sharaf St. Bldg 46 P.O. Box 925250 Amman 11190 - Jordan T: +96265693180 F: +96265693188

E: info@arabinsurance.jo www.arabinsurance.jo

Contact Name: Hasan Al-Kayed h.alkayed@arabinsurance.jo

Banking/Financial Services

Jordan International Bank Plc Almack House 26-28 King Street London SW1Y 6QW T: +4420 3144 0234 F: +4420 3144 0259

E: TRADEFINANCEINFO@JORDANBANK.CO.UK www.jordanbank.co.uk 133

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

King Hussein Business Park King Abdullah II street King Hussein Business Park Building 4 First Floor T: +962 6 5805400

MARKET EXPERTS

Business Park/Commercial Real Estate Services

E: invest@businesspark-jo.com www.businesspark-jo.com

Contact name:Â Ms. Huda Hijazi/Mrs. Noora Merei

Shipping

Maersk Al-Hijaz Towers 158 Makkha Street 5th Floor Jordan T: 06-5802500

E: Sales.Jo@maersk.com https://www.maersk.com/

Safmarine Al-Hijaz Towers 158 Makkha Street 5th Floor Jordan T: 06-5802528

E: Sales.Jo1@Safmarine.com https://www.safmarine.com/

An integrated container logistics company working to connect and simplify its customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; supply chains

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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Mahmoudia Motors T: 065850200

www.mahmoudiamotors.jo

MARKET EXPERTS

Automotive/Automobile Services

Industrial Zone/Industrial Real Estate Services

PBI Aqaba Industrial Estate LLP. In front of King Hussein International Airport New Dead Sea High Way P.O.Box: 784 Aqaba, 77110 Jordan T: +962 3 205 8000 F: +962 3 205 8003

Contact name: Mira Jabr E: Mira.jabr@pbiaqaba-jo.com

Working hours: Sunday-Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Corporate Travel/Airlines Services

Royal Jordanian Airlines London Office 8th Floor Vantage London Great West Road Brentford TW8 9AG T: +44(0)207 878 6300 E: lontsrj@rj.com

Jordan Head Office 5th Circle Mohammad Ali Janah St. Building No. 37, Amman, Jordan T: +962 6520 2000 www.rj.com

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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Trade shows

A trade show is a method of promoting a business through the exhibition of goods and services, an organised exhibition of products, based on a central theme, where manufacturers meet to show their products to potential buyers.

Taking part in overseas exhibitions is an effective way for you to test markets, attract customers, appoint agents or distributors and make sales. DIT's Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) provides grant support for eligible SME firms to attend trade shows overseas.

Participation is usually as part of a group, a great advantage for inexperienced businesses, and is usually led by one of DIT's Accredited Trade Associations (ATOs).

ATOs work with DIT to raise the profile of UK groups and sectors at key exhibitions.

For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tradeshow-access-programme.

IOE&ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events: www.export.org.uk/events/event_ list.asp 10 Times (formerly BizTradeShows.com): www.10times.com/jordan British Expertise Events: https://www.britishexpertise.org/ events/ EventsEye.com online database: www.eventseye.com DIT online events search facility: https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ ehome/index.php?eventid=20018 3029& www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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Useful Links Country information: BBC website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_ profiles/default.stm FCO Country Profile: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-traveladvice/jordan Culture & communications: ICC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The international language association: http://www.icc-languages.eu/

UK Export Finance (formerly ECGD): www.gov.uk/government/organisations /uk-export-finance Intellectual Property: Intellectual Property Office: https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/intellectual-property-office World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/text.jsp? file_id=288514 Standards & technical regulations:

Customs & regulations: HM Revenue & Customs: https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/hm-revenue-customs Economic information: The Economist: https://www.economist.com/topics Trading Economics: www.tradingeconomics.com Export control: Export Control Joint Unit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ beginners-guide-to-export-controls Export ďŹ nance & insurance: British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA): www.biba.org.uk

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British Standards Institution (BSI): https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/ industries-and-sectors/import-export/ Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU): https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/export-control-organisation Intellectual Property Office: https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/intellectual-property-office National Physical Laboratory: http://www.npl.co.uk/ Trade statistics: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC): https://www.uktradeinfo.com/statistics/ buildyourowntables/pages/table.aspx National Statistics Information: https://www.gov.uk/search/researchand-statistics?content_store_document _type=upcoming_statistics

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

Office for National Statistics: http://www.ons.gov.uk/

International trade: British Chambers of Commerce (BCC): www.britishchambers.org.uk

Trade shows: British Expertise Events: https://www.britishexpertise.org/events/

British Council: www.britishcouncil.org

EventsEye.com online database: www.eventseye.com

British Expertise: www.britishexpertise.org

DIT Events Portal: https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ehome /index.php?eventid=200183029&

British Franchise Association: http://www.thebfa.org/international

Travel advice: FCO Travel: www.gov.uk/browse/abroad

Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI): http://www.cpni.gov.uk/ Confederation of British Industry (CBI): www.cbi.org.uk

FCO Foreign Travel Insurance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreigntravel-insurance

Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS): https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/department-for-businessenergy-and-industrial-strategy

Healthcare abroad: Travel Health: www.travelhealth.co.uk

Department for International Trade (DIT): https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/department-for-international -trade

TravelHealthPro: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries NHS (Scotland): http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/ destinations.aspx

DIT E-Exporting Programme: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-exporting

NHS Choices: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/health care-abroad/

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO): www.gov.uk/government/organisations /foreign-commonwealth-office

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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Heritage Foundation Index of Economic Freedom: https://www.heritage.org/index/ranking Institute of Directors (IoD): www.iod.com Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT): www.export.org.uk International Monetary Fund (IMF): http://www.imf.org/external/index.htm Market Access Database: http://madb.europa.eu/madb/index Publi.htm Open to Export: http://opentoexport.com/ Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): http://www.oecd.org/ Overseas business risk: https://www.gov.uk/government/ collections/overseas-business-risk Transparency International: http://www.transparency.org/ UK Trade Tariff: https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff UK Visas: https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration World Bank Group economy rankings: http://www.doingbusiness.org/en/ rankings

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World Economic Forumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Global Competitiveness Report: http://reports.weforum.org/globalcompetitiveness-index-2017-2018/preface/ Jordanian websites: Companies Control Department (CCD): http://www.ccd.gov.jo/ Customs Department: https://www.customs.gov.jo/en/index.aspx Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in London: http://jordanembassy.org.uk/ General Supplies Department (GSD): http://www.gsd.gov.jo/ Government Tenders Directorate (GTD): http://www.gtd.gov.jo/en/index Income and Sales Tax Department (ISTD): http://www.istd.gov.jo/English/AboutISTD /Profile.aspx Jordan Chamber of Commerce: http://www.jocc.org.jo/index_en.php Jordan Investment Commission (JIC): https://www.jic.gov.jo/en/ Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO): http://www.jsmo.gov.jo/en/Pages/ default.aspx Ministry of Agriculture (MOA): http://moa.gov.jo/ar-jo/Home.aspx

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

Ministry of Culture: http://www.culture.gov.jo/

Ministry of Justice (MOJ): http://www.moj.gov.jo/

Ministry of Education (MOE): http://www.moe.gov.jo/en

Ministry of Labour (MOL): http://www.mol.gov.jo/

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR): http://www.memr.gov.jo/Default.aspx

Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MOMA): http://www.moma.gov.jo/DefaultEn.aspx

Ministry of Environment (MOENV): http://moenv.gov.jo/en/pages/ mainpage.aspx

Ministry of Social Development (MOSD): http://www.mosd.gov.jo/UI/Arabic/ Default.aspx

Ministry of Finance (MOF): http://www.mof.gov.jo/en-us/ mainpage.aspx Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates (MFA): http://www.mfa.gov.jo Ministry of Health (MOH): http://www.moh.gov.jo/

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA): http://www.tourism.jo/Default.aspx Ministry of Transport (MOT): http://www.mot.gov.jo/Default.aspx Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI): http://mwi.gov.jo/Intro/Pages/default.aspx

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHE): http://www.mohe.gov.jo/en/Pages/ default.aspx

Ministry of Youth (MOY): http://www.moy.gov.jo/

Ministry of Industry Trade and Supply (MIT): https://www.mit.gov.jo/Default Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MOICT): http://moict.gov.jo/

Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOP): http://www.mop.gov.jo/Default.aspx

National Library: http://www.nl.gov.jo/En/NL.aspx Social Security Corporation (SSC): https://www.ssc.gov.jo/english/pages/ homepage.aspx

Ministry of Interior (MOI): http://moi.gov.jo/?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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Unlocking the doors of opportunity If Jordan is one of your markets then our Trade Finance team would be pleased to hear from you if we can assist with: โ ข Discounting deferred payment letters of credit (whether advised through us or not)

โ ข Issuance of letters of guarantee โ ข &I[NXNSL FSI (TSล WRNSL QJYYJWX TK HWJINY โ ข Documentary collections (JIB account customers only) (TSYFHY ZX YT ล SI TZY RTWJ WWW.JORDANBANK.CO.UK JORDAN INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC, ALMACK HOUSE, 26-28 KING STREET, LONDON SW1Y 6QW +442031440234

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Disclaimer Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that the information given in this Guide is accurate, neither International Market Advisor (IMA), the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT), the British Embassy Amman, the Embassy of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Jordan Investment Commission (JIC), UK Export Finance (UKEF), Department for International Trade (DIT), or the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), accept liability for any errors, omissions or misleading statements and no warranty is given or responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm, company or other organisation mentioned.

The purpose of the Doing Business Guides, prepared by International Market Advisor (IMA) is to provide information to help recipients form their own judgments about making business decisions as to whether to invest or operate in a particular country. The report's contents were believed (at the time that the report was prepared) to be reliable, but no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made or given by IMA, the IOE&IT, the British Embassy Amman, the Embassy of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, JIC, UKEF, DIT or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as to the accuracy of the report, its completeness or its suitability for any purpose.

145

In particular, none of the report's contents should be construed as advice or solicitation to purchase or sell securities, commodities or any other form of financial instrument. No liability is accepted by IMA, IOE&IT, the British Embassy Amman, the Embassy of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, JIC, UKEF, DIT, or the FCO for any loss or damage (whether consequential or otherwise) which may arise out of or in connection with the report.

No warranty is given, or responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm, company or other organisation mentioned.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

www.Jordan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

Quick facts Location: Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia, between Israel (to the west) and Iraq Area: 89,342 km2 Population: 9.9 million Urban population: 90.7% Capital city: Amman GDP per capita: US $4,278.3 Languages: Arabic (official), English (widely understood among upper and middle classes) Religions: Muslim 97.2% (official; predominantly Sunni), Christian 2.2% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), Buddhist 0.4%, Hindu 0.1%, Jewish <0.1, folk <0.1, unaffiliated <0.1, other <0.1 (2010 est.)

Government type: parliamentary constitutional monarchy Legal system: mixed system developed from codes instituted by the Ottoman Empire (based on French law), British common law, and Islamic law Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) Climate: mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April) Natural resources: phosphates, potash, shale oil Natural hazards: droughts; periodic earthquakes; flash floods Time difference: UTC+2 Internet country code: .jo National holidays: Independence Day, 25th May (1946) National symbols: eagle; national colours: black, white, green, red

[Source – FCO Economics Unit, CIA World Factbook (April 2019)]

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