Seize the opportunity, invest in Jordan now

" The main function of JCO is to boost the exchanges in all aspects with an emphasis on the economic ties"

-- Director of JCO, Mr. Bilal N. Hmoud

The Jordanian Commercial Office (JCO) is dedicated to the promotion of commercial, cultural and tourism ties between Jordan and Taiwan. The JCO stimulates Taiwanese exports to Jordan as well as Taiwanese investments in Jordan. The incumbent Director of JCO, Mr. Bilal N. Hmoud, who took the post around four years ago, stressed the ties between Jordan and Taiwan are very close, and the Office is playing a role bridging both sides.

"The main function of JCO is to boost the exchanges in all aspects with an emphasis on the economic ties. And we also help in providing the businessmen here in Taiwan with the investment information they need," Mr. Hmoud indicated. Jordan, a politically and socially stable society which adopted the concepts of peace and tolerance, a country small in its size, big in its ambitions and opportunities. Strategically located in the heart of the middle east, with direct access to the fast growing neighboring markets namely, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Palestinian National Authority & Israel, a market totaling more than 160 million people.

The Director pointed out the advantages of investing in Jordan by saying, "Jordan is a member of the WTO, and it's one of four countries in the world having a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States of America. Plus, Jordan also enjoys free trade agreement with the European Union and several Arabian nations."

Jordan: A land with great business potential

Jordan is now open more than ever for foreign investors offering them golden opportunities and excellent investment climate. One of which is the Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ). "Manufacturers in the QIZ's can export their products to the U.S. market quota free and duty free. The investors in the QIZ's will have their export earnings 100 percent exempt from income tax, customs duties," said Mr. Hmoud.

In addition, Jordan's another business opportunity is the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. This duty-free zone was launched in January 2001 and is in a very strategic location of the Aqaba Gulf. The area is on the borders of Saudi Arabia, Israel and very close to Egypt. Investors can have 100 percent ownership and they can repatriate all capital and profits. The Director said that with so many advantages, Jordan offers plenty of business opportunities for Taiwan investors, and the Office has been making a great deal of efforts in promoting it in Taiwan. "We also arrange Taiwan investors to have a visit to Jordan and to explore the potential there.

Jordan: Where adventure awaits you

When it comes to tourism, Mr. Hmoud strongly recommended Jordan to Taiwanese. A visit to Jordan brings a return to respected and hallowed tradition. Jordanians are very friendly, outgoing people. They are innately hopeful and enjoy having guests and visitors in their country and in their homes. The visitor is made welcome whenever he goes, whether in the capital city of Amman, in one of the outlying towns and villages, or while visiting the historic sites and archaeological digs to be found throughout the land. "No matter where visitors travel in Jordan, he or she is always surrounded by warm hospitality of the Jordanian people," Mr. Hmoud added.

Petra: A must see attraction

A two and a half hour drive south from Amman on the King's Highway leads to Wadi Musa and Petra. The visitor enters Petra through a 1.2 kilometers-long narrow defile through the mountains which opens up to a spectacular view of the Treasury, or Khazneh in Arabic. Petra, the Nabatean Kingdom's capital, is over 2,000 years old and contains over 800 mountains, some built but most carved our of the natural rock. They include tombs, temples, houses, theaters and elaborate water systems.

The mesmerizing rose-red city of Petra is a must for any visitor to Jordan. This ancient Nabatean city is so rich in history that everyday something new is being discovered.

Jerash & the Cities of the Decapoli

Traveling an hour north of Amman, you will find yourself in one of the few remaining Greco-Roman outposts in the world. Jerash is probably the best preserved city of the Decapolis. The Decapolis was a loose association of ten co-Roman cities in north Jordan, Syria and Palestine. Every summer, for two weeks, Jerash comes to life during the Jerash festival of Culture and Arts. Jordanian and international troupes perform music, dance, poetry and drama, and craft displays of local artists and artisans add color to the festival.

The Dead Sea

About half an hour drive from Amman, the capital, it is the lowest point on earth - 400 meters below sea level, enjoy floating over the salty sea which have a 28 percent concentration which enables the swimmer to float easily, the visitor to the Dead Sea should try the mud baths which is proved to be excellent for skin.

Future goals of the Jco

Talk about the Office's goals for the future, the Director clearly expressed his ambitions saying, "to boost substantially the bilateral cooperation and to have more exchanges between Jordan and Taiwan, especially in the economic arena."