Kamel Mahadin, the chief commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), is the head of a new private-public-partnership (PPP) committee tasked with enhancing the city's investment climate.

Aqaba is a Jordanian coastal city situated at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea. Aqaba is the largest city on the Gulf of Aqaba and Jordan's only coastal city.

The new committee includes Samer Asfour, the director of the economic affairs department at the Royal Court of Jordan, members of public and private sector bodies and local community representatives.

The chairman said last Sunday that the committee was the fruit of momentum empowered by King Abdullah's directives, stressing the importance of team work and coordination among all parties in Aqaba to implement strategic projects, attract investment and create jobs.

Mahadin said the main task was evaluating the current situation in Aqaba to come up with a clear vision for the future of the city, paving the way to transform it into a world class business hub, leisure destination and economic development zone.

The committee stressed the need for a thorough review of the draft investment law to ensure that it achieves its objectives, said Mahadin.

The members also underlined the importance of PPPs to generate comprehensive long-term gains to benefit the lives of all segments in Jordanian society, he noted.

According to Mahadin, the committee also called for a revision of ASEZ's master plan and strategies with more focus on the opportunities and incentives in Aqaba, as the city is witnessing development of a comprehensive port community plan, which includes creating and enhancing port facilities, particularly ports designated to handle energy products.