Hajj Hassan said that ASEZA was eager to welcome Australian firms to invest in Aqaba LONDON: The deputy chairman of Jordan’s Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority held discussions on Sunday with the Australian ambassador to Jordan to discuss advancing the tourism, economic and industrial sectors in the zone. During the discussions, Hamza Hajj Hassan highlighted to Bernard Lynch the competitive investment incentives and benefits ASEZA could offer to attract global investors and entrepreneurs, Jordan News Agency reported. He also emphasized Aqaba’s secure and supportive investment climate, as well as its strategic position as a continental bridge and Jordan’s participation in free trade agreements worldwide, as key advantages for investors. Hajj Hassan said that ASEZA was eager to welcome Australian firms to invest in Aqaba, especially in projects related to green hydrogen, underlining the zone’s commitment to sustainable economic development. He added that ASEZ aimed to attract Australian tourism by establishing direct air routes between Aqaba and Australia and by simplifying entry procedures for Australian tourists. This initiative would showcase the distinctive tourism offerings spanning Jordan’s Golden Triangle — Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Petra, he said. Leveraging Australian expertise in tourism sector development is also a priority for ASEZA, Hajj Hassan told Lynch. The Australian ambassador praised the strong relations between Jordan and Australia, highlighting Jordan’s reputation as a stable and secure country, which would be vital for attracting Australian investments. He pointed out the significant opportunities for Australian investors in Jordan, particularly in tourism, commerce, and green energy sectors, including the green hydrogen project spearheaded by the Australian company FFI.