Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(1) I NTRODUCTION  
1. Services represent the main sector  of Jordan's economy.  Under the GATS, Jordan made 
substantial accession commitments covering some 110 services subsectors.  It also scheduled MFN 
exemptions for 12 measures.  In numerous serv ice subsectors, notably telecommunications and 
insurance foreign equity limitations have been ph ased out.  However, no commitments were made for 
postal services, railway and road transport services, and for some environmental, audiovisual, and 
business services.  There are also restrictions (e.g. foreign equity limitations  or Jordanian nationality 
requirements) in certain subsectors to preserve Jord anian control or influence.  These exceptions 
concern, in particular, business services, including professional services; construction and engineering services;  wholesale/retail distribution services;  restau rants;  air catering;  travel agencies and tour 
operators; hospitals;  and maritime transport. 
2. Jordan's financial services subsector has b een opened to foreign competition, certain 
exceptions (e.g. nationality requirements) notwithst anding.  The regulatory framework for banking 
services has been strengthened considerably sin ce accession.  Telecommunications services have been 
liberalized in accordance with  Jordan's GATS commitments, and the incumbent, Jordan 
Telecommunications Company, has been privatized .  The reforms have since been focussed on the 
regulatory framework and further increasing the pene tration of services, including mobile telecom and 
internet services.  Modernization and deregulati on are the primary policy objectives for transport 
services.  The tourism industry has a very important role in the economy but it is facing strong 
regional competition;  Jordan's tourism strategy ai ms to tap into up-scale niche markets, building on 
the attractions of heritage sites and scenery, such as Petra or the Dead Sea.  
3. Jordan is almost totally dependent on im ported oil and petroleum products, gas, and 
electricity to meet its energy requirements.  To di versify the supply sources, the energy subsector is 
undergoing major modernization with the implemen tation of Jordan’s Energy Master Plan for 
2007-20.  Particular efforts are under way to promote oil shale as an indigenous source of energy.  Jordan has vast reserves of oil shale to generate o il and electricity, but exploration has not yet reached 
the stage of commercial exploitation.  Jordan is also  one of world's leading producers and exporters of 
phosphate and potash. 
4. Jordan's largest industry, the petroleum refinery industry, is being restructured and 
deregulated.  The statutory monopoly of the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company was terminated in 
March 2008.  The Government has also taken steps to phase-out subsidies on petroleum and 
petroleum products, which were a heavy fiscal burde n.  In February 2008, the Government lifted 
virtually all remaining subsidies, resulting in a substantial increase in fuel prices.  The textiles 
industry has expanded rapidly in the wake of trad e preferences under the Qualifying Industrial Zone 
initiative of the United States.  Jordan's pharmaceuti cal industry is specialized in the production of 
branded generics, mostly for export.  
5. Jordan is heavily dependent on imported feedstu ffs, notably barley, which is subsidized as 
feed for sheep and goat producers.  Bread consumption is also subsidized by the Government.   Faced 
with the prospect of an ever-widening deficit in th e agricultural trade balance, it is promoting private 
investment in the sector.  Development of the sector is, however, hampered by structural constraints, 
notably the small size of holdings, land pressure fro m rapid urbanization, weaknesses in the marketing 
system, and scarcity of irrigation water.  Water scar city and lack of indigenous energy are the Achilles 
heel of the Jordanian economy.  Because of the pr ecarious state of water resources, the sector is 
receiving special attention from international donor s.  A series of water supply and conservation WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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projects are under implementation to contain the chr onic water deficit.  However, the Government 
does not yet charge water tariffs commensurate with the cost of water services in all economic sectors. Under the current policy, water resources are rea llocated from agriculture, the main user, towards 
sectors with higher expected returns.  Applied MFN tariffs average 16.7% on agricultural imports 
(ISIC, Revision 2 definition), and domestic suppo rt consists of Green Box measures and input 
subsidies. 
(2) A
GRICULTURE AND RELATED ACTIVITIES  
(i) Main features 
6. Jordan is a small country, of 8.93 million hectar es, and suffers from chronic shortage of water 
and irregular rainfall.  About 90% of its land area lies in the semi-desert zone (the Badia).  In these 
arid natural rangelands, sheep and goa t pastoralism is the mainstay of the people.  Only 3% of the 
land was cultivated with crops in 2006;  one third of the area under cultivation was irrigated.1  In the 
Jordan Valley (with some 33,000 hectares under i rrigation), a mild climate favours production of 
vegetables and fruit all year round, although devastating cold spells are not unusual. 
7. Overall, more efficient agricultural land use in Jordan is constrained by the small scale and 
increasing fragmentation of the holdings:  60% of hold ings were less than 3 hectares in 1997;  only 
7% were larger than 10 hectares;  and the averag e size of the holdings has decreased over time.  The 
Jordan Valley land law was amended in the 199 0s to permit land leases to increase from 10 to 
30 years, with a view to providing incentives for producers to invest and develop their holdings.2 
8. Tomatoes are by far the largest field crop in Jo rdan, accounting for a quarter of the volume of 
total crop production in 2006.  Other important crops are potatoes, olives,  cucumbers, citrus fruit, and 
watermelons.  The growing of olives has a long trad ition. Jordan also produces durum wheat but no 
bread wheat.  Domestic production is largely insu fficient to satisfy demand for wheat and wheat 
products.  Consumption of bread is subsidized (Box IV.1).  Some farmers are experimenting with cut 
flowers and other non-traditional crops.   
9. Jordan's forests, most owned by the Government, covered less than 1% of the land area in 
2001.  The last national aforestation campaign was in 2006 and the Ministry of Agriculture is 
planning to implement another campaign.  Jordan 's fish production is small and comes mainly from 
inland fish farms.3  Imports of fish (including crustacean s) amounted to JD 19.1 million in 2006. 
10. Jordan's agricultural trade acc ount has been negative for decades, but in recent years the 
deficit has increased sharply (Chart IV.1).  Jordan is  a large net-importer of feedstuffs for livestock:  
increasing quantities are imported, mainly barley (Table  AIV.1).  Barley is grown on a small scale;  
imports increased from JD 22 million in 2002 to JD 100 million (877,000 tonnes) in 2006, making 
Jordan the fourth-largest barley importer in th e world, after Saudi Arabia, China, and Japan.4  The use 
of barley as feed is subsidized by the Governme nt.  Jordan does not produce rice and sugar, importing 
all of its needs.  The main agricultural export pro ducts in 2006 were tomatoes,  live sheep, cucumbers, 
                                                      
1 Department of Statistics of Jordan (2007), p. 17. 
2 WTO document WT/ACC/JOR/14, 1 July 1989, p. 5. 
3 Ministry of Agriculture (2004), p. 14. 
4 USDA data quoted in: Toepfer International (2008). Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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eggplants, peppers, live goats , squash, and cauliflower.5  Over 90% of agricultural exports were 
destined to PAFTA countries in 2005.6 
Box IV.1:  Food subsidies 
Jordan has a long history of subsidizing the price of food, to ensure that the poorest segments of the 
population can afford basic foodstuffs, in particular bread, sugar, rice, corn, milk, and olive oil.  The 
Government has in the past used various instruments to control and subsidize the price of food items, including price ceilings, fixed-margin pricing, coupon systems, and cash subsidies.  The consumer prices of 
most food items are now market determined, albeit w ith a few exceptions: wheat, wheat flour, bran, and 
Arabic bread (Chapter III(4)(ii)). 
Jordan produces durum wheat but no bread wheat.  Domestic production (22,900 tonnes in 2006) does not 
come close to satisfying demand for wheat and wheat products.  Imports have increased to almost 
600,000 tonnes in 2006.  Imported wheat is typically hard winter wheat that is used to produce flat Arabic bread, the most common type of bread in Jordan.  All soft wheat flour, used to make cake and pastries, is 
also imported.  Although the Government does not maintain exclusive trading rights, it is de facto  the sole 
importer of wheat, and wheat flour (and  barley):  it has displaced the priv ate trade through its bread subsidy 
policy. 
The retail price of Arabic bread is subject to a price ce iling of JD 0.16 per kg, which at current international 
prices involves a unit subsidy of nearly twice that am ount.  Until last year, the subsidy was granted on all 
types of wheat flour and bran, used to make bread as well as other bakery products.  As a result of this 
indiscriminate policy, the benefits of the subsidy spilt over to bakeries selling cookies, pastry, and other 
bakery products, the prices of which were not cont rolled by the Government.  Bakeries became one of the 
fastest growing industries in the Jordanian economy:  th ere are currently almost 1,900 bakeries in Jordan.   
With the surge of international pri ces for wheat and wheat flour, the su bsidies have become a considerable 
burden for public finances.  Budgetary expenditures for the wheat and bran subsidies increased from 
JD 17.4 million in 2001 to JD 39.4 million in 2006, and surged to JD 114.5 million in 2007.  
In response, in November 2007, the Government liberalized prices for refined flour, known locally as "zero" 
flour.  Refined flour used to make cookies, pastry, and other bakery products is now sold at the international 
price.  But the price of bread remains subsidized.  This resulted in a drop in consumption of most bakery 
products while consumption of bread soared.  
11. Jordan has been a recipient of food aid fo r a number of years.  In 2006, it received 
107,000 tonnes of cereals as programme food aid from the United States.7  In 2005, the WTO 
Committee on Agriculture accepted a request by Jo rdan to be listed as a net-food importing 
developing country to become eligible as a poten tial beneficiary under the Marrakesh Ministerial 
Decision on Measures Concerning the Possible Negativ e Effects of the Reform Programme on Least-
Developed and Net Food-Importing Developing Countries.8 
 
                                                      
5 Department of Statistics of Jordan (2007). 
6 AMIR Program Report, (2006), p. 5. 
7 World Food Programme (2007). 
8 WTO document G/AG/5/Rev.8, 22 March 2005. WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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-1,000-50005001,0001,500
Domestic exports 116 136 141 157 201 275 323 404
Imports 530 524 530 630 761 811 928 1,322
Food trade balance -413 -389 -389 -474 -560 -536 -605 -9182000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007Chart IV.1
Food trade balance, 2000-07
JD million
Source: Central Bank of Jordan, Annual Reports , various issues. 
 
(ii) Agricultural policy 
12. Jordan had a long history of protectionism and producer subsidies before the liberalization of 
its trade in agricultural commoditi es started in 1994 under a structural adjustment programme.  This 
was followed by liberalizing measures to prepare fo r WTO accession.  Subsidies for irrigation water 
and feedstuffs were reduced, and the import monopoli es held by the Ministry of Supply for essential 
foodstuffs and the Agricultural Marketing and Pr ocessing Company for fruit and vegetables were 
abolished.  Quantitative restrictions a nd pre-approvals on im ports were removed.9 
13. Jordan's agricultural policy is aimed primarily at  food security.  Consumer subsidies, notably 
for bread, are among measures in place to ensure th at food remains affordable for the poor segments 
of the population.  Import tariffs may also be reduced  for this purpose.  For example, in early 2008, 
import duties on selected food items were reduced to zero to ease the social impact and inflationary 
pressures arising from the recent in crease in international food prices.  A special food security 
programme, for the period 2004-10 and with a budget of  JD 37 million, is aimed at improving food 
security for poor rural households, including throu gh better water management at farm level, and 
intensification and diversification of production through integrated plant and animal production 
systems.10 
14. In 2002, the Government adopted a National Strategy for Agricultural Development until 
2010.  The strategy is focused on, inter alia , creating a suitable environment for private-sector 
investment in agriculture; improving processing a nd marketing of agricultural products;  and 
conserving Jordan's natural resources.  Toge ther with improved employment and income 
opportunities, the agricultural development strategy  is aimed at increasing the contribution of the 
                                                      
9 Ministry of Agriculture (2005) p. 14. 
10 Ministry of Agriculture (2004). Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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sector to GDP (Table IV.1 and Chart IV.1), and redu cing the deficit in the agricultural trade balance.  
The simple average applied MFN tariff on agricu ltural products (WTO defi nition) is 17.1% (2008), 
compared with a simple average bound rate of 23. 9% (Table III.1).  Based on ISIC (Revision 2) 
definition, applied MFN tariffs average 16.7% on agricultural products. 
Table IV.1 
Selected indicators of th e agriculture sector, 2003-07  
 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 
Value-added at current prices (JD million) 178.3 202.1 246.2 274.5 312.4 
Growth rate at constant prices (%) 12.3 11.0 -0.1 0.9 -3.3 
The deflator of the agricultural sector (1994 = 100) 79.9 81.6 99.5 110.0 129.5 
Quantity index of agricultural expor ts (1994 = 100) 126.1 159.2 208.4 194.1 192.7 
Price index of agricultural exports (1994 = 100) 138.2 136.5 146.2 179.4 226.1 
Number of registered agricultural companies 40 55 100 221 399 
Capital of registered agricultural comp anies (JD million) 1. 4 20.2 82.9 265.6 313.8 
Source:  Central Bank of Jordan, Annual Report  2006 and 2007. 
15. As part of its accession commitments in agricu lture, Jordan agreed  to reduce its trade-
distorting domestic support, measured in terms of the total AMS, by 13.3% over a six-year implementation period starting in 2000.  The final bound Total AMS, effective from 2006, is 
JD 1.33 million.  Jordan's notified current total AMS was de minimis  (2001, 2003) or well below the 
applicable annual Total AMS commitment level (2000, 2002 and 2004).
11  The main instruments of 
domestic support notified were govern ment services, price support (for wheat and barley), and input 
subsidies.  Expenditures under Green Box me asures amounted to JD 11.4 million in 2002 and 
JD 29.7 million in 2003.  Subsidies were provided for irrigation water and feed for livestock.  In 
2000-02, Jordan also claimed exemption for certain  investment subsidies and input subsidies under 
the S&D provisions of Article 6.2 of the Agreement on Agriculture.  Export su bsidies for agricultural 
products were bound at zero and, according to the au thorities, no export subsidies have been provided 
since Jordan's accession.12  
16. According to authorities, the purchasing pr ogramme for wheat and barley has been 
maintained, whereby the Government purchases domestic  wheat and barley at world market prices, 
and sells them at subsidized prices (Box IV.1).  Jordan maintains a strategic food reserve, which is 
administered by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (Industry and Trade Law No. 18 of 1998).  Its food reserve policy is targeting six months of dom estic consumption of wh eat, and two months of 
domestic consumption of barley.  In addition, fo r both wheat and barley, "pre-orders" equal to 2 
months of domestic consumption are pl aced on the international markets.   
17. Income earned in agriculture is exempt from in come tax (Articles 7a-15 of the Income Tax 
Law No. 57 of 1985).  Relief from natural disasters a ffecting agriculture is provided on an ad hoc 
basis.  Following a severe frost sp ell in January 2008, the Govern ment allocated JD 10 million to 
partially compensate farmers for their crop losses;  according to the authorities, total compensation 
payments will reach a maximum of one third of the cost of production. 
                                                     
 
11 WTO documents G/AG/N/JOR/1/Rev.1, 13 June 2003; G/AG/N/JOR/3, 8 July 2003; 
G/AG/N/JOR/5, 8 July 2004; G/AG/N/JOR/7, 1 Ma rch  2006; and G/AG/N/JOR/9, 3 October 2006. 
12 The WTO Committee on Agriculture was notified that no export subsidies were provided during the 
implementation years 2000-04 (WTO documents G/AG/N/JOR/2, 4, 6, and 8). WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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(iii) Main subsectors 
(a) Fruits and vegetables 
18. Horticulture is an important subsector and fo reign exchange earner in Jordan's economy.  
Fruit and vegetables were Jordan's third largest merchandise exports in 2007, after textiles, and 
medical and pharmaceutical products.13  Most of the fruit and vegetable produce is consumed 
domestically although, depending on the product, si zeable shares are exported.  In the case of 
tomatoes, Jordan's largest crop, over half of dom estic production was exported in 2006 (Table IV.2). 
Table IV.2 
Major fruit and vegetables, 2006  
 Production 
(000 tonnes) Imports 
(000 tonnes) Import value 
(JD million) Exports 
(000 tonnes) Export value 
(JD million) 
Tomatoes 545.6 0 0 304.5 72.5 
Potatoes 160.0 26.4 5.5 13.5 3.0 
Olives 146.8 0 0 2.7 .. 
Cucumbers 142.7 0 0 55.6 21.4 
Citrus fruit 139.2 25.6 .. 11.4 .. 
Eggplants 95.6 0 0 44.5 11.1 
Watermelons 91.9 3.9 1.0 11.3 4.2 
Cauliflower 63.4 0 0 17.1 6.7 
Squash 61.8 0 0 23.8 8.1 
Apples 46.4 5.5 2.3 1.7 1.5 
Bananas 42.1 9.6 3.4 0 0 
.. Non available. 
Source:  Department of Statistics, Agricultural Statistics , July 2007. 
19. Vegetable production reached 1.45 million tonnes in 2006 a nd production of fruits was 
456,000 tonnes, including olives.  Virtually the entire area planted w ith vegetables was under 
irrigation (42,300 ha).  The predominant production system for vegetables is field cultivation with 
drip irrigation, although plastic tunnels and greenhouses with drip sy stems are gaining in popularity. 
In fruit production, close to 40% of the cultivated  area of 86,000 hectares was irrigated in 2006.14  
20. Water subsidies for agricultural producers decr eased from about JD 4 million in 2000-01 to 
JD 1.8 million in 2004.15  Although one of the scarcest resources in Jordan, water remains subsidized 
to date.  The government does not plan to lift the water subsidies in agriculture.  The main 
beneficiaries are producers in the Jordan Valley where irrigated agriculture is concentrated 
(section (2)(iv)). 
21. Jordan's current agricultural development strategy sets ambitious targets for exports of 
horticultural products.  Comparative advantage, not fully exploited, is seen in certain areas for 
production in the winter months, especially in the Jordan Valley.  The Ministry of Agriculture has 
conceded, however, that the present marketing system  cannot deliver such exports.  The infrastructure 
for post-harvest operations has been inadequate and th ere has been a lack of support services, such as 
extension services, and market information.  Over all, Jordanian produce, except for out-of-season 
production, has been difficult to sell in new markets, especially in Europe.16  
                                                      
13 Central Bank of Jordan (2008), p. 64. 
14 Department of Statistics of Jordan (2007). 
15 WTO documents G/AG/N/JOR/5, 8 July 20 04 and G/AG/N/JOR/9, 3 October 2006. 
16 Ministry of Agriculture (2005), p. 103. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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22. The Horticultural Export Promotion and Technol ogy Transfer Project was launched in 2003 
under the umbrella of Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (Chapter III(3)(iv)).  Financed by a 
World Bank loan to the Government, the project ai ms primarily to increase Jordanian horticultural 
exports through a range of measures, including qu ality testing, export certification, financing of 
technology transfer, and other capacity-building meas ures for small and medium-scale farmers.  The 
project also seeks to promote contract farming between large commercial farmers and small/medium sized producers ("outgrower" farming) with the objectives of:  improving agricultural practices and the quality of produce grown by small/medium-sized producers;  producing sufficient volumes for target markets;  and capitalizing on the direct commercial links that some large-scale farmers have 
with overseas buyers.
17   
23. The applied MFN import duties for vegetables ar e in the range of 0-30% with a simple 
average of 16.7% (Table AIII.1).  The MFN tariff for tomatoes and cucumbers, at 30%, is at the high 
end, although the self-sufficiency ratios of these pr oducts are far in excess of 100% (Table AIV.1).  
Import tariffs for fruit are in the range of 10-35% with  a simple average of 25. 6%.  Imports of oranges 
carry an MFN tariff of 35% from May to end of Febr uary.  Imports of bananas, grapes and apples are 
subject to even higher compound duties (Table III.2).   
(b) Livestock 24. The livestock subsector accounted for 63% of to tal agricultural production in 2003 at around 
JD 615 million.  Poultry contributed 21% to gross ag ricultural output, followed by eggs (10%), sheep 
(9%), cow milk (6%), ewe milk (4%), and goats (3%).
18 
25. Sheep are the mainstay of the subsector (Table  IV.3):  the main breed, the Awassi sheep, has 
a triple use of producing meat, milk, and wool.  Th e main local breeds of goats are the Baladi and 
Shami goats.  The social importance of pastoralism li es especially in marginal areas, which have been 
outside the reach of substantial investment.  In th ese regions, sheep and goats are raised by nomadic 
(or semi-nomadic) pastoralists;  they graze on the rangelands, feed on crop by-products (straw) or are 
raised on feed in winter, when necessary.  There ar e also more settled (semi-extensive) and intensive 
production systems, where natural grazing is supplemented with feedstuffs.19  Jordan maintains a 
lively trade in live sheep and goats.  A large part of the sheep exports are re-exports. 
26. The modern capital-intensive poultry and dairy pr oduction systems rely to a large extent on 
imported feed grains and concentrates, and irrigate d forage crops (clover).  Jordan has been self-
sufficient in poultry meat in recent years (Table AIV.1). 
27. The livestock subsector receives support through su bsidized feedstuffs (barley, wheat bran) 
procured by the Government, mainly through im ports but also domestic purchases, and sold at a 
reduced price to livestock producers.  Since July 2007, only producers of sheep and goats receive the 
feed subsidy, while cattle and poultry producers are no longer eligible.  Barley is currently sold to 
livestock producers at JD 150 per tonne, with a m onthly ceiling of 10 kg per animal.  As current 
import prices are around JD 330 per tonne (February 2008) , the Government is considering changes in 
the way support to livestock producers is delivered.  Total barley subsidies increased from JD 37.1 
million in 2006 to JD 86.9 million in 2007;  the s ubsidy for wheat bran reached JD 8.4 million in 
2007. 
                                                      
17 Horticultural Export Promotion and Technology Tr ansfer Project online information.  Viewed at: 
http://www.jordanhorticultu ral.com/project.html. 
18 USAID AMIR Program (2006), p. 4. 
19 Al-Jaloudy (2001). WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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Table IV.3 
Livestock, 2006  
Livestock numbers ('000)  
 Sheep 1,972 
 Goats  474 
 Cattle  69 
Employment in livestock subsector  
 Total 53,420 
 Family labour 40,910 
Production (JD million)  
 Total livestock production  484.9 
 Sheep, goat, and non-organi zed cattle holdings  173.6 
 Broiler farms  160.2 
 Organized cattle farms  57.1 
Source:  Department of Statistics of Jordan, Agricultural Statistics , July 2007. 
28. Jordan's marketing infrastructure for liv estock, including slaughterhouses and wholesale 
markets, has been inadequate, according to th e National Strategy for Agricultural Development 
2002-2010.20  The construction of a new slaughterhouse in  Amman was planned to start in 2003.  The 
Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the licensing of slaughterhouses;  licences are renewable 
annually, depending on a site visit by specialists from the Ministry  of Agriculture.  Domestic and 
imported meat must be Halal slaughtered21;  and imported meat consignments must be certified as 
derived from animals slaughtered according to Halal Islamic procedures.  The certificate is normally 
issued by the Islamic centr e in the exporting country. 
29. Applied MFN tariffs in the livestock subsector are in the range of 0-30% with a simple 
average of 5% for live animals and 12.9% for meat (i ncl. edible offal).  Import tariffs are:  5% on 
beef, lamb, and goat meat (HS 0201/0202/0204), with  the exception of ground meat for hamburgers 
(21%)22; 22% on pigmeat (HS 0203);  and 0-30% for pou ltry meat (HS 0207).  Live bovine animals, 
sheep and goats are subject to compound duties (Table III.2).  
(3) M INING , ENERGY , AND WATER  
(i) Minerals  
30. Jordan is amongst the world's largest exporters  of potash and phosphate:  it was the sixth 
largest producer and the second largest exporter of phosphate rock in 2005.23  Jordan's deposits of 
potash are located on the northern shores of the Dead Sea.24  Its phosphate deposits are estimated to 
cover 60% of its territory at varying depths.25  The Natural Resources Authority (NRA) is the 
regulatory body overseeing the exploration and e xploitation of Jordan's mineral resources and 
                                                      
20 Ministry of Agriculture (2005), p. 103. 
21 General Guidelines on the Using of Halal Term No. 1475 of 2001, based on the Codex Alimentarius 
guidelines No. CAC/GL 24-1997. 
22 Frozen boneless beef (HS 020230900) carries the rate of zero. 
23 Phosphate rock is the main source of phosphorus , a principal plant nutrient.  The primary use for 
phosphate rock is fertilizer;  it is also used in products  such as toothpaste, cosmetics, pesticides, gasoline and oil 
additives, and is incorporated in feed supplements for livestock. 
24 Over 90% of potash produced in the world is used as  fertilizer.  Potash is applied directly to the soil 
or blended with other plant nutrients, such as phosphate or nitrogen.  APC online information.  Viewed at: 
http://www.arabpotash.com. 
25 Natural Resources Authority (2007), p. 24. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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hydrocarbons (oil, gas, oil shale).26  The NRA operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Energy 
and Mineral Resources. 
31. Jordan's Constitution allows foreigners to invest in the mining sector, under special 
agreements concluded with NRA, through explor ation permits, prospecting licences, and mining 
rights.27  Such agreements are subject to ratification by Parliament through special laws.28  Mining 
rights are granted for up to 30 years and are renewabl e.  Full foreign ownership is allowed in mining 
investments, although the mines must have a Jordanian manager.29  Permits are granted by NRA for 
discoveries of minerals in commercial quantities, giving priority mining rights for two years.30   
32. The tax regime for the mining sector (including hydrocarbons) consists of an income tax rate 
of 15% and royalties (on both metallic  minerals and hydrocarbons) linked to the world market price of 
the commodity concerned.  Exports of mining and qua rry products are subject to duties (Table III.9). 
33. The Arab Potash Company (APC) was establis hed in 1956 to extract, manufacture, and 
market these resources.  It was granted a concessi on until 2058, with the exclusive right to carry out 
these activities.  APC has been partially privatized  and the majority shareholder is the Potash 
Corporation of Saskatchewan (Chapter III(4)(iii)).  APC is one of world's leading producers and 
exporters of potash (Table IV.4).  Production of potash is primarily export-oriented, although APC 
also manufactures fertilizers through joint ventures in Jordan (section (4)(ii)(d)).  APC's main export 
markets for potash in 2006 were India (29%), Malaysia (13%), Indonesia (9%), and China (7%). 
Table IV.4 
Major mineral extraction industries, 2002-06 
(JD million) 
 Sales 2002 Sales 2003 Sales 2004 Sales 2005 Sales 2006 
 Local  Exports Local  Ex ports Local  Exports Local  Exports Local  Exports 
Potash 2.9  136.9  5.5  145.0  7.7  163.7  14.5 209.3  18.6 198.5  
Phosphate 42.3  96.5  39.7  90.8  43.6  117.7  46.2  119.0  50.4  112.6  
Bromine .. .. .. .. .. 40.5  .. 78.5  .. 83.9  
.. Not available. 
Source:  Natural Resource Authority of Jordan, Mining Sector Performance during 2006 , Amman. 
34. The Jordan Phosphate Mines Company Ltd. (JPM C) was granted exclusive mining rights in 
1968 to exploit the phosphate deposits in Jordan.  The company operates three phosphate mines (Al 
Hassa, Al Abiad, and Al Eshidiya). Railway term inals link with the port of Aqaba, where the JPMC 
has a fertilizer manufacturing complex.  JPMC also holds exclusive rights for an indefinite term to 
import, store, and sell explosive materials used for mining and quarrying purposes.  JPMC has been 
notified to the WTO as a state-trading enterprise.31  JPMC benefited from tariff exemptions that were 
terminated upon Jordan's accession to the WTO.32  In 2006, the company was partially privatized 
(Chapter III(4)(iii)).33 
                                                      
26 Oversight of radio-active elements, such as uraniu m reserves, lies with the Jordanian Nuclear Energy 
Commission. 
27 Article 36 of the Law No. 12 of 1968 (Organ ization of the Natural Resources Affairs Law). 
28 Natural Resources Authority online information. Viewed at: http://www.nra.gov.jo/index.php?option 
=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=56. 
29 Article 16 of Regulation No. 131 of 1966 ("Mining Regulation"). 
30 Article 38 of the Law No. 12 of 1968 (Organ ization of the Natural Resources Affairs Law). 
31 WTO document G/STR/N/9/JOR, 28 July 2003. 
32 WTO document WT/ACC/JOR/33, 3 December 1999, paragraph 62. 
33 The Jordan Investment Corporation held a 28.7% stake in JPMC at the end of 2007. WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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35. JPMC is the sole exporter of phosphate:  priv ate domestic traders are not permitted to export 
phosphate, while international traders may be desi gnated by JPMC to export from Jordan to new 
markets, provided they do not undercut JPMC 's prices in the international markets.34  About 80% of 
JPMC's phosphate exports are destined for markets in Asia.35 
36. Applied MFN tariffs in mining and quarrying av erage 7.3%;  the applied tariff on potash and 
phosphate is zero.   
(ii) Oil and natural gas 
37. Until the 2003 war in Iraq, Jordan relied on subsid ized supplies of crude oil from Iraq.  Since 
then, Jordan's energy needs have  been met primarily through oil imports from Saudi Arabia, imports 
of natural gas from Egypt, and imported electricity from Egypt and Syria.  Domestic crude oil and gas 
production contributed 4% to energy consumption in 2007.  The total cost of energy amounted to 20.7% of GDP in 2007.
36 
38. In December 2004, the Government approved Jo rdan’s Energy Master  Plan, which seeks to 
diversify the energy mix and raise the share of do mestic energy supplies to 39% of consumption by 
2020.  Overall investment requirements are estimated  at US$14-18 billion for 2007-20.  The plan also 
covers legislative and regulatory reforms.37 
39. NRA is responsible for negotiating agreements  and granting concessions for the exploration 
and exploitation of hydrocarbons.38  Concessions are granted for up to 99 years and are renewable.  
One of the eight concession blocks in Jordan is  held by the state-owned National Petroleum 
Company.  The concession, valid until 2046, allows th e company to explore and exploit Jordan's oil 
and gas resources near the border with Iraq.  In 2006, production amounted to 1,200 tonnes from the 
Hamzeh oil field and 8.9 billion cubic feet from the Risha gas field.39  
40. Natural gas, which is mainly imported, accounted  for 26% of Jordan's energy consumption in 
2007.40  The government's energy strategy envisages switching major industries from the use of oil to 
gas.  In addition, construction of a distributi on network is planned, to  supply households and 
commercial sectors with natural gas.  Jordan 's applied MFN tariff on natural gas is 30%. 
41. Jordan possesses vast re serves of oil shale, estimated at 40 billion tonnes, which could 
theoretically deliver some 4 billion tonnes of oil.41  Under the Energy Master Plan, oil shale is 
expected to contribute 14% to Jordan's energy supp ly by 2020.  With the rise in international oil 
prices, investor interest in these reserves has increase d considerably and several agreements have been 
signed with international oil companies, including Eesti Energia of Estonia42, Shell, and the Brazilian 
Petrobras Company.  At present, commercially viable  exploitation methods are being investigated.   
                                                      
34 WTO document G/STR/N/9/JOR, 28 July 2003, page 6. 
35 JPMC online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.jordanphosphate.com/Uploads/Reports/Annual 
Report2006.pdf. 
36 Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (2008).   
37 Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (2008).   
38 NRA online information. Viewed at: http://www .nra.gov.jo/index.php?option=com_content&task= 
view&id=17&Itemid=78. 
39 Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, p. 20. 
40 Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (2008).   
41 Exploitation technologies include direct burning; oil production through the surface retorting 
technology; and oil extraction deep underground without mining operations (Ministry of Energy and Mineral 
Resources, p. 20).  
42 Electricity in Estonia is predominantly generated from oil shale. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
 Page 69 
 
 
(iii) Electricity 
42. The General Electricity Law of 2002 provides th e legal framework for Jordan's electricity 
subsector.  The Electricity Sector Regulatory Co mmission was established as an independent body 
with responsibility for, inter alia , determining electricity tariffs and licensing electricity companies.43  
Jordan's electricity prices are not market dete rmined;  various complex subsidies are granted 
(Table IV.5). 
Table IV.5 
Electricity tariff, March 2008  
 Unit Rate 
Tariff on electricity sold by the NEPCO to th e distribution companies and major subscribers:   
Electricity distribution companies   
1 JEPCO 
 Peak load  Daytime supply 
 Night time supply  
(JD/KW/month) 
(Fils/KWh) 
(Fils/KWh)  
2.98 
45.81 
35.76 
2 EDCO 
 Peak load 
 Daytime supply 
 Night time supply  
(JD/KW/month) 
(Fils/KWh) 
(Fils/KWh)  
2.98 
37.35 
27.30 
3 IDECO 
 Peak load 
 Daytime supply  Night time supply  
(JD/KW/month) 
(Fils/KWh) (Fils/KWh)  
2.98 
38.16 28.11 
4  Harrana Broadcasting and TV st ation – flat rate (Fils/KWh) 86 
Tariff of electricity sold by the distribution companies to consumers:   
5   Principal consumers   
 Peak load 
 Daytime supply 
 Night time supply  
(JD/KW/month) 
(Fils/KWh) 
(Fils/KWh)  
2.98 
65 
49 
6 Standard consumers' tariff 
 1. First block: 1-160 KWh per month 
 2. Second block: 161-300 KWh per month  3. Third block: 301-500 KWh per month 
 4. Fourth block: more than 500 KWh per month  
(Fils/KWh) 
(Fils/KWh) (Fils/KWh) 
(Fils/KWh)  
32 
71 85 
113 
7 Commercial consumers (Fils/KWh) 86 
8 Small industrial consumers with loads not exceeding 200 KW (Fils/KWh) 49 
9 Medium industrial consumers supplied by medium voltage networks (33, 11, 6.6 KV) or     
    supplied by low-voltage networks with loads exceeding 200 KW  Peak load 
 Daytime supply 
 Night time supply  
 
(JD/KW/month) 
(Fils/KWh) 
(Fils/KWh)  
 
3.79 
46 
36 
10  Agriculture: flat rate 
 Peak load 
 Daytime supply  Night time supply (Fils/KWh) 
(JD/KW/month) 
(Fils/KWh) (Fils/KWh) 47
a 
3.79 
46 36 
11 Water pumping (Fils/KWh) 41 
12  Street lighting (Fils/KWh) 51 
13  Hotels:  flat rate 
 Peak load 
 Daytime supply 
 Night time supply (Fils/KWh) 
(JD/KW/month) 
(Fils/KWh) 
(Fils/KWh) 86b 
3.79 
81 
70 
14   Armed forces (Fils/KWh) 81 
15  Ports sector (Fils/KWh) 58 
a Agricultural subscribers are entitled to opt for the trilateral tariff or continue to use the flat rate. 
b Four-star and five-star hotels may opt for the trila teral tariff or continue to use the flat rate. 
Source: Electricity Regulatory Commission of Jo rdan, Electricity Tariff, 14 March 2008 . 
43. The Government has established separate tr ansmission, generation, and distribution 
companies.  The National Electric Power Company (NEPCO), a state-owned monopoly, is 
responsible for the transmission system inside Jord an and linking the network with its neighbours.  
                                                      
43 Article 6 of the General Electricity Law of 2002. WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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Jordan is a net-importer of electricity from the Egyptian and Syrian networks (472 GWh and 
42.2 GWh, respectively, in 2006).  According to the authorities, the applied MF N tariff on electricity 
is zero. 
44. Jordan has two power generating companies:  Samra Electric Power Generating Company, 
which is state-owned;  and the Central Elect ricity Generating Company (CEGCO), which was 
partially privatized in 2007 (Table III.17).  Electrici ty generation, largely us ing natural gas as basic 
fuel, reached 11,120 GWh in 2006 (up 15.2% compared with 2005).44   
45. Jordan has three electricity distribution comp anies with monopoly status over their concession 
areas:  Jordan Electric Power Company (JEPCO), Irb id District Electricity Company (IDECO), and 
Electricity Distribution Company (EDCO).  IDECO has been partially privatized, while EDCO was 
fully privatized in 2007.  
46. Jordan's electricity consumption was 9,579 GW h in 2006.  Under the Energy Master Plan, 
some US$4.8-5.8 billion of investment is required in the electricity subsector to satisfy demand by 2020.
45  The Government is also seeking to attr act independent power producers to generate 
electricity on a build-own-operate (BOO) basis.  
47. Jordan is a member of the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) launched by the 
United States in 2006.46  Under the Energy Master Plan, nuclear energy is expected to contribute 6% 
to Jordan's energy mix by 2020. 
(iv) Water 
48. Jordan is one of the most water-deficient  countries in the world on a per capita basis.47  Its 
total water consumption was estimated at 926 million cubic metres in 2006,  with an estimated water 
deficit of 613 million cubic metres.  Jordan has received several waves of refugees and displaced 
persons in recent years, resulting in added pressur es on resources and public services.  The imbalance 
between population and water resources is reflected,  for example, in the rationing of municipal 
water.48 
49. Three public agencies are responsible  for the management of Jordan's water.  The Ministry of 
Water and Irrigation is responsible  for water resources policy and st rategy development.  The Water 
Authority of Jordan is in charge of water and sew age systems, and water resources management.  The 
primary responsibilities of Jordan Valley Authority are socio-economic development and distribution 
of irrigation water in the Jordan Valley.49  It also manages Jordan's dams and reservoirs. 
50. Irrigated agriculture is by far the main user of  Jordan's water resources.  In 2000, it accounted 
for 65% of water use, including treated waste wate r;  municipal use accounted for 29% and industrial 
use 4%.50  Under the current water management policy, priority of allocation is given to municipal 
and industrial uses, to educationa l institutions, and to tourism, because these activities are deemed to 
                                                      
44 Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (2007), p. 33-34. 
45 Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (2008). 
46 GNEP online information.  View ed at: http://www.gnep.energy.gov/. 
47 See World Bank (2007b) , Table 3.5-Freshwater . 
48 Ministry of Water and Irrigation (undated), p. 7.  
49 Ministry of Water and Irrigation online information. Viewed at: http://www.mwi.gov.jo/mwi/home 
page.aspx. 
50 Ministry of Water and Irrigation (2002), p. 6. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
 Page 71 
 
 
have higher social and economic returns.51  Agriculture is the residual claimant of irrigation water.  
The Government decided to gradually reduce the qu antity of water available for irrigation beginning 
in 2005;  in addition, irrigation water will increasingly come from treated waste water.52  One of the 
projects in water resources management in the Jord an Valley is aimed at involving farmers in the 
distribution of irrigation water, and the rehabilitati on and maintenance of the irrigation networks.   
51. For decades, Jordan has subs idized water consumption in households, industry, and 
agriculture through tariffs that were not even close to covering the costs of water services.53  A high 
proportion of water was unaccounted for in the area of the Jordan Valley Authority.54  Although 
tariffs for irrigation water were in creased gradually prior to accession, agriculture continues to benefit 
from water subsidies.  The Ministry of Water a nd Irrigation is committed to setting municipal water 
and waste water tariffs at a level that, at a minimu m, cover the costs of operation and maintenance.  
Recovery of capital costs is also envisaged.  Tourism and industry are expected to pay prices 
corresponding to full cost recovery.55   
52. A large number of water projects are under way, some of them with private sector 
participation.  One regional project (Red Sea-Dead  Sea Canal project) involves the construction of a 
canal that would link Aqaba with the Dead Sea at 420 metres below sea level, and provide around 
851 million cubic metres annually of (desalinated) fresh water.  According to the authorities, two thirds of the water will be delivered to Jordan, and one-third will be supp lied to Israel and the 
Palestinian Authority. Moreover, the Disi-Amman Wa ter Conveyor project (325 km long) is expected 
to provide the greater Amman area with 80-120 milli on cubic metres of fresh water annually by 2022. 
(4) M
ANUFACTURING  
(i) Policy framework 
53. Jordan's manufacturing sector comprises around 23,000 companies, most of them small or 
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and em ploys approximately 200,000 people.  
54. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is responsible  for the formulation of industrial policy.   
According to the authorities, the Government's industrial policy objectives include:  enhancing the 
competitiveness of industrial products in the dom estic market and internationally through, inter alia , 
promotion of research and development;  creating an enabling environment to attract investments, 
including through assistance and incentives, and encour aging industrial mergers and joint ventures 
with international partners; devel oping public-private sector partnerships to increase the role of the 
private sector in economic activities;  and  energy conservation. 
55. According to the authorities, targeted industr ies and products include pharmaceuticals, olive 
oil, textiles and clothing, Dead Sea products, and high added-value industries, such as the IT industry.  
The growth targets for the manufacturing sector base d on five-year plans are:  7-9% output growth 
annually during 2009-11;10% export growth by volume; 8% employment growth;  and 8% growth  in 
industrial investment.  
                                                      
51 Ministry of Water and Irrigation (undated), p. 5. 
52 Ministry of Agriculture (2004), p. 12. 
53 WTO document WT/ACC/JOR/14, 1 July 1998, p. 16. 
54 Ministry of Water and Irrigation (2002), p. 11. 
55 Ministry of Water and Irrigation (2002), p. 19. WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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56. The Jordan Upgrading and Modernization Prog ram (JUMP) was launched to offer technical 
and financial assistance to Jordanian industr ial SMEs to enhance their competitiveness.56  JUMP is 
managed by a steering committee headed by the Mini ster of Industry and Trade.  The programme 
provides financial grants to enterprises, with speci fied subsidy ceilings that depend on the company's 
size and sales, for such services as needs assessment studies, business plans, and upgrading plans.  
The aim is to improve the technological capacity of  companies and managerial skills in terms of 
product marketing and pricing.  The programme also has import substitution objectives:  one 
component is the National Linkage Program, under which assistance is offered to establish new business and supplier links between industrial firm s that rely on imported production inputs, on the 
one hand, and local SMEs that are in a position to meet those input needs, on the other.  Support of 
companies’ participation in international exhi bitions is provided through Jordan Enterprise 
Development Corporation (Chapter III(3)(iv)). 
57. The simple average applied MFN tariff rate in the manufacturing sector (ISIC, Revision 2 
definition) is 10.6% 2008, with a range of 0-180%.  The applied MFN tariff for most product categories is within a range of 0-30%;  tariffs of up to 180% are applied on certain alcohol and 
alcoholic beverages (Table AIV.2).  
(ii) Selected industries 
(a) Petroleum refinery industry 
58. The petroleum refinery subsector is Jordan's larg est industry in terms of output (Table IV.6).  
It is undergoing major restructuring and deregula tion with the termination of the monopoly of the 
Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company Ltd. (JPRC).  In 1958, JPRC was granted a concession with the 
exclusive right to import, store, and distribute hydr ocarbons and to invest in facilities for refining and 
processing hydrocarbon products.  The company has b een notified to the WTO as a state-trading 
enterprise.  The refinery is exempt from fees  and customs duties on goods imported in connection 
with its operations; it is not involved in any export activities.
57   
59. In 2006, Jordan imported 4.3 million tonnes of  crude oil and 757,000 tonnes of petroleum 
products, mainly diesel and liquified petroleum gas (LPG).  Imported crude oil is transported from 
Aqaba to the JPRC, in Zarqa north of Amman, by  local companies, as well as the United Company for 
Regulating Land Transport.  The cost of land tran sport of crude oil and petroleum products to the 
refinery's site is high, at nearly JD 1.755 billion in 2006.58  JPRC has its own fleet of tankers and 
trailers for transporting imported LPG  to the refinery site, and for supplying its customers with refined 
products (service stations, civil airports, some govern mental bodies, and major industrial, agricultural, 
and construction industries).59  
60. JPRC's statutory monopoly over the value-added ch ain for fuel and other petroleum products   
ended on 2 March 2008 but the Government has signed a service agreement with the refinery until the 
end of 2008.  The Government plans to restructur e the company by separating its core activities of 
importing, refining, storage, transport, and distri bution.  Three new marketing companies are to be 
established to import refined products or purch ase refined products from JPRC, and distribute the 
products to retailers and industrial customers.  Th ese new companies may also establish as retailers.  
A new logistics company will provide storage and logis tics infrastructure but will not engage in trade.  
                                                      
56 JUMP online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.jump.jo/about_us.shtm. 
57 Law No. 19 of 1958, see WTO document G/STR/N/9/JOR, 28 July 2003. 
58 Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (2007). 
59 Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company online inform ation.  Viewed at: http://www.jopetrol.com.jo/ 
index.php. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
 Page 73 
 
 
JPRC will continue to operate in refining on a co mmercial basis, and one of the new marketing 
companies will be a subsidiary of the refinery.  
Table IV.6 
Major manufacturing industries, 2000-06 
(JD '000) 
Sector 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 
Refined petroleum products        
 Value of production 471,263 547,528 595,248 597,981 903,202 1,223,382 1,629,857 
 Value added 63,513 63,6723 67,435 67,348 76,590 79,090 84,415 
Food and beverages        
 Value of production 545,448 540,361 618,567 674,546 819,623 885,808 991,313 
 Value added 151.637 156,904 170,088 172,272 229,180 251,238 274,591 
Textiles and clothing        
 Value of production 111,243 141,333 179,228 224,413 332,500 366,660 393,644 
 Value added 60,102 73,864 95,835 125,575 186,904 192,634 203,364 
Cement, lime and plaster        
 Value of production 121,531 142,747 156,572 174,726 208,065 253,218 302,549 
 Value added 77,450 89,670 98,380 108,826 131,081 158,523 191,171 
Tobacco products        
 Value of production 184,362 200,939 211,744 216,156 241,520 244,082 282,412 
 Value added 130,344 130,047 131,616 133,242 151,627 155,420 180,863 
Pharmaceuticals        
 Value of production 139,941 151,605 165,032 168,002 203,894 257,008 268,529 
 Value added 59,508 67,484 71,262 75,668 92,309 112,940 119,162 
Iron and steel        
 Value of production 93,628 110,006 106,023 145,037 230,466 292,601 257,699 
 Value added 36,810 38,691 35,745 51,680 81,119 97,120 84,359 
Fertilizer        
 Value of production 222,670 197,555 224,951 229,013 176,999 187,115 202,449 
 Value added 14,787 19,565 15,250 16,414 31,580 34,244 36,281 
Basic chemicals        
 Value of production 96,194 82,465 92,146 97,057 104,146 112,619 110,166 
 Value added 45,881 42,537 49,681 52,232 55,120 59,449 58,340 
Source: Information provided by the Jordanian authorities. 
61. Fuel subsidies have been a heavy and growing burden on the budget, increasing from 
JD 52.9 million in 2002 to JD 531 million in 2005.  Fu el subsidies were larger than the budget deficit 
in 2005 and amounted to 5.9% of GDP (at current prices).  The Government's corrective actions to 
reduce the subsidy have been implemented in sev eral phases.  In April 2006, price increases ranged 
from 11.7% for regular gasolin e to 43.2% for kerosene.60  As a result, the fuel subsidy was cut to JD 
214 million by the end 2006.  On 8 February 2008, a ll remaining fuel subsidies were lifted, with the 
exception of gas cylinders, which remain partially subs idized (Table IV.7).  Prices for regular gasoline 
increased overnight by 33% on average:  for gas cyli nders by 53%;  for kerosene and diesel by 76%; 
and for heavy oil used by electricity power stations by 111%.61  The Government has since introduced 
a monthly price adjustment mechanism based on inte rnational parity prices.  Prices of refined 
petroleum products will remain regulated for a transition period until competition among the new 
marketing companies matures (Table III.15).62    
                                                      
60 Central Bank of Jordan (2007)  p. 57. 
61 To cushion the social imp act, the Government introduced cash assistance to more than 
440,000 citizens. See also Jordan Times , "Fuel subsidies lifted", 8-9 February 2008. Viewed at:  
http://www.jordantimes.com/index.php?news=5552. 
62 Jordan's Energy Master Plan. Viewed at: http://www.memr.gov.jo/Jordan%20Mater%20Plan%20 
Article%20shortened%20i ssue%20draft%202.pdf. WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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Table IV.7 
Fuel prices, 2002-08 
Item Unit price 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2008  
(8 February) 
Liquefied gas Fils/cylinder 
Weight 12.5 Kg 2,500 3,000 3,250 3,750 4,250 6,500 
Regular gasoline Fils/litre 275 300 330 385 430 575 
Super gasoline Fils/litre 370 400 435 505 605 660 
Unleaded gasoline Fils/litre 425 450 470 545 640  660 
Aviation turbine 
fuel (Avtur) 
Royal Jordanian 
Foreign 
companies  
 
Fils/litre Fils/litre  
 
135 143  
 
150 180  
 
170 240  
 
345 365  
 
355 360  
 
.. .. 
Kerosene Fils/litre 120 130 135 220 315 555 
Diesel Foreign ships Local ships Fils/litre 
Fils/litre Fils/litre 120 
200 120 130 
200 130 135 
200 135 220 
360 360 315 
435 435 555 
.. .. 
Fuel oil 
Industries 
Electricity Local ships Foreign ships  
Dinars/tonne Dinars/tonne Dinars/tonne Dinars/tonne  
77 70 
75.5 
115  
82 77 85 
115  
88 75 91 
115  
180 100 180 180  
225 165 225 225  
.. 
348 
.. .. 
Asphalt 
Liquid 
Filled into barrels  
Dinars/tonne Dinars/tonne  
64.5 
85  
64.5 
85  
80 85  
173 
193.5  
214.5 
240  
.. .. 
White spirits Fils/litre 154 154 154 385 385 .. 
.. Not available. 
Fils: 1 Jordanian dinar = 1,000 fils 
Source: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Annual Report 2006,  Amman. 
(b) Textiles and clothing industry 
62. The textiles and clothing industry has develope d into Jordan's second-most important, after 
food and beverages, in terms of va lue-added and contribution to GDP (Table IV.6).  To a large extent, 
this performance is due to the QIZ initiative, which has allowed designated industrial zones in Jordan 
to export duty-free and quota-free to the United States (Chapter III(3)(v)(c)).  When quota restrictions 
under the now-defunct Multifibre Arrangement (MFA) were hampering exports to the United States, 
foreign garment factories relocated and invested in  Jordan (including from China, Chinese Taipei, 
India, South Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka , and Turkey).  There are currently 55 companies 
operating in the textiles and clothing subsector. 
63. With the QIZ trade preferences, Jordan became a processing base for exports of textiles and 
clothing to the United States.  The industry has beco me Jordan's largest export sector (Table IV.8 and 
Table AI.1).  Over 90% of garment exports were destined for the United States in 2007.63  To a great 
extent, Jordanian textile factories have relied on imported textile fabrics, notably from China, and 
foreign labour (about 30,000 according to some estimates ).  There is also some analysis showing that 
the QIZs have had positive employment e ffects for Jordanians, especially women.64 
64. With the dismantling of the MFA quotas in 2005, the main attraction of exporting textiles 
from Jordanian QIZs has disappeared.  Moreover, the tariff advantage of the QIZ initiative is 
gradually being eroded by the implementation of tariff concessions under the FTA between Jordan 
                                                      
63 Central Bank of Jordan (2008), p. 64. 
64 Kardoosh (2006)), p. 22, and 35-36. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
 Page 75 
 
 
and the United States.  For certain goods, such as te xtiles and clothing, import tariffs in the United 
States under the FTA will be fully eliminated by 2010. 
65. The relative attractiveness of exporting under the QIZ initiative or the FTA is also a function 
of the rules of origin of each trade arrangeme nt.  According to the authorities, because of 
administrative procedures, a number of enterprises qualifying for QIZ status have already shifted to 
exports under the FTA.   
66. The applied MFN tariffs for textiles average 7.5% (in 2008), within a range of 0-25%;  the 
average for clothing is 22.7%, within a range of 0-30% (Table AIV.2). 
Table IV.8 
Domestic exports and imports of textiles and clothing, 2000-06 
(JD million) 
 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 
Total exports 96.0  225.1  374.9  492.9  725.0  761.1  896.3  
Textiles 20.1  21.2  17.1  13.7  15.8  16.5  16.3  
Clothing 75.9  203.9  357.8  479.2  709.1  744.5  880.0  
Total imports 165.0  262.3  336.2  404.3  547.4  599.7  689.4  
Textiles 121.7  216.0  270.1  334.0  458.2  483.3  514.5  
Clothing 43.3  46.4  66.1  70.3  89.1  116.5  174.9  
Note: US$ values were converted at JD 1 = US$1.41. 
Source:  UNSD, Comtrade database. 
(c) Pharmaceutical industry 
67. Pharmaceuticals have come to play a vital role  in the Jordanian economy (Table IV.6).  They 
are the second largest earner of foreign currency,  after textiles and clothing.  The pharmaceutical 
industry employed more than 5,500 workers in 200 7, with the highest average monthly wages and 
salaries in the economy.   
68. Jordan's health system is well-developed w ith health expenditures as a share of GDP  
estimated at 9.8% in 2004.65  The Ministry of Health is the main  provider of subsidized health care to 
all citizens, although there is a growing market fo r private health care (section (5)(v)(a)).  Some 70% 
of the population are covered by medical insurance.66  There are 300 registered wholesale importers of 
drugs, and over 1,600 pharmacies in Jordan.67   
69. The 18 pharmaceutical companies currently oper ating in Jordan are specialized in the 
production of generics, mostly for export.  Hikma Ph armaceuticals of Jordan is one of the leading 
generic pharmaceutical companies in the Middle East, with sales in the United States and Europe.  An 
Institute of Biotechnology has been established to nurture biotechnology area, as an estimated 
US$10 billion of revenues from biotechnology products  are due to lose patent protection in the 
coming five years.68  According to the authoriti es, Jordan's intellectual property legislation contains 
TRIPS-plus provisions, which were adopted to fu rther enhance intellectual property protection and 
respect Jordan’s international commitments. 
                                                      
65 By comparison, the share in Swit zerland was 11.5%, acco rding to the World Health Organization.  
Viewed at: http://www.who.int/countries/jor/en/index.html .  The expenditure was JD 132 per capita in 2005 
according to the Jordan Investment Board. 
66 Information provided by Jordan Investment Board. 
67 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (2007), p. 84. 
68 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (2007), , p. 69-72. WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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70. Domestic prices of pharmaceuticals are controlled by the Government. Prices of local 
products are set at a maximum of 20% below "originator" products.  As a result of the fixed prices, competition is based on brand recognition for ge neric drugs and sales promotion activities with 
doctors and pharmacists.
69 
71. The pharmaceutical industry has been one of the main beneficiaries of export subsidies 
through income tax relief.  These subsidies are due to be phased-out by 2015 at the latest 
(Chapter III(3)(iv)).70   
72. The export strategy of most Jordanian generics pr oducers is to be the first with their versions 
of the pharmaceuticals as soon as a patent expires.  The "regulatory exception" or "Bolar" exception 
offered by some countries allows manufacturers of generic drugs to use the patented invention to 
obtain marketing approval without the patent owner’s permission a nd before the patent protection 
expires.71  The Jordanian patent law contains the Bolar exception (Chapter III(4)(iv)). 
73. According to some industry studies, the Jordan ian pharmaceutical industry has benefited from 
strengthened IPR legislation.72  Jordanian companies have entere d into licensing relationships with 
companies from Italy, Japan, Korea, Switzerland,  the United Kingdom, and the United States.  Two 
new clinical research organizations have been estab lished in Jordan since 2001, in addition to the 
three that were already in existence.73 
Table IV.9 
Trade in pharmaceutical products, 2000-06 
(JD) 
 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 
Imports (c.i.f.) 87,822,405 96,550,976 107,402,807 137,045,596 152,354,658 172,324,082 191,392,431 
Domestic exports (f.o.b.) 110,135,789 129,703,739 142,786,464 130,848,488 158,136,495 197,834,276 210,183,680 
Total exports  116,726,685 136,784,113 153,999,526 149,519,973 173,523,931 212,311,090 222,053,449 
Source: Information provided by the Jordanian authorities. 
74. The average MFN import tariff on pharmaceuticals pr oducts is 0.3% within  a range of 0-6.5% 
in 2008 (Table AIII.1). 
(d) Fertilizer industry 
75. Fertilizer production is one of Jordan's largest industries (Table IV.6).  Several types of 
fertilizer are produced, primarily Di-Ammonium phos phate (DAP), compound fertilizers (NPK), and 
potassium sulphate.  The traditional markets for DAP fertilizers are in Asia (India, Japan, Pakistan, 
and Iran) and the Gulf region.  Japan is the main market for compound fertilizers.74 
76. The Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPM C) operates three phosphate mines and a 
manufacturing complex for fertilizers and chemicals at Aqaba. 75  The company is one of the largest 
                                                      
69 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (2007), p. 86. 
70 Law No. 57 of 1985, as amended, Partial or Total Exemption from income Tax for Profits on Certain 
Exports (WTO document G/SCM/N/155/JOR, 17 July 2007).   
71 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (2007), p. 86. 
72 Holden (2006). 
73 US House of Representatives (2005). 
74 Natural Resources Authority (2007b). 
75 JPMC produces phosphoric acid, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), sulphuric acid, and aluminum 
fluoride. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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industrial employers.  JPMC and the APC also produce fertilizers through joint-ventures, including 
the Nippon Jordan Fertilizer Company Ltd.:  about 300,000 tonnes of NPK fertilizers are thus exported annually to Japan.  Despite the trend towa rds vertical integration in the Jordanian mineral 
extraction industry, a relatively high share of potash and phosphate producti on is exported without 
further processing (Table IV.10). 
77. The average applied MFN tariffs on fertili zers is 7.9%, within a range of 0-30% 
(Table AIII.1). 
Table IV.10 
Fertilizer production and exports, 2006 
 Production  
(million tonnes) Export volume 
(million tonnes) Export revenues 
(JD million) Export unit value 
(JD/tonne) 
Fertilizers 0. 882 0.875 163.2 186 
Phosphate 5.805 3.260 112.6 34 
Potash 1.699 1.513 198.5 131 
Source:  Natural Resources Authority of Jordan (2007), Mining Sector Performance During 2006,  Amman. 
(5) S ERVICES  
(i) Financial services 
78. Jordan made substantial GATS commitments in  the core financial services of commercial 
banking, investment banking, and insurance services.   Full foreign ownership is permitted for banks 
or insurance companies incorporat ed in Jordan.  There are no r estrictions on foreign banks and 
insurance companies establishing branches or subsid iaries.  None of the ba nking or other financial 
services was excluded from the commitments (Table AIV.3).76  
79. The financial sector reform in Jordan started in the late 1980s.  As one of the first steps, the 
Central Bank liberalized interest rates in 1990.  A new Investment Law passed in 1995 offered non-
discriminatory treatment to foreign investors.77  In 1997, a new Securities Law improved the structure 
of the stock market.  In 2000, a new Banking Law gave the Central Bank the authority to license banks.
78  In 2001, the Electronic Transactions Law was enacted to regulate new banking practices, 
such as e-commerce and e-banking.  In the same year, a new Public Debt Law was passed;  it 
prohibits direct borrowing by the Government from the banking system.  In 2002, the Central Bank 
discontinued its subsidized export credit facility  (Chapter III(3)(iv)).  In 2007, the Anti-Money 
Laundering Law was passed.79  The financial sector reforms place Jordan amongst the highest 
financial development scores in the Middle East -North Africa (MENA) region, according to the 
IMF.80  The Government has recognized, however, th at the legal framework governing e-commerce 
remains incomplete: legislation is needed on electronic signatures and electronic stamps, and certification authorities need to be established.
81 
                                                      
76 See services identified in the Services Sectoral Classification List in WTO document S/L/92, 
28 March 2001. 
77 Investment Promotion Law No. 16 of 1995 (Chapter III(4)(i)).  See also WTO document 
WT/ACC/JOR/33, 3 December 1999, paragraph 21. 
78 Banking Law No. 28 of 2000, as amended in 2003, 2004 and 2006. 
79 Anti Money Laundering Law No. 46 of 2007. 
80 Creane, Goyal, Mobarak and Sab (2003). The index used in the IMF study for measuring financial 
development captures monetary policy, banking sector  development, regulation and supervision, non-bank 
financial sector development, financial openness, and institutional quality, such as the strength of creditor rights. 
81 Ministry of Information and Communications Technology of Jordan (2006). WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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80. The financial subsector includes three specializ ed and state-owned credit institutions:  the 
Agricultural Credit Corporation, the Housing and Ur ban Development Corporation, and the Cities and 
Villages Development Bank.  
81. The non-banking financial subsector comprises several institutions.  The Jordan Deposits 
Insurance Corporation (JODIC) is a public entity estab lished to protect customer deposits in Jordanian 
dinar (up to JD 10,000) in all Jordanian banks and branches of  foreign banks operating in the 
Kingdom.82  The Jordan Mortgage Refinance Compan y was established in 1994 to develop the 
housing finance market.  It is financed through medium-term bonds issued to help stimulate the 
corporate bond market.  Total loans outstanding amounted to JD 287.6 million at the end of 2007.83  
The Jordan Loan Guarantee Cor poration pursues developmental objectives by providing guarantees to 
small and medium-sized enterprises.  The Social Security Corporation manages the public pension 
fund.  In addition, there are 118 licensed money cha ngers with 42 branches, which play an important 
role for expatriate and foreign workers.  
(a) Banking 82. There are currently 25 licensed banks operating in Jordan, of which 15 are local commercial 
banks, 2 Islamic Banks and 8 branches of forei gn banks.  Total assets of licensed banks stood at 
JD 26.8 billion at the end of 2007, up from JD 12. 9 billion at the end of 2000.  Branches of foreign 
banks held JD 6.5 billion of assets, i.e. 24% of the total.
84  There are no limitations on foreign 
ownership of banks and financial services compani es (Table II.3).  There is a wide network of 
branches;  the density was 10,200 citizens per branch in 2007.85  The number of branches of Jordanian 
banks operating abroad reached 129 at the end of 2007. 
83. The banks are privately owned and, according to  the IMF, well-developed, profitable, and 
efficient.86  According to the authorities, the largest th ree banks control 46% of total assets.  The 
arrival of several new entrants in the market h as increased competition in services and contributed to 
bringing down interest rate differen tials between lending and deposit rates.87   
84. The Banking Law gives the Central Bank the authority to license banks.  The Central Bank of 
Jordan, as the supervisory and regulat ory authority of the banking sub sector, enjoys the status of an 
independent institution.88  Its prudential regulations and banking  supervision have been strengthened 
considerably in recent years.89  In 2006, the Central Bank issued a regulation to combat money 
laundering and the financing of te rrorism, and to maintain the integrity of the Jordanian banking 
subsector.90  New instructions required banks to classi fy credit facilities according to the degree of 
                                                      
82 With the exception of branches of Jordanian banks operating outside Jordan, and Islamic banks 
licensed to operate in Jordan, unless any of the latter decides to ensure customer deposits through JODIC.     
83 Central Bank of Jordan (2008), Annual Report 2007 , page 45. 
84 Central Bank of Jordan (2008), Annual Report 2007, page 37. 
85 Central Bank of Jordan (2008), Annual Report 2007, page 35.   
86 Creane et al. (2003). 
87 The differential between interest rates on cred it ("loans and advances") and deposit ("time deposits") 
decreased from 6.17% at end 2003 to 3.3% at end 2007 (weighted averages of licensed banks).  See Central 
Bank of Jordan (2008), p. 33. 
88 Articles 3 and 4 of the Central Bank of Jordan Law of 1971 . 
89 Creane et al (2003).   
90 Instructions of Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Circular No. 29 of 2006. Viewed 
at: http://www.cbj.gov.jo/pages.php?menu_id=198&lo cal_type=0&local_id=0&local_details=0&local_details1 
=0&localsite_branchname=CBJ. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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risk, and to hedge against credit risks through reserve  and other provisions.  Banks are also required to 
make contingency plans in case of emergencies.91 
85. According to the Banking Law, banks must be  public shareholding companies, with the 
exception of branches of foreign banks, subsidiaries,  and offshore companies.  Branches of foreign 
banks must obtain prior approval from the Central Bank of the home country, before applying for a 
licence in Jordan.  In making a decision concerning licence applications, the Central Bank of Jordan 
takes into account whether reciprocal treatm ent is afforded by the bank's home country.92  The Central 
Bank charges a licence application fee, a fee for the licence itself, and annual fees for the bank and 
each of its branches and offices. 
86. Licensing requirements include the bank's mi nimum authorized capital and the amount 
earmarked for subscription, as well as the full pa yment of the subscribed capital.  The minimum 
capital requirement for licensed banks is currently JD 40 million.  The minimum localized capital of 
branches of foreign banks is JD 20 million.93   
87. Banks must obtain approval from the Central Ba nk to employ non-Jordanians.  Subject to the 
Labour Law, the Central Bank is authorized to de termine the number of non-Jordanian employees and 
their ratio to the total number of employees.  Fore ign banks must appoint a resident regional manager 
before starting operations.    
88. Licensed banks may engage in the following fi nancial activities, without being required to 
specialize: accepting deposits; granting credit, including financing commercial transactions;  
providing payment and collection services; issuing and administering instruments of payment, 
including bank acceptances, debit and credit cards, a nd travellers' checks;  dealing in selling and 
purchasing of money and capital market instruments to its own account or for customers' accounts; 
purchasing and selling debt;  financing through leasing;   dealing in foreign exchange at forward and 
spot markets;  management of security issues and un derwriting, distribution of and dealing in security 
issues; providing management and consultative services for investment portfolios and investment trustee services, including the management and in vestment of funds for others; management and 
safekeeping of securities and precious items; providing  financial agent or advisory services; any other 
related banking activities approved by the Central Bank (Ar ticle 37).  The establishment of 
subsidiaries engaging in non-banking financial services is subject to approval by the Central Bank.  
One of the recent market entrants, Bank Audi of Lebanon, was the first bank to obtain a licence for 
combined banking and insurance services.
94 
89. Jordan is considered ' over-banked' for its size.95  While there are no numerical limitations on 
the establishment of banks or branches of foreign banks, the Central Bank takes into account the 
impact of potential entrants on the overall soundness of the sector.96  The Central Bank has taken steps 
in the area of bank licensing to deepen competition between banks and to encourage smaller banks to 
consolidate their operations.97  According to Article 81 of the Central Bank Law, the Central Bank 
may grant incentives to encourage mergers, in cluding the provision of soft loans.   
                                                      
91 Central Bank of Jordan (2007), p. 34. 
92 Central Bank of Jordan (2006), p. 22-24. 
93 JD 10 million for branches of foreign banks that were opened before Minimum Capital Requirements 
Regulation No. 17 of 2003. 
94 Economist Intelligence Unit (2007), p. 39. 
95 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (2007) , p. 108. 
96 Central Bank of Jordan (2006), p. 5. 
97 Central Bank of Jordan (2007), p. 34. WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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90. One of the weaknesses of the banking subsector  identified by the IMF in 2003 was that the 
lending activity by licensed banks was mostly short- term.  For example, there was an insufficient 
supply of long-term fixed mortgages that would ma ke housing more affordable.  According to the 
authorities, mortgage loans increased from JD 394 million in 2003 to JD 886.1 million in 2007.  
Credit extended by licensed banks is concentrated in the "others" category (representing to a large 
extent credit extended to individuals), the trade sect or (short-term trading credit), and in construction 
and industry (Table IV.11).  
Table IV.11 
Sectoral distribution of license d banks'credit facilities, 2002-07  
(JD million) 
Economic activity 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 
Agriculture 102.9 98.8 113.6 110.9 140.9 156.2 
Mining 95.3 78.0 77.7 56.5 42.8 65.7 
Industry 789.8 801.4 895.3 981.6 1,093.1 1,348.1 
General trade 1,250.9 1,327.3 1,472.9 1,585.0 1,916.6 2,434.7 
Construction 764.9 804.5 953.2 1,162.1 1,560.8 1,942.1 
Transportation services 163.6 166.6 174.1 219.6 291.0 352.3 
Tourism, hotels and restaurants 173.5 172.8 154.9 181.2 195.1 255.8 
Public services and utilitie s 349.7 349.0 494.3 554.1 637.3 733.7 
Financial services 139.7 133.1 97.2 176.1 242.1 390.1 
Other, of which: 
Buying shares 1,299.7 
43.8 1,330.9 
22.5 1,756.0 
83.9 2,717.2 
220.1 3,642.2 
359.0 3,616.9 
427.8 
Total 5,130.0 5,262.4 6,189.2 7,744.3 9,761.9 11,295.6 
Source:  Central Bank of Jordan, Annual Report  2006 and 2007. 
(b) Insurance 
91. Jordan's GATS commitments on in surance services cover all major activities (Table AIV.3).  
For the cross-border provision of life and non-li fe insurance services, commercial presence is 
required, while consumption abroad is unbound.  Fo r reinsurance services, no limitations on market 
access and national treatment are in place for modes 1 and 2, access under mode 3 is restricted to 
public shareholding companies constituted in Jo rdan, and to branches of foreign reinsurance 
companies.  Certain auxiliary services have also b een scheduled.  For agency services, modes 1 and 2 
are unbound, while the supply through commercial presence is only allowed to Jordanian natural 
persons, Jordanian general partners hips with majority Jordanians ownership, and limited liability 
companies with Jordanian majority in boards of di rectors.  There are no limitations on market access 
and national treatment with respect to modes 1,  2 and 3 for insurance consultancy services and 
actuarial services.  Foreign equity limitations for insurance services under mode 3 have been phased 
out. 
92. The insurance market is regulated by the In surance Commission (IC), which was established 
by virtue of the Insurance Regulatory Act of 1999 as an autonomous and operationally independent 
regulatory agency.  It is financed through annual  levies on insurance companies (0.75% of gross 
premiums);  various fees for application, licensing, and registration;  and fines.  It has the right to issue regulations on prudential and solvency nor ms, as well as corporate governance and internal 
controls.   
93. In Jordan's applied insurance regime, in  addition to public shareholding companies 
incorporated in Jordan and branches of forei gn insurance companies, licensed subsidiaries and 
offshore companies are permitted to engage in insura nce business.  Limitations on foreign equity have 
been removed. Prior IC approval is required for th e registration of a new insurance company.  The 
licensing procedures are similar for domestic and fore ign insurance companies.  Branches of foreign 
companies must, however, fulfil additional requirements to obtain IC prior approval, including Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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approval from the competent regulatory agency in the company's home country.98  Insurance 
companies have the right to open branches in Jord an and abroad.  Minimum capital requirements are 
JD 25 million for life insurance and JD 25 mill ion for general (non-life) insurance business.  
Companies licensed before 1999 have been "grand fathered" and may offe r both general and life 
insurance, but must keep separate accounts.  Ot her companies may not offer both general insurance 
and life insurance. 
94. According to the Insurance Regulatory Act, it is  not permissible to insure liabilities, movable 
or immovable property in Jordan with an insurance company outside Jordan.99  Nor are companies 
and organizations operating in Jo rdan permitted to purchase life and medical insurance for their 
employees with a company outside Jordan.  Individu als, on the other hand, are entitled to conclude 
life and medical insurance abroad.  Reinsurance ma y be purchased abroad. Insurance companies are 
required to submit the technical basis for insurance policies and premium rates to the IC for approval.  
Premium rates for motor insurance, which is co mpulsory in Jordan, are determined by the 
Government.100  
95. Employees of insurance companies must be Jo rdanian nationals, unl ess qualified personnel is 
not available in Jordan.  The requirement under Jo rdan's GATS commitments that, insurance agents, 
or the director of an agent company must be Jord anian nationals, has been removed.  The restriction 
that insurance brokerage services must be provide d by Jordanian nationals has also been lifted.   
96. At end 2007, Jordan's insurance subsector comp rised 29 companies:  1 for life insurance, 10 
for general insurance, and 18 for both life and general insurance.  In addition, there were 
426 insurance agents, 56 insurance brokers, 4 rein surance brokers, 37 loss adjusters, 13 actuaries, 
11 companies administrating expenses and medical insu rance services, and 11 insurance consultants.   
All insurance companies were privately owned, and there was one branch of a foreign life insurance 
company.  The gross written premiums of this foreign branch were JD 17.4 million, representing 6% of the total gross written premiums  of life assurance in 2007.  The largest three insurance companies 
in Jordan accounted for 25% of total premiu ms and 32.8% of total assets in 2007.    
97. Jordan's insurance subsector has grown strongl y in recent years, with double-digit annual 
growth of gross insurance premiums (Table IV.12) .  Premiums collected were concentrated in the 
motor vehicle subsector.  
Table IV.12 
Insurance premiums collected, 2001-06  
(JD million) 
 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 
Maritime 9.1 10.5 11.9 16.1 17.4 18.6 
Fire 10.6 13.6 22.4 23.7 29.2 35.2 
Motor vehicles 49.2 64.6 77.1 88.0 101.0 121.0 
Accidentsa 10.5 13.9 9.2 10.4 13.0 15.8 
Life 17.4 18.5 19.7 21.5 22.9 25.2 
Medical 23.6 25.8 31.2 31.7 35.8 42.9 
Total 120.4 146.9 171.5 191.4 219.3 258.7 
a Includes insurance on credit, liability, aviation, and other general classes. 
Source: Central Bank of Jordan, Annual Repors, 2006 and 2007.  
                                                      
98 Instructions No. 1 of 2003 for Granting and Rene wing the Licence to Transact Insurance Business 
and the Amendments Thereof. 
99 With the exception of aircraft of Royal Jordanian Airlines and aircraft of Jordanian companies, 
provided that a decision from the Council of Ministers is issued in this regard.    
100 Instructions of Compulsory Motor Insurance Premiums and the Liability of the Insurance Company 
for the Use Thereof of 2002 an d the amendments thereof. WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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(c) Capital-market-related services 
98. According to Jordan's commitments under th e GATS, securities trading may be supplied by 
banks and financial services comp anies constituted in Jordan (public  shareholding companies, limited 
liability companies or limited partnership in shar es companies).  Underwriting of securities and asset 
management services may be provided only by fina ncial services companies constituted in Jordan (as 
for securities trading) and by licensed banks throug h affiliate companies or separate accounts.   
99. The institutional framework of Jo rdan's capital market is compos ed of the Jordan Securities 
Commission (JSC), the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE), and the Securities Depository Center (SDC).   
The regulatory functions of the JSC are separated fro m the securities trade at the ASE, and from the 
functions of SDC, which is responsible for secur ities registry and depository, as well as clearing and 
settlement operations.  
100. The JSC is a public entity reporting to the Prime Minister; it has financial and administrative 
independence.  Institutions under JSC supervisi on include the ASE, SDC, financial services and 
investment companies, mutual funds, issuers of securities, and registered financial professionals 
(natural persons).  Its regulatory functions include  licensing, inspection, and auditing of financial 
services companies and financial professionals; regi stering and regulating mutual funds; accreditation 
of accounting, auditing, and perfo rmance evaluation standards for parties under JSC supervision; 
establishing standards and eligibility criteria for a uditors; regulating the issuing of and trade in 
securities;  and regulating and monitoring disclosure requirements.101  
101. Securities Law No. 76 of  2002 and the Financial Services Licensing and Registration of 2005 
set out the licensing requirements for financial services companies (including brokers, dealers, investment trustees, investment managers, financial advisors, issuance managers etc.) and custodians.  
Financial services companies may obtain a single licence for a combination of services.  Licence 
applicants must be banks, shareholding companie s, or limited liability companies whose main 
objectives are to provide financial services and custodial activities.  Brokerage activities by banks must be practiced through a subsidiary, affiliate or their fully-owned companies.  Minimum capital 
requirements for licence applicants range from JD 10,000 to JD 5 million, depending on the 
activity.
102  Licences are issued annually and are renewable.  Companies may practice financial 
services only through natural persons registered by JSC to practice such services.   
102. The Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) was establis hed in March 1999 as a non-profit, private 
institution with administrative and financial au tonomy;  its membership comprises Jordan's 
70 licensed brokerage firms.  Net foreign investme nt at the ASE in 2007 was positive for the sixth 
consecutive year (Table IV.13).  The corporate bond market remains under-developed, with the value 
of traded bonds amounting to JD 3.8 million in 2007. 
                                                      
101 Jordan Securities Commission (2008). 
102 Article 4 of the Instructions on Financial Services Licensing and Registration for the Year 2005, 
issued by the Jordan Securities Commission .  Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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Table IV.13 
Selected indicators of the Amman Stock Exchange, 2001-07 
(JD million) 
 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 
Number of listed companies  161 158 161 192 201 227 245 
Market capitalization  4,477  5,029  7,773  13,034  26,667  21,078  29,214  
Market capitalization/GDP (%)  76 80 117 185 327 234 289 
Value of traded equities  669  950  1,855  3,793  16, 871  14,210  12,348  
Value of traded bonds  7.2 9.7 11.7 6.0 3.1 1.9 3.8 
Foreign ownership of market capitaliza tion (%)  38.5 37.4 38.8 41.3 45.0 45.5 48.9 
Net foreign investment  -108 1 82 69 413 181 466 
Source:  Amman Stock Exchange online information.  Viewed  at http://www.as e.com.jo/pages.php?menu_id=72&local_ 
 type=0&local_id=0&local_details=0.  
(ii) Telecommunications and postal services 
(a) Telecommunications 103. Jordan made substantial commitments for telecommunications services under the GATS, in 
both basic and value-added services (Table AIV.2).  Its commitments on basic telecommunications services include voice telephony, packet-switched data  transmission (internet), circuit-switched data 
transmission, and private leased circuit services.  Some commitments were to be phased-in after 
accession:  the duopoly for mobile voice and data services was to be terminated by 31 December 
2003, and the exclusive rights of the Jordan Telecommunications Company (JTC) were to be 
withdrawn by 31 December 2004.  There are no re maining limitations regarding market access or 
national treatment in any of the scheduled telecomm unications services, except for mode 4, which is 
subject to a generally applicable horizontal entry.
103  Jordan also undertook to adhere to the 
obligations in the Reference Paper on Telecommunications.104  
104. The legal basis for reform in the telecommunications services is Telecommunications Law 
No. 13 of 1995, as amended.  The law established the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission 
(TRC) as an administratively and financially independent body.105  The Commission acts in 
accordance with established government policy.106  General policy for the telecommunications and 
information technology sector, as well as for postal services, is the responsibility of the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology. 
105. Reforms were initially focused on the liberaliza tion of telecom services, in accordance with 
Jordan's WTO commitments.  The Government cons iders that this has been accomplished.  The 
duopoly of Fastlink and M obileCom over mobile telephone services w as ended in 2003;  and the legal 
monopoly of the JTC was terminated at the end of  2004, and the fixed-line market fully opened to 
                                                     
 
103 The horizontal section of Jordan's schedule of commitments specifies certain access opportunities 
for business visitors, intra-co rporate transferees, executives, managers, and specialists. 
104 WTO document GATS/SC/ 128, 15 December 2000. 
105 TRC's main source of income is the annual licence fee (about JD 8 million in 2008).   
106 Article 6(a) of the Telecommunications Law of 2002.    WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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competition for services and infrastructure.107  The parallel process of privatization of the JTC, which 
began in 2000, has been completed (Chapter III(4)(iii)).108 
106. In its 2007 policy statement, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, 
recognized that the fixed-line subsector is not opera ting competitively, and internet service providers 
still face a virtual monopoly with respect to internet  connectivity.  The statement sets out the present 
challenges and policy initiatives for telecom and information technology.  It is aimed at creating conditions for effective competition in the telecom subsector, including mitigating the effects of JTC 
dominance.  In 2005, a licence was granted to Bate lco Company (Bahrain) to allow it compete with 
the JTC for fixed-line telephone services, but Batelco h as not started providing services.  To date, the 
JTC remains de facto the only fixed-line operator. 
107. The TRC has been instructed by the Government to harmonize its regulatory activities with 
the Competition Law.  The regulator should en sure that appropriate interconnection and access 
arrangements are in place, and that no margin squeeze or cross-subsidization exists.  The regulator is 
to open new market entry possibilities, particularly  for non-facilities-based mobile operators, and to 
enhance competition among facilities-based operators.  The Government envisages that taxes and fees 
should reflect the value of the scarce resource, rath er than depending on the type of service (fixed or 
mobile).  The Government also plans to put into place a more effective appeal process with respect to 
the TRC's decisions, either through the establishment of a specialized tribunal or by providing greater 
relevant expertise to the High Court.
109 
108. During 2005, the TRC introduced a new licensing  system to enable licensees to offer a 
broader range of telecommunications services;  two types of licence were created.  An individual 
licence for public telecommunications services provi ders who require the use of scarce resources 
(radio frequency spectrum, public rights of way, and telephone numbers from the national numbering 
plan). Scarce resources are allocated by the T RC on a first-come-first-served basis, or through 
auction.110  A class licence was created for public telecommunications services providers who do not 
require such scarce resources.  The new licensing syst em provides for a transition period.  By the end 
of June 2008, the TRC had issued a total of 75 licences, of which 55 operators held individual 
licences.  The licence fees are JD 30,000 for cl ass licences and JD 100,000 for individual licences.  
109. There are currently three operators in the mobile telephone subsector:  Zain (Fastlink), 
MobileCom, and  Umniah Mobile Compan y (a subsidiary of Batelco Bahrain).111  In addition, the 
New Generation Telecommunications Company (XPress) was granted a licence for radio trunking 
services, which allows it to provide "push-to-tal k", SMS, and other information services.  The 
technology used by XPress allows interconnecti on and competition with the other mobile phone 
operators.112 
110. Prepaid telephone cards were introduced in Jordan in 2001;  and 23 licensed companies 
currently provide this service; 17 licensed compani es provide internet and other data transmission 
services. 
                                                      
107 Ministry of Information & Communications Technology (2007). 
108 In 2000, 40% of JTC shares were sold to a consortium led by France Telecom and the Arab Bank, 
8% to the Social Security Corporation, and 1% to JTC employees .  Telecoms Regulatory Commission online 
information.  Viewed at: http://www.trc.gov.jo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=337&Itemid= 
507&lang=english. 
109 Ministry of Information & Communications Technology (2007),  p. 10-19. 
110 Hiasat (2008);  and Telecoms Regulatory Commission (2007), p. 16. 
 111 Telecoms Regulatory Commission of Jordan (2007), p. 14. 
112 Ministry of Industry and Trade (2005), p. 103. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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111. Implementation of the obligations in the Re ference Paper on Telecommunications are the 
responsibility of the TRC.  The Commission has i ssued regulations concerning interconnection, 
dispute resolution among licensees, competition safeguards, and universal services.113 
112. Interconnection agreements between telecommunica tions operators are subject to approval by 
the TRC.  The interconnection tariffs for the JTC,  Zain (Fastlink), MobileCom, XPress, and Umniah 
were fixed by the TRC in 2006. 
113. Dispute settlement is covered by the Tel ecommunications Law, which provides that, inter 
alia, one of the Commissioners of the TRC shall be responsible for concluding a settlement, drawing 
up guidelines for negotiations between disputing parti es, or for resolving the dispute personally or by 
appointment.  Objections to his decision are permitt ed before the Board of Commissioners within 30 
days. 
114. In 2006, the TRC issued a regulation on competition safeguards to establish procedures and 
criteria to determine anti-competitive practices, whic h are generally prohibited by virtue of the 
Competition Law (Chapter III(4)(ii).114  These instructions also aim to define the terminology related 
to competition in the telecoms subsector, such as market, market share, dominance, and abuse of 
dominant position.  As a starting point for competition analysis, each of the following services is 
defined as a market:  fixed public telecommuni cations network and services; mobile public 
telecommunications network and services; leased lines,  and interconnection.  A licensee with a market 
share, measured in terms of revenue, of 50% or mo re is deemed to hold a dominant market position, 
although, based on evidence, licensees with 25-50% can  also be classified as dominant.  Abuse of 
dominant market positions includes:  predatory pr icing, anti-competitive cross-subsidization, anti-
competitive price discrimination, margin squeez e, anti-competitive long-term contracts, anti-
competitive bundling, exclusionary practices, and excl usive dealing.  The regulation serves as a basis 
for all competition-related proceedings in the sub sector, including complaints, dispute resolution, and 
dominant licensees' obligations under the Telecommunications Law. 
115. Currently, the JTC provides universal services in  villages with more 300 inhabitants, without 
compensation, and in smaller villages, with co mpensation.  The TRC established a regulatory 
framework for universal service obligations in 2006, covering, inter alia , the selection of universal 
service providers from licensed operators, the crite ria for the provision of universal services, and 
contributions to the Universal Service Fund.115  Implementation of the new regime for universal 
services is pending. 
116. Retail prices of telecommunications services are being regulated by the TRC where a service 
provider holds a dominant market position.  B ecause of the JTC's de facto monopoly for public 
switched telephone network services, th e retail prices for these services have been set by the TRC;  
ZAIN's tariffs (dominant operator) for mobile telecommunications services are subject to TRC approval.  Otherwise, prices for mobile services, in ternet services, and prepaid telephone calling cards 
are market determined. 
117. Broadband penetration was less than 1% in  2006 and increased to 1.5% in 2007.
116  
Investment in telecommunications services in 2007 was amongst the lowest since 2000;  according to 
the authorities, to a certain degree this re flects market saturation (Table IV.14).  
                                                      
113 Telecoms Regulatory Commission of Jordan (2007), p. 18. 
114 Telecoms Regulatory Commission (2006). 
115 Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (2006). 
116 ITU online information, ICT Eye .  Viewed at: http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ICTEYE/Indicators/ WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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Table IV.14 
Telecommunications indicators, 2000-07  
 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 
Number of subscribers (000)         
Fixed phone 620 660 674 623 638 628 614 559 
Mobile and trunking 389 866 1,200 1,325 1,624 3,138 4,343 4,772 
Internet (subscribers) 12 66 62 92 111 197 206 228 
Internet (users) 32 238 279 399 537 720 770 1,163 
Penetration rate per 100 inhabitants (%)         
Fixed phone 13 13.1 13.4 11.3 11.9 11.6 11 10 
Mobile and trunking 7.7 16.7 22.9 24.2 30.4 57.0 78.0 83.3 
Internet (subscribers) 0.23 1.32 1.16 1.67 2.07 3.6 3.7 4.0 
Internet (users) 0.63 4.8 5.5 7.7 10.0 13.2 13.7 20 
Volume of investments (JD million)         
Fixed phone 55.7 90.1 38.2 11.5 10.0 12.3 12.7 12.2 
Mobile and trunking 92.9 89.2 93.3 91.9 100.3 137.0 102.0 92.5 
Paging 0.02 0.1 0.004 0 0 0 0 0 
Internet 4.3 5.5 3.5 1.5 0.7 5.6 2.3 11.1 
Telephone prepaid calling services  .. .. 2.6 1.1 0. 4 0.4 1.5 0.5 
Total 152.9 184.9 137.6 106.0 111.4 155.3 118.5 116.3 
Source: Information provided by the Jordanian authorities. 
(b) Postal and courier services 
118. Jordan made no commitments on postal services under the GATS.  The market for courier 
services has been fully opened to competition in Jord an's services schedule, except for measures under 
mode 4 (Table AIV.3).117  A foreign equity limitation under mode 3 (51%) has been phased out. 
119. Jordan is a member of the Universal Postal Un ion.  The Jordan Post Company is the provider 
of universal postal services.  The Temporary Post  Services Law No. 5 of 2002 and the Postal Law 
No. 34 of 2007 confer regulator y authority over the postal sub sector on the Telecommunications 
Regulatory Commission, including a mandate to develop a licensing regime for private postal 
operators.  The law converted the Jo rdan Post Company into a public shareholding company, which is 
fully owned by the Government.  The compan y has been designated for privatization.  
120. On the basis of Postal Operator Licensing By-Law No. 110 of 2004, the TRC issued six 
international class licences in 2006 (TNT, FEDEX, Sky Net, Aramex, UPS, DHL) and eight domestic 
class licences. These licences allow postal services out side the area reserved for Jordan Post 
Company.  The reserved area is defined by weight (letters and parcels up to 500 g) and a specified set 
of postal services (including printing of stamps an d installation of postal deposit boxes in public 
areas).  Tariffs for the exclusive postal services provided by Jordan Post Company are subject to 
approval by the regulator.  Prices for courier services do not require the TRC approval.    
121. The Ministry of Information and Communicati ons Technology, in its 2007 policy statement, 
promised further liberalization of postal services.  The main objectives are to maintain the provision 
of universal postal services but with increased priv ate-sector participation; to reduce the dependence 
of the Jordan Post Company on government subsidi es;  and to stimulate private-sector investment 
through progressive market liberalization.  The long-term objective is to progressively reduce the 
                                                                                                                                                                     
Indicators.aspx#, and http://www .itu.int/ITU-D/icteye/Display Country.aspx?countryId=124. 
117 WTO document GATS/SC/ 128, 15 December 2000. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
 Page 87 
 
 
reserved area of the Jordan Post Company.  The G overnment does not intend to interfere with the 
provision and conditions of service outside the universal services area.118 
122. The Government considers Jordan Post Compan y with its network of 356 post offices as an 
important access centre to support its e-Government strategy.119  Since the programme was launched 
in 2001, a secure government network (SGN) has been established among 18 government entities and 
five categories of e-services are provided by select ed government entities (TRC, Ministry of Trade 
and Industry, Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Depa rtment, Income Tax Depart ment,  Department of 
Lands and Survey).120  Under a recent initiative, the Jordan Post Company is selling PCs and laptops 
to Jordanian citizens, with the objective of incr easing the level of PC and internet penetration. 
(iii) Transport 
123. The transport subsector is regulated by the Mini stry of Transport and five affiliated agencies, 
which are government-owned but have financial and administrative independence:  the Public 
Transport Regulatory Commission, the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, the Aqaba Railways Corporation, the Jordan Hejaz Railways Corpor ation, and the Jordan Maritime Authority. 
(a) Maritime transport 
124. Under the GATS, Jordan made specific commitm ents on maritime transport services at the 
time of its accession to the WTO (Table AIV.3).
121  A headnote states that commercial presence in 
mode 3, with respect to all transport services, is subject to a 50% limitation on foreign equity. 
125. According to the National Strategy for the Transport Sector (2008-10), the policy objectives 
for maritime transport are to enhance the comp etitiveness of the port of Aqaba to operate on a 
commercial basis in partnership with the private sect or; to enhance the role of the port in the region 
for transit and transhipment;  and to encourage re gistration of foreign vessels under the Jordanian flag. 
126. The Jordan Maritime Authority (JMA) has the mandate to regulate, s upervise, and develop 
the maritime transport subsector, including all transportation modes, stationary and moving equipment, labour force, transport auxiliaries, and associated services (Law of the Jordan Maritime 
Authority  No. 46 of 2006).  Sh ipping agents (both port agents and representatives of shipping lines) 
must be licensed by the JMA.  Shipping agents must have a general manager of Jordanian nationality.   
127. The JMA is also responsible for the registra tion of vessels flying the Jordanian flag.  A 
number of incentives are offered:  exemption from income tax for shipping management companies 
registered in Jordan;  10% reduction on berthing f ees, and exemption from anchorage and waiting fees 
collected by the Port of Aqaba.  Under its GATS schedule, Jordan has reserved the right to offer 
preferential service fees to Jordan ian ships for pilotage, berthing, and docking.  Registration as a 
Jordanian flag carrier involves no restrictions on the nationality of master, officers or crew, nor 
regarding the ownership of ships.  Maritime trans port and ancillary services are subject to a foreign 
equity ceiling of 50% (Table II.3). 
128. Port activities have been separated from othe r maritime services.  The Aqaba Development 
Corporation, a state-owned enterprise established under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority 
(ASEZA) Law (Chapter III(3)(v)), is responsible for th e development of the port of Aqaba.  The Ports 
                                                     
 
118 Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (2007), p. 31-35. 
119 Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (2007), p. 7. 
120 Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (2006). 
121 WTO document GATS/SC/ 128, 15 December 2000. WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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Corporation manages cargo handling, while the cont ainer terminal has been managed and operated 
since 2004 by APM Terminals of Denmark.122  The status of the Ports Corporation has been converted 
from a public administration-type institution, to a state-owned (commercial) company under the name 
of Aqaba Company for Ports Management.  Total cargo handling by the Corporation increased from 
17.2 million tonnes (including transit) in  2006 to 17.8 million tonnes in 2007. 
129. The ASEZA Master Plan (2005-10) targets,  among other things, the port facilities and 
logistics services for rehabilitation and development by the private sector.  A number of public facilities and services were privatized in 2006, incl uding mooring and pilotage, supply of vessels with 
water and oil, litter disposal, transporting crews to and from berths, management of the slip way, and 
ship maintenance workshop.
123  The National Shipping Company was privatized in 2002 with 
proceeds of JD 1.7 million.124 
130. Jordan has a stake in two joint-ventures to im prove regional exchange of goods and promote 
tourism.  One is the Syrian-Jordanian Shipping Company established in 1976;  the other, the Arab Bridge Maritime Company, is jointly owned by Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq.
125  The company has 
exclusive rights to transport cargo, mail, and passen gers between Aqaba and Noueibe in Egypt;  the 
rights will expire in 2035.126  
(b) Road transport 131. While Jordan has made no specific commitments on road transport services; its list of MFN 
exemptions refers to 28 Members and non-members, which are parties to bilateral road transport 
agreements.  The stated purpose of these arrangem ents is to foster trade among the partners 
concerned, especially Jordan and its neighbours.
127  Foreign investment is prohibited in road 
passenger and freight transport services.  Other road  transport services are subject to a 50% foreign 
equity ceiling (Table II.3). 
132. Transport Law No. 89 of 2003 gives the Ministry of Transport legal authority to establish the 
general transport policy and oversee its implementation;  to regulate freight by road and rail; and to 
fix licence fees and freight tariffs.128  The authorities are considering establishment of an independent 
regulatory body for road freight transport.   
133. Under the Temporary Road Freight Transport La w No. 46 of 2002, all carriers and shipping 
brokers must be licensed by the Ministry of Transport.   The law applies to all types of road transport, 
including transit and transport of mail. 
134. The informal sector still plays a significant role in road transport.  There were 13,377  heavy 
duty vehicles operating in Jordan in 2007, of which nearly 60% were owned by individuals.  Efforts 
have been made to restructure and modernize the road freight subsector:  truck owners have been 
encouraged to establish as registered companies or jo in licensed companies.  As a result, the share of 
transport vehicles owned by registered companies increased from 15% in 2001 to 32% in 2005.  In 2007, there were 196 licensed road freight transport companies, one third of which were crude oil 
                                                     
 
122 Ports Corporation of Aqaba, Jordan (2006), p. 14. 
123 Ports Corporation of Aqaba, Jordan (2006), p. 25. 
124 Executive Privatization Committee online informa tion. Viewed at: http://www.epc.gov.jo/completed 
_transactions.html. 
125 Ministry of Transport (2005), p. 64. 
126 WTO document WT/ACC/JOR/33, paragraph 62. 
127 WTO document GATS/EL/128, page 5. 
128 Ministry of Transport (2005), p. 23. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
 Page 89 
 
 
transport companies.  At the request of the Jord anian Syndicate of Truck Owners, the minimal capital 
requirement for licensed freight companies and the minimum fleet size were reduced.  Under a 
Council of Ministers decision, incentives are provid ed for the modernization of the road freight 
transport fleet, including exemptions from general sales taxes and registration fees for trucks 
exceeding 20 tonnes.129  According to the authorities, freight tariffs are market determined.   
135. International road transport is governed by bilateral agreements;  cabotage by foreign 
companies is not allowed.  The Jordanian-Syrian  Land Transport company operates as a governmental 
joint-venture for transport services between Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.   According to the authorities, 
the Iraqi-Jordanian Land Transport Company has st opped operating.  Non-Jordanian trucks collecting 
goods in Jordan are subject to a toll depending on their gross weight.130   
136. The establishment of an inland port at Amman is planned, with the aim of promoting general 
and transit trade, and related investment.  This pr oject is to provide a range of logistics services, a 
container port, a customs depot, and facilitate the establishment of light industries and commercial 
services.131  
137. Oversight of the public transport sector lies with Public Transport Regulatory Commission, 
established pursuant to Public Transport Law No. 48 of 2001.  The Commission has a role to play in 
fostering competition and investment in the public  transport subsector, since it is responsible for 
granting licences, and fixing and mon itoring public transport tariffs. 
138. The primary objectives of public transport policy ar e the modernization of the public transport 
fleet and the construction of the Amman-Zarqa light  railway.  A considerable public concern is the 
high level of traffic accidents (98,000 in 2007).132  There were 842,000 registered vehicles in 2007.133  
Incentives are provided to replace around 3,000 public tr ansport vehicles.  Private owners will benefit 
from the customs duties exemption and reduced ge neral sales tax, according to the authorities.  
139. In 2007, Jordan's road network consisted of 3, 440 km of main roads, 2,127 km of side roads 
and 2,435 km of rural roads.134  
(c) Rail transport 
140. Jordan's main railway is part of the Hej az Railway, built by the O ttomans in 1900-1908, 
linking Damascus with Medina.  Two sections of th e original narrow-gauge Hejaz Railway remain in 
operation.  One section runs from Amman to Damascu s and is operated by the Jordan Hejaz Railway 
Corporation;  it provides both passenger and cargo transport.  The other section runs from the 
phosphate mines of JPMC near Ma'an to Aqaba a nd is operated by the Aqaba Railway Corporation.135  
In 2007, the state-owned corporation transported nearly 2.3 million tonnes of phosphate to Aqaba.136   
                                                      
129 Ministry of Transport of Jordan (2005), Annual Report 2005.  
130 Trucks with a gross weight of less than 40 tonnes are charged a monthly fee of JD 75 plus a fee per 
trip of JD 80;  trucks of 40-50 tonnes (JD 100 monthly fee plus JD 110 per trip), and trucks over 50 tonnes 
(JD 100 monthly fee plus JD 165 per trip).  In addition,  a permit fee of JD 5 is due.  See Law No. 37 of 2004 
(Fees Levied on Non-Jordanian Shipping Cars Act). 
131 Ministry of Transport of Jordan (2005), Annual Report 2005,  page 7. 
132 Jordan Times , "Stakeholders to develop regional strategy for land transport sector", 9 March 2008. 
Viewed at: http://www.jordantimes.com/. 
133 Ministry of Transport of Jordan (2007), Annual Report 2007 , page 93. 
134 Ministry of Transport of Jordan (2007), Annual Report 2007 , page 94. 
135 Wikipedia, The Hejaz Railway .  Viewed at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hejaz_railway. 
136 Ministry of Transport (2007), p. 85. WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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141. Two projects are under way to upgrade Jordan's railway network.137  First, a Jordan Railway 
Master Plan is to assess the economic viability of establishing an east-west railway system that is 
aligned with the existing north-south system.  The project may include a connection to Saudi Arabia.  
The second project concerns the construction of a light railway that will connect Amman with the 
neighbouring industrial city of Zarqa.  The JD 236 m illion project aims to serve  the commuter traffic, 
and reduce congestion, traffic accidents, and pollution in the greater Amman area.  The contract for construction and operation has been awarded to a Kuwaiti-Spanish consortium of private investors; 
construction is expected to begin by end 2008.  Some railway transport services are subject to foreign 
equity ceilings (Table II.3).  
(d) Air transport 
142. Under the GATS, Jordan has made specifi c commitments on two of the three air 
transport-related services covered by the relevant Annex to the GATS (maintenance and repair of 
aircraft, and computer reservation systems (Table AIV.3). 
143. Jordan has adopted a policy of gradual libera lization and the Government is committed to 
moving to an open sky policy by 2010.  Jordan h as concluded more than 80 air service agreements, of 
which over 40 are in force.
138  The majority of bilateral air services agreements cover the third and 
fourth freedoms; some also cover the fifth freedom .  Cabotage is not permitted for foreign airlines. 
144. Implementation of government ai r transport policy is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation 
Regulatory Commission (CARC), which operates within  the legal framework of Civil Aviation Law 
No. 41 of 2007.   The Commission's stated objectives include removing all unnecessary restrictions in 
Jordan’s international aviation market with resp ect to licensing and other regulatory processes. 
Anti-competitive practices are to be addressed  through the Competition Law, although the CARC 
undertakes to use its regulatory powers in circumst ances where an effective or actual monopoly exists 
in any regulated aviation subsector.139  
145. An eight-year route exclusivity agreement entered into force in 2002 between the 
Government and Royal Jordanian Airlines, the na tional flag carrier, under which Royal Jordanian 
Airlines enjoys exclusive city-pair rights.140  Non-exclusive routes are a llocated through a decision by 
the Route Licensing Panel appointed by the Commissioner of CARC.  Route licensing fees are set by the CARC in accordance with Fees a nd Charges By-law No. 45 of 2007. 
146. Opening-up of the aviation market has resulted in  the entry of new private airlines.  Jordan 
Aviation and Rayajet are providing charter services for regional traffic, while Royal Jordanian has 
launched a new airline for short-haul routes under the RJ xpress brand.
141  The airline also owns Royal 
Wings, a subsidiary company dedicated to charter business, operating from the Amman civil airport in 
Marka.142 
                                                      
137 Ministry of Transport (2005), p. 42. 
138 Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission of Jordan online information. Viewed at: http://www.carc.jo 
/pages_en.php?type=page&id=7. 
139 Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission of Jordan online information. Statistics . Viewed at: 
http://www.carc.jo/pages_ en.php?type=page&id=6. 
140 Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission of Jordan online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.carc.jo/pages_en.php?type =page&id=8. 
141 Economist Intelligence Unit (2007), p. 22. 
142 RJ online information. Viewed at: http://www.rj.com/AboutUs/OurCompany/History/tabid/121/ 
Default.aspx. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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147. Parallel to the liberalization process, the Govern ment has pursued the privatization of Royal 
Jordanian Airlines.  In the first phase, completed in 2006,  the suppo rting activities of Royal Jordanian 
were privatized:  the Jordan Airmotive Ltd. Co mpany and Jordan Airline Training and Simulation 
were sold.143  In the second phase, which started in Nove mber 2007, 71% of the total share capital of 
Royal Jordanian Airlines was floated, with the require ment that 51% of the equity remain in Jordanian 
ownership (Table III.17).144  Royal Jordanian Airlines joined th e Oneworld airline alliance in 2007.  
Under the airport privatization programme,  airport duty-free shops, the Jordan Aircraft Maintenance 
Company, and the Aircraft Catering Cent er were sold to private investors.145  Some air transport 
services are subject to foreign equity ceilings (Table II.3). 
148. Jordan's three civilian airports (Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, King Hussein 
International Airport in Aqaba, and Marka Internatio nal Airport) are owned by the State.  The Queen 
Alia airport is currently managed through a BOT co ntract by the Airport International Group.  The 
airport at Aqaba is operated by the ASEZA, while  the Marka airport is operated by the CARC.  
Recently the Government approved the concept of establishing a state-owned company (Jordan 
Airports Company) to oversee civil airports and develop partnerships with the private sector 
(Table IV.15). 
Table IV.15  
Air traffic, 2000-06 
 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 
Queen Alia International Airport:        
Number of aircraft 26,799 26,472 25,251 24,744 30,179 35,089 40,569 
Number of passengers 2,384,860 2,231,806 2,334,779 2,358,622 2,988,174 3,272,020 3,506,061 
Freight (tonnes) 82,184 81,137 81,948 83,076 94,866 96,749 90,772 
King Hussein International 
Airport        
Number of aircraft 3,547 1,912 2,442 2,735 3,465 4,413 4,263 
Number of passengers 126,316 58,628 48,258 90,081 126,356 142,871 180,812 
Freight (tonnes) 13 37 76 263 344 1,824 1,893 
Amman – Marka Civil Airport        
Number of aircraft 3,835 3,307 4,038 7,060 8,699 9,386 9,434 
Number of passengers 51,966 42,560 58,579 65,350 86,910 52,630 96,859 
Freight (tonnes) 34 17 15 30 8 6,035 5,069 
Source:  Civil Aviation Regulatory Co mmission online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.car c.jo/pages_e n.php?type= 
 page&id=15.  
(iv) Tourism 
149. Jordan's has scheduled full co mmitments for modes 1 to 3, for hotel and lodging services as 
well as for catering services.146  Investments in restaurants (outsi de hotels) are subject to a foreign 
equity ceiling of 50%;  food franchi zing requires establishment as a legal entity in Jordan.  Travel 
agency and tour operator services may be provide d through commercial presence, with a maximum of 
50% foreign equity, and the firms must be specializ ed service providers with a Jordanian director.  
Overseas travel agents and tour operators are requi red to operate through local agents. Tourist guide 
services have been bound without limitations in modes 1 to 3, except for national treatment in mode 1 
(Table AIV.3). 147   
                                                      
143 Central Bank of Jordan (2007), p. 26. 
144 RJ online information.  Viewed at:http://www.rj.com/AboutUs/OurCompany/History/tabid/121/ 
Default.aspx. 
145 Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission of Jordan online information. Viewed at:http://www.carc. 
jo/pages_en.php?type=page&id=15. 
146 Except casinos and airport/airline catering services. 
147 WTO document GATS/SC/128, dated 15 December 2000. WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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150. The tourism subsector is important for Jordan's  economy (Chapter I(1)).  It is the largest 
services export subsector, accounting for 68% of total receipts in the services account of the balance 
of payments (2007), and the largest private-sector employer (including indirect employment).  However, competition from countries in the region h as been high. Thus, while annual average growth 
in tourist arrivals in the Middle East was 12.2% during 1995-02, growth for Jordan was 5.8%.
148 
151. The tourism subsector is governed by the T ourism Law No. 20 of 19 88, as amended, and a 
host of regulations.149  The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA) has regulatory authority to 
license and classify tourist establishments, and to  invite tenders.  The National Tourism Council 
formulates the general tourism policy and the Jordan  Tourism Board is responsible for promoting the 
Kingdom as a tourist destination.  Jordan has b ilateral tourism agreements with 37 countries. 
152. Licensing by MOTA is required for various tourist establishments and services:  hotels – prior 
approval by the Minister is required for establishing a project (granted for two years).  Annual licence 
fees range from JD 160 for one-star hotels to JD 500 for five-star hotels.  Licences require annual 
renewal.  In 2007, Jordan had 197 classified hotels, in cluding 23 five-star hotels.  Tourist restaurants –
annual licence fees range from JD 64 for one-star rest aurants to JD 160 for five-star restaurants.  
Travel agencies – documentary requirements for pr ior approval include a non-objection letter from the 
Jordan Tourism and Travel Agents Society, and a bank guarantee of JD 15,000 (JD 25,000 for travel agencies operating abroad).  The annual licence  fee is JD 160.  Tourist guides – licensing 
requirements include membership in the Jordan Tour ist Guides Society.  Approval is granted by the 
Tourism Committee.  Annual licence fees range from JD  32 to JD 64.  Special tourism transportation 
companies – prior approval requires registration as a company with a minimum capital of JD 10 
million (considered excessive in Jordan's Tourism Strategy).
150  Annual licence fees range from JD 
300 to JD 1,000.151 
153. Investments in the tourism industry are e ligible for incentives under the Investment 
Promotion Law (Chapter III(4)(i)).  For investment  projects at Aqaba, the Aqaba Special Economic 
Zone incentive scheme also applies (Chapter III(3)(v)).  Restaurants outside hotels, travel agency and 
tour operator services, and specialized tourist tran sportation services are subject to a foreign equity 
ceiling of 50%, as under the GATS commitments (Table II.3). 
154. Jordan has been promoted as a niche market am ongst tourist destinations catering mainly to 
upscale tourism. Its tourism strategy (2004-10) focu ses on seven priority market segments (niches):  
cultural heritage (archaeology); religious tour ism; eco-tourism; health and wellness; cruising; 
meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MIC E); and adventure.  Amman, Petra, Aqaba, the 
Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and Irbid have been identif ied as primary tourism cent res;  and Azraq, Dana, 
and Karak as secondary centres.  The strategy is ai med at doubling tourism revenues to JD 1.3 billion 
in 2010.  In terms of tourism revenues, it appears that the strategy's objectives have been achieved.  
Indeed, Jordan welcomed 6.5 million tourists in 2007, up from 4.7 million in 2002, and the subsector 
                                                      
148 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan (2005), p. 6. 
149 Relevant regulations in the tourism sector incl ude:  Hotels and Touristic Foundations Regulation 
No. 17 of 1997; Touristic Restaurants and Rest Houses Regulation No. 6 of 1997; Tourism and Travel Offices and Companies Regulation No. 14 of 1996; Tourist Guides Regulation No. 34 of 1998; Touristic Specialized 
Transports Regulation No. 7 of 1995; Traditional and Popular Crafts and Industries and Trading therein 
Regulation No. 36 of 2002, and Al-Karak Touristic Castle Arena Management Regulation. Viewed at: http://www.tourism.jo/p dfs/MSG_eng.pdf. 
150 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan (2005), p. 36. 
151 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities online information. Viewed at: http://www.tourism.jo/pdfs/ 
MSG_eng.pdf. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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earned Jordan JD 1.6 billion in revenues in 2007, a 120% increase since 2002 (Table IV.16).  One of 
the priorities under Jordan's e-Government Strategy is to introduce e-services for visa requirements. 
Table IV.16 
Selected tourism indicators, 2002-07 
 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 
Total number of arrivals 4,677,018 4,599,243 5,586,659 5,817,370 6,712,804 6,528,626 
Tourism income (JD million) 743.2 752.6 943.0 1021.6 1,460.8 1,638.9 
Tourists (overnight visitors) 2,384,474 2,353,088 2,852,809 2,986,586 3,546,990 3,430,960 
Same day visitors 2,292,544 2,246,155 2,733,850 2,830,784 3,165,814 3,097,666 
Number of package tour tourists 137,660 145,601 254,145 338,787 278,341 359,625 
Average length of stay (days) 4 4.4 5 4.5 4.2 4.4 
Direct employment in touris m  21,293 22,110 23, 544 29,384 31,063 34,455 
Hotels (classified and unclassified) 461 458 463 468 476 470 
Travel agencies 403 426 466 431 441 536 
Tourist restaurants 376 374 448 525 602 675 
Rent a car companies 259 232 241 254 207 225 
Tourist shops 230 211 185 236 274 283 
Tourist guides 570 547 601 672 646 686 
Horse guides 386 353 493 613 613 613 
Tourist transport companies 4 4 4 3 4 6 
Diving centers .. .. 7 8 9 9 
Water sport .. .. 3 3 3 3 
Tourist boats .. .. 75 80 80 80 
Number of tourist cars 4,089 3,703 4,258 5,913 5,861 5,761 
Number of busses 345 343 346 372 429 554 
Number of beds in hotels 37,289 27,859 38,658 40,480 42,029 42,140 
Number of rooms in hotels 19,389 19,698 19,945 20,827 21,609 21,587 
Room occupancy ratio (%) 32.0 34.2 45.2 48.0 42.0 n.a. 
Source: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities online information.  Viewed at: http//www.locatem e.jo/stat2007/1/state.htm;  
 and Central Bank of Jordan, Annual Report , 2005 and 2007. 
(v) Professional services 
(b) Medical services 
155. Medical tourism is an important, albeit slow-g rowing niche market in Jordan.  There is a 
Medical Tourism Directorate in the Ministry of Health.  Revenues from health services provided to 
foreign patients are estimated at JD 533 million for 2005, up from JD 503 million in 2001.  Almost all 
of the 108,000 foreign patients in 2005 were from the Middle East.152  Medical protocols and bilateral 
agreements between private hospitals and companies in  the Middle East region are considered to play 
a significant role in attracting foreign patients as well as medical expertise.  Egypt and the United 
Arab Emirates are seen by the authoritie s as the main competitors in the region. 
156. Jordan has two hospitals that have been accr edited by the Joint Commission International 
(King Hussein Cancer Center and the private Jordan Hospital and Medical Centre)153  The private 
sector manages over half of the hospitals in Jordan.154  Hospitals are eligib le for incentives under the 
Investment Promotion Law (Chapter III(4)(i)).  Th e corporate income tax for hospitals is 15%.  
                                                      
152 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (2007), p. 163;  see also Ryan and Shanebrook 
(2004). 
153 The Joint Commission is a non-profit organizatio n that surveys health care systems through a 
voluntary accreditation process.  JCI onl ine information. Viewed at:  http ://www.jointcommiss ioninternational. 
org/23218/iortiz/. 
154 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (2007), p. 164. WT/TPR/S/206 Trade Policy Review 
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157. Jordan's GATS commitments for hospital service s allow the establishment of fully foreign-
owned hospitals.  However, this is combined with  restrictive nationality requirements:  one of the 
owners must be a physician (except in a public limited company);  and at least three quarters of the physicians and at least half of th e staff in any hospital must be Jordanian nationals.  The commitments 
for medical services are subject to the limitation that physicians must be Jordanian nationals.  There 
are no limitations on measures affecting modes 1 and 2 for medical services.  Dental services, as well as veterinary services, have been excluded entirely from commitments.
155  The labour regulations 
have been identified as factors constraining the competitiveness of the medical tourism industry in 
Jordan.156 
(c) Architectural and engineering services 
158. Jordan has also made commitments under the GATS for other professional services, including 
engineering services (but not including integrated engineering services), architectural services, as well 
as urban planning and landscape architectural services.  Integrated engineering services were excluded from commitments.  The scheduled services may be  provided through commercial presence with a 
50% foreign equity ceiling.  In addition, 50% of the equity must be held by engineers.  Non-Jordanian 
engineering and architectural firms may provide services only through a contractual association with Jordanian firms for the purpose of implementing a sp ecific project or tender.  Furthermore, foreign 
firms are required to train and upgrade the techni cal and management skills of local employees.  
Architects, engineers, urban planners, and landscape architects must be Jordanian nationals.  There are 
no limitations on modes 1 and 2 for the consultati on, planning and design of these services.  All 
engineering designs and plans must, however, be undersigned by a local engineering firm before 
implementation in Jordan.
157 
159. The Government Tenders Department of the Mini stry of Public Works and Housing provides 
the regulatory framework for the public procuremen t of construction, engi neering, and consulting 
services.  The engineering profession is organized an d regulated by the Jordan Engineers Association 
(JEA) under JEA Law No. 15 of 1973.  Under the law,  Jordanian firms operating in the architectural 
and engineering services subsector are subject to a fo reign equity ceiling of 50% (see also Table II.3).  
Moreover, foreign engineering firms may only be enga ged in projects where the required expertise is 
not available in Jordanian firms.158 
160. Engineers and engineering consulting offices are required to register with JEA and the 
association maintains a national register of all e ngineers licensed to operate in Jordan, including 
foreigners.  It also establishes fees for service s provided by engineering consulting offices, and 
undertakes audits of plans for construction projects.   There were 1,102 engineering offices registered 
in Jordan at end July 2005;  there were also 3,818 design engineers and 1,493 supervision engineers.
159  
 
                                                      
155 WTO document GATS/SC/128, dated 15 December 2000. 
156 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (2007), p. 186. 
157 WTO document GATS/SC/128, dated 15 December 2000. 
158 WTO document GPA/W/124, dated 5 December 2000, p. 15. 
159 Ministry of Industry and Trade of Jordan/UNCTAD (2006), p. 3-20. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206 
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