AMMAN — The Cabinet, during a session chaired on Sunday by Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan, approved draft amendments to the regulations governing the investment environment for 2026.

 

This amendment forms part of the implementation programme for the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) and align with the government strategy aimed at modernising the legislative framework governing investment, paving the way for investments that are better placed to create jobs and promote development.

 

The amended system aims to enhance the attraction of investments by removing overlaps in certain provisions and unifying regulatory concepts in line with the technical developments of the investment environment, thereby supporting investment decision-making on clear foundations and based on scientific and technical standards.

 

Minister of Investment Tariq Abu Ghazaleh said the amendments were introduced in response to investors' needs and practical feedback from various sectors, according to the Ministry of Investment statement.

 

He noted that the amendments focus on simplifying procedures and reducing the timeframes associated with issuing licenses and approvals, thereby reducing the time and effort required of investors and helping to get projects off the ground.

 

He said that one of the most significant features of the system is the introduction of the concept of a "License to practice economic activities subject to compliance", as a modern regulatory tool that allows licenses to be granted to projects in development zones.

 

The licenses will be granted based on the investor’s undertaking to comply with the necessary requirements, and subject to subsequent monitoring, thereby achieving a balance between facilitating businesses, ensuring compliance and safeguarding quality and safety.

 

The minister added that the amended regulations expand the scope of investment incentives to include the reduction of requirements for expansion and development, using modern technology and the inclusion of creative industries within the scope of the incentives.

 

He noted that the amendments included re-organising the work of representatives of official bodies within the comprehensive investment service, and re-engineering procedures in development and free zones with the aim of speeding up the processing of investors’ transactions and improving the quality of services provided to investors.

 

According to Abu Ghazaleh, the amendments are designed to attract and sustain high-value investments, particularly in sectors identified as national priorities.

 

He indicated that the amendments aim to attract and sustain quality investments, thereby enhancing Jordan's position as a regional and international investment hub, with a direct impact on local development and the creation of job opportunities in the governorates.

 

The amended regulations are also expected to enhance Jordan’s competitiveness in international indicators related to the ease of doing business and investment attractiveness, by improving the regulatory environment, while providing investors with greater clarity, confidence and stability.

 

The Minister stated that the draft amendments followed extensive consultations with more than 25 public and private sector entities, as well as a broad range of investors from different sectors.

 

He noted this process as reflecting a genuine partnership between the government and the private sector.

 

The amendments aim to ensure the development of a more efficient, fair and sustainable investment environment, strengthening Jordan's position as a competitive and attractive destination for long-term investment.