The recently announced agreement to establish a new industrial complex is far more than another investment; it marks the beginning of a new phase in the history of Jordanian industry, one in which the relationship between the two companies evolves from competing in global markets to collaborating in creating higher-value industries that fully capitalize on Jordan's abundant natural resources and expertise.

 

The project, which will be based in Eshidiya with future expansion in Aqaba, represents investments approaching $1 billion.

 

Its significance extends well beyond its financial value. It demonstrates that Jordan remains capable of delivering major industrial projects, that confidence in the national economy continues to attract genuine investment, and that the mining sector which has long been one of the pillars of the Jordanian economy still has the capacity to lead a new era of economic growth, job creation, and value-added production.

 

What stands out most to me is that this is a major investment initiative undertaken without the involvement of a foreign partner.

 

Speaking about Arab Potash and Jordan Phosphate is not simply speaking about two ordinary companies.

 

These are institutions that have built Jordan's global reputation in the mining and fertilizer industries and established themselves among the world's leading producers.

 

More importantly, their impact extends far beyond financial indicators and annual profits it has reached Jordanian society as a whole.

 

Few Jordanian families are untouched by the influence of one of these companies.

 

Whether through an employee who built a career there, a family that relies on the income of a son or daughter working for them, a student who received a scholarship, or a hospital, school, road, or youth center built through their corporate social responsibility programs, the two companies have become genuine partners in Jordan's national development.

 

Their presence can be felt across nearly every governorate through employment opportunities, development initiatives, and projects that have made a tangible difference in people's lives.

 

For that reason and just as I often point out shortcomings in administrative practices where they exist I also believe it is important to recognize and highlight successful models when they emerge.

 

This industrial alliance deserves every measure of support. Jordan needs more projects built on cooperation between major national companies rather than relying solely on exporting raw materials.

 

Every new factory means greater value-added production, more employment opportunities, stronger exports, and an economy that is better equipped to withstand global economic fluctuations.

 

At the same time, however, the sheer scale of the project brings with it greater responsibility. A major investment must be accompanied by an even stronger commitment to environmental protection and public safety.

 

These are not optional considerations but essential elements of any successful modern industrial project. People want development, but they want it to be safe, sustainable, respectful of both people and the environment, and informed by lessons learned from previous experiences and incidents so that they are not repeated.

 

In this regard, Kemapco, a subsidiary of the Arab Potash Company, has already set an important example by signing, together with Jordan's Ministry of Environment and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, the country's first specialized carbon emissions reduction project. This initiative offers a practical model for the direction Jordanian industry should follow.

 

Today, investment is measured not only by production volumes but also by its positive environmental impact and by companies' ability to balance economic growth with sustainability.

 

The message to Jordan's two mining leaders is therefore clear and offered with genuine goodwill: continue expanding, keep investing, and create more success stories for Jordan. But ensure that environmental stewardship and public safety remain at the forefront of every decision and every project.

 

Only then will success be complete, and only then will these major investments become a lasting national legacy that all Jordanians can take pride in.

 

What has begun today may prove to be much more than the construction of a new industrial complex.

 

It is an opportunity to establish an advanced Jordanian model that combines large-scale investment, modern industry, corporate social responsibility, and environmental commitment.

 

If this model succeeds and I am confident that it will the beneficiaries will not be Arab Potash or Jordan Phosphate alone, but Jordan as a whole.