"Industry": Land Port in Ma'an Reduces Shipping and Storage Costs
Amman3 min read
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Assistant Minister of Industry and Trade Qusai Bin Mustafa said that the Ma'an Land Port is one of the key projects within the future development plan for the governorate, noting that the project aims to alleviate pressure on the Port of Aqaba and facilitate trade movement to neighboring countries.
Bin Mustafa added that connecting Ma'an to Aqaba and the railway line, along with the establishment of logistical facilities, will serve the surrounding region and enhance investment and job opportunities, explaining that Ma'an is linked to various neighboring Arab countries through major roads.
He clarified that the actual launch of projects related to this direction will begin with the start of next year, to be implemented sequentially, affirming that the government will give this file attention and care, and will work to complete it "as quickly as possible."
Bin Mustafa explained that the land port will reduce pressure on the Port of Aqaba and lower storage and shipping costs, due to reducing the periods of stay of imported materials in the port.
He said that the speed of clearance and transportation of materials through the land port to Ma'an will reduce their stay in the Port of Aqaba, increasing the volume of handling there, which will reflect on land and other logistical costs, and thus lower the overall costs to warehouses, ultimately impacting the citizen.
Regarding the sustainability of supply chains under regional conditions, Bin Mustafa said that the Ministry of Industry and Trade is constantly working to ensure the flow of essential goods and materials, by diversifying shipping sources and not relying on a single region for supply.
He added that the ministry also relies on diversifying sources and origins of essential materials, so that other sources can be resorted to in case one of the supply sources faces difficulties.
He pointed out that the ministry, through agreements and visits to neighboring countries, has worked to provide other options for trade and shipping, including resorting to land ports in those countries and direct shipping to Jordan in case the straits surrounding the region face difficulties that hinder trade movement.
Bin Mustafa noted that the ministry is also focusing on increasing the storage capacity of foodstuffs in cooperation with the private sector, and making available cold and refrigerated warehouses, including those of the Jordan Grain Silos Public Company, at preferential prices based on a decision from the Council of Ministers.
He explained that increasing storage capacity provides the Jordanian trader with a sufficient and strategic stock, and more time to deal with any potential crises and ensure the continuous availability of essential foodstuffs.
Bin Mustafa said that mining and manufacturing industries in Ma'an will benefit from the land port and the railway link between Ma'an and Aqaba, especially by facilitating the transportation of imported inputs for national industries.
He explained that the production inputs arriving via the Port of Aqaba will be transferred more easily to Ma'an, contributing to the growth and spread of industries, especially with the completion of the railway link, which will reduce long storage periods and land costs, and positively reflect on the final value of goods.
