Khaberni - Minister of Environment Ayman Suleiman confirmed that facilitating and protecting investments and enhancing the business environment in Jordan represent a constant priority in the ministry's work, emphasizing that the environmental system must be an enabling tool for economic development, not a hindrance.
Suleiman added during his meeting, on Monday, with the president and members of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce board that the ministry is working on establishing an approach based on partnership with the private sector, and developing environmental policies in a way that balances environmental protection and ensuring the continuity of investment projects.
Furthermore, the Minister of Environment continued during the meeting held at the Jordan Chamber of Commerce headquarters, that the ministry is about to adopt a new approach based on speed in procedures, transparency, and simplification of legal and administrative pathways for investors, with the aim of enhancing trust and achieving sustainable development at a national level, explaining that environmental approvals are not an end in themselves, but a means to ensure the sustainability and protection of projects in the future.
He pointed out that the experience of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone highlighted the importance of sound environmental planning in protecting investments, noting that the major projects witnessed in Aqaba in the industrial, services, and tourism sectors could not have continued without clear environmental impact studies and supervision and inspection plans that ensure the sustainability of economic activity.
Suleiman mentioned that the ministry is currently working on a comprehensive review of the environmental protection law and its instructions, noting that the last major amendment was in 2017, asserting that the current economic and investment developments require an update of the legislation to remove ambiguities and address issues that arise in front of investors, ensuring clarity in procedures and requirements.
The minister explained that the instruction review will include even minute technical details, such as the distances between industrial and environmental activities, pointing out that many of these figures were set without a clear scientific basis and are currently being re-evaluated in consultation with experts and relevant authorities.
He affirmed that the ministry welcomes all proposals that come from the private sector, particularly from the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, pointing out that the door for dialogue is open to introduce any amendments or proposals that serve the national, environmental, and investment interests alike.
Suleiman said, "From our side, we will give the environmental approval if there is no real environmental objection, and other parties must complete their approvals as per their jurisdiction, and we do not want the environment to be an excuse for delaying projects."
The Minister of Environment addressed the waste management and recycling issue, noting that Jordan has promising economic opportunities in this sector if it is dealt with using a modern methodology.
He noted that the years 2026 and 2027 will focus on building a complete transitional system for waste management as part of a governmental direction aimed at turning waste from a burden into a sustainable economic resource, confirming that the Aqaba experience demonstrated that investing in proper waste management can achieve significant results.
He explained that landfilling alone is no longer an option, and that industrial waste can be recycled or treated to turn into valuable raw materials, and some countries pay fees to dispose of it, while Jordan can turn it into economic opportunities through collection, transportation, and reuse pathways, ensuring that the ministry aims to leverage these pathways collectively to maximize resource value and reduce the environmental impact.
He affirmed that the economic modernization vision forms a comprehensive national framework that supports the transition towards a green economy as a strategic pathway to enhance competitiveness, attract investments, and enhance resource sustainability.
He clarified that the vision positions the green economy as one of the future growth engines through increased reliance on clean energy, developing green industries, improving waste management, and expanding employment opportunities in environmental sectors.
Suleiman stated that the Ministry of Environment is working in coordination with all partners to implement the initiatives included in the vision and ensure the readiness of the legislative and institutional environment to embrace green investments, thereby achieving sustainable economic growth and enhancing Jordan's position as a regional center for the green economy.
