Key Sectors

Mining and Downstream Industries

The Extractive and Mining Industries Sector

The mining sector plays a large role in the Jordanian economy as it represents the main part of the proceeds from Jordanian exports despite the limited mineral resources of the country. For example, Jordan is considered one of the largest exporters of phosphates in the world. An agreement was signed with international companies in order to develop phosphate products. The Natural Resources Authority is responsible for supervising the exploration for minerals and for carrying out other mining related activities in the country.

According to the latest statistics produced by the Jordan Investment Board for 2004, there are 23 extractive projects and 130 mineral manufacturing projects benefiting from the exemptions accorded by the Investment Promotion Law in addition to phosphate and potash production and cement. There are also 600 registered companies which manufacture granite, marble and building stones. They employ 3,300 workers and export to the Arab Gulf countries, the United States of America, Canada and the European Union.

Dead Sea Products

There are real and worthwhile investment opportunities available in the field of manufacturing Dead Sea beauty products in view of the exceptional qualities of Dead Sea salts and the possibility of exporting to foreign markets in addition to the local market. The low costs of extracting raw materials for Dead Sea products in Jordan when compared with Israel and the opportunities this industry provides in the way of investment in research and development to create new products of exceptional quality are also an advantage

The first company in the field of beauty products was established in 1986. Total sales for this sector that year were around 4 million Dollars. In 2002, the value of Jordan's exports of beauty products from more than 40 companies rose to around 52.1 million Jordanian Dinars. European states form the main market for Jordanian exports. Dead Sea beauty products are characterized by their ability to meet the demand in international markets especially in developed countries as the world market for beauty products is estimated at around 200 billion Dollars