Amman: Environment Minister Ayman Suleiman said Monday that Jordan’s environmental framework is being reshaped to support investment and economic growth, with updated policies designed to protect natural resources without slowing business activity.
According to Jordan News Agency, during a meeting with the Jordan Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, Suleiman emphasized the ministry’s shift towards a “service-oriented, risk-based” model. This model aims to accelerate procedures, clarify requirements, and remove administrative bottlenecks. He highlighted that environmental approvals are intended to protect projects from future liabilities rather than hinder them.
Suleiman used the Aqaba Special Economic Zone as an example, demonstrating that effective environmental planning can enhance rather than impede major industrial, tourism, and service-sector projects. He noted that consistent impact assessments and monitoring systems have been crucial in sustaining long-term investments in the area.
The minister revealed that the ministry is conducting a comprehensive review of the Environment Protection Law and its regulations. This includes technical standards like industrial buffer distances, which he believes need scientific re-evaluation. He assured that the ministry is receptive to private-sector proposals and that projects posing no material risk will receive environmental clearance.
On the topic of waste management, Suleiman identified substantial untapped opportunities in recycling and resource recovery within Jordan. He mentioned that the focus for 2026-2027 will be on establishing an integrated national system that views waste as an economic resource instead of a cost. By modernizing collection, transport, and reuse pathways, environmental pressures can be alleviated, opening new channels for investment and job creation.
Furthermore, Suleiman stated that the Economic Modernisation Vision outlines a national path towards a green economy. Key areas include cleaner energy, enhanced waste systems, and green industries, which are positioned as future growth drivers. The ministry is actively working to ensure that the regulatory environment is conducive to attracting green investments, thereby strengthening Jordan’s role as a regional hub.
Khalil al-Haj Tawfiq, President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, expressed support for the ministry’s direction, advocating for closer coordination, unified inspection procedures, and practical guidance for businesses to comply with environmental requirements. Board members also called for the expansion of recycling initiatives, support for youth-run environmental enterprises, and improved municipal handling of construction waste to mitigate pollution.