JIEC, RSCN collaborate to establish agri tech factory in Karak 

AMMAN — The Jordan Industrial Estates Company (JIEC) and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) on Sunday signed an investment agreement with the aim of establishing a specialised factory using COCOON agricultural technology at the Hussein Bin Abdullah II Industrial City in Karak.

The initiative is part of a project to promote agro-industries in Jordan’s industrial cities in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture.

The investment agreement, signed by JIEC Director General Omar Juwaid and RSCN General Manager Fadi Al Nasser, stipulates that the factory will specialise in the use of COCOON technology, renowned for its efficient water usage, environmental friendliness and biodegradability. Additionally, it maintains soil moisture and saves significant amounts of irrigation water.

According to a joint statement, the factory will benefit from investment incentives offered by the Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II Industrial City, notably those linked to existing agricultural investments in Jordan’s industrial cities that are in line with the partnership agreement signed between the JIEC and the Ministry of Agriculture earlier this year. 

These benefits include a 75 per cent discount on electricity bills for the first two years, 50 per cent for the third and fourth years, and 25 per cent for the fifth year, in addition to supporting the Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II Industrial City-produced goods by cutting handling costs at the Aqaba Container Terminal by 50 per cent.

Highlighting the importance of the deal, Juwaid said that besides promoting agricultural industries, the project will create approximately 20 job opportunities for local residents.