The evaluation of the investment environment in the industrial activity in Jordan

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the investment environment in Jordan from the perceptions of the workers in the industrial activity. Data was collected by a questionnaire which depended on five aspects; namely; economic infrastructure, the characteristics of the Jordanian economic environment, labor force, industrial free zones and the Jordan Investment Board and the promotion policies. 70 questionnaires were distributed to the workers of the Jordanian industrial activity out of 120 workers which represent the study sample. 40 questionnaires were valid to statistical analysis, which is equivalent to 57.1% of the study sample. The study used SPSS for analyzing data to estimate the averages, standard deviations, T-test, percentages and frequencies. Statistical analysis showed that the characteristics of the economic infrastructure, the economic investment environment, and the industrial free zones have positive impact on attracting foreign investments. The study highly recommends that in order to improve water supply service, there is a need for greater exploitation of ground water, expanding of current dams and maintaining water piping networks. Another recommendation is reviewing the investment legislation so as to modify the investment encouragement laws which includes a guarantee for more incentives for foreign investments.