Problems Facing Owners and Managers Operating in the Qualifying Industrial Zones in Jordan

This study reveals the major obstacles that both domestic and foreign companies face while working under theQualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ) agreement in Jordan, according to the opinions of owners and managers. Touncover these problems, a questionnaire specially structured for this purpose was administered and distributed toall companies registered and working under the QIZ in three zones (Al Hassan Industrial Estate, Al KarakIndustrial Park, and Al Tajamouat Industrial City). The total number of questionnaires distributed was 78. Theresults were based on the 51 returned questionnaires with full information, which constitute around 65% of thenumber of distributed questionnaires. Results indicate that respondents have problems in dealing with the Israeliside (either with exporters of raw material and with the procedures of the Israeli government). Also, respondentshave problems related to the political instability in the region and how it will affect their work. In addition,respondents face problems with recruiting foreign labors, and securing housing and facilities for them. Finally,they face the problem of getting credit and financing from the local market. Therefore, peace and stability in theregion will minimize the problems that face investors when dealing with the Israeli side. To minimize theproblem associated with recruiting and hiring foreign labor, as well as, having problems with accommodatingthem at low costs, companies should be able to have training programs for local workers in order to increasetheir efficiency and productivity in the fields where they are needed. In addition, the government should issuecertain rules and regulations that protect our environment