Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the UAE’s national entity for international development aid, participated in the inauguration of the $210mn petroleum storage facility project it financed in Jordan.
The funding was made as part of the UAE government’s contribution of $1.25bn in 2013 to the Gulf Development Fund, a $1.36bn programme of the GCC member countries to finance development projects in Jordan.
With a holding capacity of 356,000 tonnes, the project includes the construction of 22 storage facilities for light petroleum products including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as well as petroleum derivatives – diesel, gasoline and jet fuel.
It is equipped with health, safety and environment (HSE) equipment, the project is also fitted-out with loading and unloading areas for tanks as well as a water treatment system.
Inaugurated by Omar Razzaz, Jordan’s prime minister, the opening ceremony was attended by Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of ADFD, Mohamad Al-Ississ, Jordanian minister of planning and international cooperation, Hala Zawati, Jordanian minister of energy and mineral resources, as well as a number of senior officials from both sides.
“The UAE and Jordan enjoy historic bilateral relations,” Al Suwaidi said. “The UAE leadership is committed to providing all forms of support to Jordan towards achieving comprehensive development in the country.
“The petroleum storage facilities project in Jordan has important economic development benefits. Apart from upgrading the oil sector infrastructure, it is designed to help the Jordanian government address challenges in achieving energy self-sufficiency and securing strategic reserves of petroleum derivatives.”
He also acknowledged ADFD’s contribution to stimulating economic activity and achieving sustainable development in Jordan through financing priority development projects.
The Jordanian minister of energy and mineral resources said that ADFD has been providing strategic funding to key energy projects, which in turn help in stimulating the economy.
She added that the petroleum storage facilities project provides storage units to maintain a reserve of petroleum products sufficient for 60 days of domestic consumption across Jordan. Apart from creating ongoing job opportunities, Zawati also said that the project will enhance Jordan’s oil security and infrastructure.
