Jordan has signed an agreement with a number of international and American firms to build a new logistics airport in the province of Mafraq, some 60km northeast of the capital Amman and close to the country’s border with Syria.

According to a local media report, the planned airport along with an associated logistics center will serve as a springboard for reconstruction work in Syria and Iraq.

The scheme, which will be funded by the World bank, lies along a major road connecting Jordan with Iraq.

Jordan had earlier committed to take part in the reconstruction process of Syria once the country regains stability, in line with the recommendations of the 2016 London Conference

MEED understands Yarub al-Qudah, Jordan’s Industry, Trade and Supply minister, has called on the Jordanian private sector to be ready for the reconstruction process of Syria.

“The Jordanian private sector has to intensify their efforts and work in a strategic manner in preparation for future opportunities due to the expected opening of the Syrian borders once [the] war is over,” he said.

The World Bank estimates that 27 per cent of all housing units in Syria were destroyed or partially damaged during the conflict.

Half of all medical facilities in the country were also partially damaged, which has led to a general deterioration in health infrastructure across the country.

The conflict in Syria began in 2011 and it is estimated that over 400,000 people have died.