Israel and Jordan plan to boost economic and trade ties with the development of a joint industrial zone on both banks of the Jordan River.

“This is an important milestone between the two countries in promoting a large-scale economic project, which will provide employment and welfare to Israeli and Jordanian citizens and the entire region,” said Deputy Regional Cooperation Minister Ayoub Kara, who heads the project.

Officials from the two nations said technical teams have been meeting to discuss logistics, transportation and security for the “Jordan Gate Project,” which will be set up along both sides along the 13-mile Jordan River Crossing.

The joint industrial zone will include the construction of Israeli and Jordanian factories in Jordan and a bridge to handle the passage of goods and pedestrians. Officials said the Israeli side will be a logistical base for shipping goods to Israeli ports.

The Jordan River Crossing, which opened in November 1994, is the international border crossing between Beit She’an, Israel and Irbid, Jordan.

  Ayoub Kara, Israel, Jordan plan joint industrial zone, Jordan River Crossing, WorldTribune.com