Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to show that turning Jordan into an economic free zone will lead to a significant increase in foreign investments. This increase, in turn, will lead to an economic growth and to a reduction in the unemployment rate. Jordan is a developing country and any successful investments in the economy sector will have a positive impact on the quality of the social life of its people. This is particularly important now in view of the economic pressure that Jordan is going through as a result of the presence of a huge number of immigrants who have fled the civil wars in neighboring countries.  
 
 Methodology: This study has utilized the relevant literature by way of evaluating the benefits of establishing economic free zones in Jordan. Many of the findings are based on analyzing statistical information published by governmental institutions in Jordan.
 
 Findings: Jordan offers an attractive investment environment due to the security and stability it enjoys compared with other countries in the Arab region. As such, it has succeeded in establishing new economic free zones through partnership with foreign investors. This has led to a significant increase in the flow of more foreign investments in Jordan. The present study shows that turning the whole of Jordan into an economic free zone will lead to yet a further increase of foreign investments, and hence to more empowerment of the economic sector. 
 
 Limitations:  The quantitative data available is limited to the years 1999-2007.
 
 Value: The findings of this study can be a point of departure for researchers and economic decision-makers in Jordan to prepare economic plans with the purpose of attracting foreign investments and hence promoting economic growth in the country.
Highlights
Developing countries are facing many economic problems that are expected to worsen over time if no real efforts are exerted towards solving them
The present study shows that turning the whole of Jordan into an economic free zone will lead to yet a further increase of foreign investments, and to more empowerment of the economic sector
This study aims to show that turning Jordan entirely into an economic free zone can attract more foreign investments and secure more growth in the economic sector
Summary
Developing countries are facing many economic problems that are expected to worsen over time if no real efforts are exerted towards solving them. Perhaps the most urgent of these problems include high inflation, unemployment, and an increasing deficit in the state budget. These problems are caused basically by the scarcity of natural resources and strict governmental legislations relating to trade and investment, which works to discourage the private sector from investing in economic projects. Jordan is placing lots of emphasis on improving its economy and as such its successive governments have been devising strategic plans to attract more foreign investments under the guidance of its supreme political authority. This study aims to show that turning Jordan entirely into an economic free zone can attract more foreign investments and secure more growth in the economic sector
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