BEIJING - Jordan is looking to attract Chinese investment for its key industries by highlighting its location advantage as a gateway for companies expanding into the Middle East and North Africa and the Europe.

"We have many projects in our portfolio that welcome Chinese investors. One is the national railway network connecting Jordan to other developed economies, which could make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest in those economies," Elias S. Farraj, a deputy CEO on the Jordan Investment Board, told China Daily.

"We also plan to set up Jordan's first nuclear power station by 2015, and both China and the United States have shown an interest and are currently bidding on the project," said Farraj.

According to the Jordan Investment Board, agriculture, information software, healthcare, and solar power are driving the country's economic growth and absorbing much of the investment from abroad.

"Chinese companies are looking for markets and Jordan is giving China access to not only neighboring countries but also Turkey and the US, so we hope to attract more investment through a long-term relationship," said Nour al Hmoud, head of the Jordan Investment Board's investment promotion department.

Trade between China and Jordan has grown at a fast pace in recent years and Chinese investment there has equaled that of Jordanian companies investing in China.

Jordan's AQABA National Real Estate Project Co Ltd has invested $7 million in a Jordan Chinese commercial center as part of an effort to promote Chinese imports.

"Facilities in the commercial center are ready and we hope to attract many Chinese companies and to find business opportunities with Jordanian companies," said Ahmad Halaiqah, a general manager at AQABA.

China Daily