His Majesty King Abdullah was briefed Saturday on Bechtel Corporation's work plans and mechanisms to be followed in preparing a scheme for the development of Aqaba.

The King was briefed by Bechtel Vice President Donald Marshall on the preliminary studies the corporation has conducted to design a strategic plan for the development of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ).

The plan is to be carried out according to an integrated approach and is to come out with an institutional framework for the committee entrusted with the development of Aqaba.

During yesterday's meeting, attended by Chief of the Royal Court Fayez Tarawneh, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority Chief Commissioner Akel Biltaji and other ASEZA commissioners, King Abdullah commended the efforts of the authority and Bechtel Corporation to develop the Red Sea city, stressing the need to implement the plan as soon as possible.

Marshall explained that the US firm will work in cooperation with ASEZA to execute the overall plan for the economic zone and to assist in the provision of infrastructure and public services, land development, and the establishment of enterprises.

ASEZA will invite developers to set up a heavy industries city, and complexes for technical industries, storage and logistic services, company offices, and housing.

On June 7, ASEZA chose Bechtel Corporation as an interim manager and signed an agreement with the engineering giant to manage, market and promote the Red Sea hub in conjunction with a private sector development company.

Twenty days later, ASEZA and the US firm agreed on the work plan for the implementation of the services for the first stage.

According to officials from the two sides, the first stage, including evaluations and studies by the US firm, will continue for three months. Bechtel began work in Aqaba on July 12.