Malhas: The National Water Carrier and the Gas Pipeline Are Promising Projects with High Returns, and the Fund Is Interested in Them
Malhas: We Are Studying the Possibility of Entering BOT-Based Real Estate Leasing Projects
Malhas: Real Estate and Land Investments Currently Make Up Around 5% of the Fund’s Assets, and We Aim to Reach 10%
Omar Malhas, Chair of the Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF), said Tuesday that the Fund recently purchased several plots of land, including properties in the Amra area, obtained at a preferential price 30% below the administrative rate.
In a statement issued by the Fund, Malhas praised the government’s cooperation and its support in enabling the Fund to participate in these strategic projects. He expressed appreciation for the collaboration that secured the preferential pricing, emphasizing that it represents direct support that enables the Fund to engage in projects that strengthen its long-term returns.
He noted that the Fund has a clear plan for entering real estate development projects and is continuously monitoring available investment opportunities in major national projects. These include the National Water Carrier Project, the Risha Gas Line, energy initiatives, and other strategic infrastructure projects. Malhas affirmed that any national project yielding a return exceeding 10% will fall within the Fund’s investment scope, consistent with its long-term strategy.
Malhas explained that investment in land and real estate forms a key component of the Fund’s investment structure, as it represents a safe and stable investment that ensures solid long-term returns. He highlighted that the average age of Social Security subscribers ranges between 30 and 35 years, making long-term investment both logical and beneficial.
He added that the Fund’s participation in major national infrastructure projects aligns with its approach to improving returns without increasing risk levels. Strategic projects such as the National Water Carrier, the gas transmission pipeline, and the Risha Gas Line offer promising opportunities and enrich the Fund’s investment portfolio.
Malhas pointed out that the development of new areas requires integrated infrastructure, transport systems, and railway networks—projects that also present significant investment opportunities. The Fund may enter these through diverse mechanisms, including Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) real estate leasing, whereby ownership of the project reverts to the Fund after the operating period ends.
He revealed that the Fund’s current investments in real estate and land account for approximately 5% of its total assets, while its investment policy allows expansion up to 10%. Expansion, he emphasized, will target projects that achieve the highest possible returns over periods exceeding ten years.
Regarding treasury bonds, Malhas stated that the Fund holds around 10 billion Jordanian dinars in government bonds denominated in the local currency, noting that these are among the safest investments. The government has never defaulted on its local-currency obligations and consistently pays dues on time.
He also confirmed that the Fund has invested in equity and financing instruments across several major national companies, including the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, in which the Fund owns a 16% stake. These investments have significantly boosted the Fund’s overall returns.
Malhas stressed that investment decisions within the SSIF are institutional and independent, based on thorough studies and not subject to individual discretion.
He added that the Social Security Law and the Investment Fund Regulation clearly define the mechanisms governing participation in investment projects.
Al-Mamlaka TV
