As it stands, the QIZ Protocol is neither a strategy for export-led growth nor an economic “road map to peace" in the region. It is primarily an initiative supported by textile manufacturing interests in Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. The provisions of the QIZ allow uncompetitive labor-intensive industries to remain afloat in spite of dramatic changes in the global economy. The QIZ does not promote much-needed reform and restructuring in Egypt's processed fruits and vegetables sub-sector or the economy at large. Although the agreement does provide a fresh stimulus for exports and an injection of capital investment, it will not create enough jobs to revitalize Egypt's economy. The type of jobs that are created will be labor-intensive and low-skilled in areas that are not internationally competitive without a political agreement.
In general, QIZs aim at developing the social and economic life in Egypt where they have affected the economy at the macro level by increasing job opportunities to many unskilled laborers as well as increasing foreign currency earnings due to the increase in exports.