Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Mohamed Abdeljalil announced a new strategic study to establish a robust and competitive national commercial maritime fleet, in alignment with the Royal Guidelines announced in King Mohammed VI’s speech on the 48th anniversary of the Green March on Tuesday.
Addressing Morocco’s Upper House, Abdeljalil highlighted that the study would evaluate Morocco’s current commercial navigation with a view to aligning it with international best practices and creating a favorable environment for investment to enhance the sector’s contribution to Morocco’s overall economy.
He noted the interrelationship between maritime transport and port development in attracting international investment and elevating the competitiveness of Morocco’s global maritime connectivity, as well as in creating job opportunities.
The official asserted that Morocco’s economic policy is based on “openness and liberalization, aiming to create wealth, develop the economy, and create employment opportunities.”
Over the past twenty years, he noted, sectors such as road freight transport, air transport, maritime transport, and port services have been privatized. This has attracted international investment and improved Morocco’s maritime connectivity index, now ranking 20th globally with over 184 ports in 71 countries.
Concerning Morocco’s southern provinces, King Mohammed VI’s royal directives have refocused the Kingdom’s Atlantic orientation. He has stated his commitment to a national coastal upgrade, including the Sahara region Atlantic coastline, with a view to expanding operations all over Africa.
The monarch’s vision is for Morocco’s Atlantic coast to become a hub for human engagement, economic integration, and continental and international influence. Projects are underway to ensure services and infrastructure for the economic development of the southern provinces, including a robust, commercial, national maritime fleet.
The vision also includes promoting an integrated maritime economy, exploring offshore natural resources, investing in maritime fishing, expanding desalination operations, and supporting renewable energies.