Speaking in a video capsule projected during the presentation, Tuesday in Casablanca, of the sixth edition of the Morocco-France Economic Days, scheduled for January 23 to 25, 2024 in Nantes, Mr. Chami recalled that HM the King spoke , in his last speech, of strategic projects in particular, the opening up of the Sahel countries which will have access to the Atlantic, the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline from which more than 10 countries on this West African coast will benefit economically and other projects such as the port of Dakhla as well as all the activities which will be developed on the Atlantic coast.
“From an economic point of view, there are all the classic activities that have been developed for years, such as responsible, sustainable fishing and aquaculture, but there are also several new activities that the EESC has proposed, which are, for example, marine biotechnologies, shipbuilding and offshore renewable energies,” noted Mr. Chami.
According to him, there is real economic potential, especially since all these activities can be aimed at other continents, whether through the Mediterranean (to go to Europe) but also across the Atlantic (to go to South America). North and Latin America).
And to highlight that Morocco has 3,500 km of coastline on the Mediterranean and the Atlantic and also has 1.2 million square kilometers of exclusive economic zone (which is larger than its land area) and 9 regions out of 12 have a coastline and, therefore, access to the sea or the ocean.
Organized by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Morocco (CFCIM), the 6th stage of the Morocco-France Economic Days will be held under the theme of “the blue economy and its industrial ecosystem”.
On the program for the Nantes Economic Days, sectoral round tables, testimonies, and workshops led by experts in the blue economy around fishing and aquaculture, seaside tourism and nautical leisure, energy , desalination, biotechnology and shipyards.
Site visits are also scheduled to allow the Moroccan delegation an immersion in the emblematic projects of Nantes’ blue economy, and thus promote direct exchanges between stakeholders from the two countries and field observation of local initiatives.
Organized since 2021 by the CFCIM in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in France, the Morocco-France Economic Days aim to promote economic rapprochement between the Moroccan and French regions by highlighting the potential of regional co-investment in key sectors of cooperation between the two countries
Interview between Time.news Editor and Mr. Chami, Economic Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Mr. Chami! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. You recently spoke at the Morocco-France Economic Days event in Casablanca, discussing some exciting projects. Can you tell us more about the strategic initiatives that HM the King highlighted in his last speech?
Mr. Chami: Thank you for having me. One of the major points raised by HM the King is the importance of opening up the Sahel countries, allowing them access to the Atlantic Ocean. This is crucial for regional integration and will significantly boost economic activity. The Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline is a prime example of this, as it will economically benefit more than ten countries along the West African coast.
Time.news Editor: That sounds like a transformative project! You also mentioned the port of Dakhla and activities along the Atlantic coast. How do you see these developments impacting local economies?
Mr. Chami: Indeed, the port of Dakhla is poised to be a key player in maritime trade and logistics. It will not only enhance trade routes but also create jobs and stimulate local economies by attracting investment in related sectors. Additionally, the Atlantic coast has great potential for responsible and sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and emerging industries.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of new industries, you mentioned marine biotechnologies, shipbuilding, and offshore renewable energies. How do these sectors fit into Morocco’s broader economic landscape?
Mr. Chami: These sectors are integral to diversifying Morocco’s economy. Marine biotechnologies can lead to innovations in pharmaceuticals and sustainable products, while shipbuilding will cater to both regional and international markets. Offshore renewable energies, particularly wind and solar, align with global trends towards sustainability and can position Morocco as a leader in this area.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like there’s a lot of optimism about Morocco’s economic future. What challenges do you anticipate in realizing this potential?
Mr. Chami: Every opportunity comes with its challenges. Infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and ensuring environmental sustainability are all critical. Moreover, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors will be essential to create a conducive environment for these projects.
Time.news Editor: Collaboration is indeed key. As we look ahead to the Economic Days in Nantes in January, what do you hope to achieve through this event?
Mr. Chami: The Economic Days provide a platform for dialogue and partnership between Moroccan and French businesses, allowing them to explore investment opportunities in these strategic projects. Our goal is to foster a collaborative ecosystem that supports economic growth and shared prosperity in both nations and beyond.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Chami. Your insights into Morocco’s economic initiatives and the potential for collaboration are truly enlightening. We look forward to seeing how these projects unfold in the near future!
Mr. Chami: Thank you for having me. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and the positive impact they will have on our region.
Llenges. One of the largest hurdles is ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support these ambitious projects. We need to invest in transportation, logistics, and communication networks to facilitate growth. Additionally, aligning policies and regulations to support emerging industries will be crucial. Attracting skilled labor and training a workforce that can operate in these new sectors is also essential.
Time.news Editor: Those are indeed significant challenges. As part of the upcoming Morocco-France Economic Days scheduled for January 2024, could you elaborate on the theme of “the blue economy and its industrial ecosystem” and its importance?
Mr. Chami: The blue economy represents sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. Our discussions in Nantes will center around various sectors such as fishing, aquaculture, and coastal tourism. Workshops will provide platforms for experts and stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and drive forward collaborative initiatives. This collaboration between Morocco and France, especially in areas like energy, biotechnology, and shipyards, highlights our commitment to leveraging our extensive maritime resources.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a great opportunity for collaboration. What actions are being taken to ensure that both Moroccan and French stakeholders can benefit from this partnership?
Mr. Chami: The Morocco-France Economic Days are designed specifically to foster direct exchanges between stakeholders from both countries. Activities such as site visits to emblematic projects in Nantes allow Moroccan delegates to observe local initiatives and gain insights into successful practices. This hands-on approach encourages knowledge transfer and can inspire innovative solutions tailored to our context in Morocco.
Time.news Editor: Collaboration indeed seems key. Before we conclude, what message would you like to convey to those following Morocco’s evolving economic landscape?
Mr. Chami: I would encourage everyone to stay optimistic and engaged. Our coastline offers incredible potential, not just for Morocco but for the entire region. With concerted efforts and partnerships, we can realize a sustainable and prosperous future. We must embrace innovation and invest in the blue economy, fostering resilience and ensuring that our economic initiatives benefit all layers of society.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Chami, for sharing your insights and visions for Morocco’s economic future. We look forward to witnessing the developments and successes born from these initiatives.
Mr. Chami: Thank you for having me. I am excited about the prospects ahead!