This forum, organized by the council of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region in partnership with the African Chamber of Commerce and Services and the Regional Investment Center, aims to create a dynamic and rich space for exchanges between Moroccan economic actors, African and foreign countries, and to promote economic integration and joint South-South cooperation.
This event, whose guest of honor is the Republic of Chad and which saw the participation of economic actors and members of African chambers of commerce and services, is a real forum for interaction between the experiences of numerous economic, financial and business circles for the joint development of innovative investment dynamics.
The Ambassador, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), Mohamed Methqal underlined the importance of organizing this forum in the region of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab which will contribute to the strengthening of South-South partnerships. , the development of investment and trade between African countries, the acceleration of regional economic integration and the promotion of this region and its multiple potentialities.
He affirmed, in this regard, that HM King Mohammed VI has never ceased, since his enthronement, to plead and act for a stable, modern, open, prosperous Africa, confident in itself, assuming and taking charge of its future.
Thanks to the vision initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, advocating united and active south-south cooperation, a real national dynamic has been in place for more than twenty years, involving both the public and private sectors. , civil society and all the country’s active forces to contribute to the emergence of a new and strong Africa, he said.
The Director General of AMCI noted that the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Chad share a total convergence of views thanks to the ties of fraternity and cooperation which unite them, specifying that the excellence of bilateral political relations is backed by lasting economic ties and rich and multifaceted cooperation, as evidenced by the multitude of cooperation agreements signed between the two countries in different areas of common interest.
“If our relationship is indeed old, it is constantly strengthening and our cooperation is constantly increasing,” he continued, welcoming Chad’s “constant, clear and unambiguous” position on the Moroccan nature of the Sahara.
In this context, he welcomed the decision taken by the Republic of Chad to soon open a consulate general in Dakhla.
For his part, the president of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, El Khattat Yanja stressed that this economic forum, in which important African economic players participated, constitutes an opportunity to present the potential of the region as a gateway to entry of the Kingdom to the countries of the continent and a real gateway to strengthen relations between Morocco and its African depth.
He added that this event denotes the particular interest given to this region in particular and the Kingdom of Morocco in general, to integrated, inclusive and sustainable economic development in its broader dimensions and based on South-South and North-South cooperation. South mutually beneficial and on a win-win principle.
“The Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region is following this path. It aims to build multiple, homogeneous and energy-liberating economic relationships that will help propel both our southern regions and our continent through levers that generate sustainable growth and development. integrated,” he said.
Mr. Yanja noted that the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region confirms its adherence to the visionary policy of HM King Mohammed VI which aims to put the Atlantic coast of the Moroccan Sahara at the service of development, cooperation and economic integration with Africa and to strengthen the ties that unite the Kingdom to other countries on the continent.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Chad to Morocco, Hassan Adoum Bakhit Haggar indicated that the new vision of Africa in terms of development is based on the need for the countries of the continent to rely on their own resources and means and to build complementarity between them to face common challenges, calling on the private sector to play its role in creating value and jobs and establishing win-win partnerships.
He added that Chad, which is participating in the work of this economic forum with a large delegation, wishes to conclude partnerships and cooperation agreements, in particular with Morocco which offers exceptional opportunities to African countries within the framework of a southern relationship. -south economic development.
During this forum, three partnership agreements were signed between the African Chamber of Commerce and Services, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture, Mines and Crafts of Chad, the National Council of Entrepreneurs of Chad and African Global Health.
On this occasion, two presentations were also presented on “Chad, land of economic opportunities: industries, agriculture, livestock, economic zones” and “Dakhla, an economic platform with significant potential”.
The program of this forum also included debates on subjects such as “The African intercontinental free trade zone: development of roads, railway networks and Atlantic ports in Africa”, “African intangible heritage, a driving force for economy ?” and “Project financing, what tools in a context of crises and shortages?”
This economic forum took place in the presence of the wali of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, governor of the province of Oued Eddahab, Ali Khalil.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Mohamed Methqal, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Methqal. The recent forum held in Dakhla-Oued Eddahab seems to have been a significant event for fostering South-South cooperation in Africa. Can you elaborate on the goals of this forum and why Dakhla-Oued Eddahab was chosen as the location?
Mohamed Methqal: Thank you for having me. The forum was designed to create a rich exchange platform among Moroccan economic actors, as well as with their counterparts from African and foreign countries. We chose Dakhla-Oued Eddahab specifically because it is a region with immense potential—both economically and strategically—acting as a gateway for Morocco to the rest of Africa. The setting aligns with our vision of strengthening regional integration and economic solidarity.
Time.news Editor: The Republic of Chad was the guest of honor at the forum. How do you see Chad’s role in this South-South dynamic, and what does their participation signify for Morocco-Chad relations?
Mohamed Methqal: Chad’s involvement showcases the depth of our cooperation. The bilateral relationship between Morocco and Chad has always been founded on fraternity and mutual interests. By inviting Chad, we’ve signified our commitment to not just strengthening economic ties, but also showcasing how shared values and cooperation can accelerate growth and development in the region. Chad’s commitment to opening a consulate in Dakhla is a monumental step towards solidifying these relations.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision for a stable and prosperous Africa. How does this vision translate into actionable policies for Morocco, especially regarding its African partnerships?
Mohamed Methqal: His Majesty has long advocated for active South-South cooperation. This transcends verbal commitments; it’s about creating a framework where both public and private sectors can thrive. Over the last two decades, we’ve seen a tangible shift—a national dynamic has emerged where various stakeholders have collaborated to ensure a strong Africa. This means not just economic cooperation but also cultural and social exchanges to strengthen our African identity and capacities.
Time.news Editor: The president of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region emphasized that economic development needs to be integrated, inclusive, and sustainable. How does Morocco, through forums like this, ensure these values are upheld?
Mohamed Methqal: Integrated and sustainable development requires a collaborative approach. At events like this, we promote dialogues that align with mutually beneficial principles. It’s about leveraging our combined resources and advantages. For instance, creating networks that support local businesses while encouraging investment from abroad ensures a win-win scenario where all parties can thrive.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what is the next step for Morocco in its strategy of economic integration and cooperation with African nations?
Mohamed Methqal: The next step is to deepen these partnerships further, creating specific collaborative projects that address our continent’s challenges—be it in trade, agriculture, or technology. We need to follow up this forum with concrete actions, such as investment platforms and trade missions that ensure our discussions translate into real opportunities for all stakeholders involved.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Methqal, for providing us with such valuable insights. The commitment to South-South cooperation is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how these relationships evolve and bear fruit.
Mohamed Methqal: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s an exciting time for African cooperation, and I am optimistic about the future we are building together.