Morocco-France economic forum to spotlight southern provinces as investment hub
The Morocco-France Economic Forum will convene in Dakhla on October 9, bringing together over 50 French companies, including several CAC 40 giants, to explore Morocco’s southern provinces as a rising investment destination. The forum aims to deepen bilateral ties and highlight new opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and agro-industry.
Chakib Alj, president of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), emphasized the significance of hosting this event in Dakhla, a city poised to become a major hub for regional and international cooperation. Alj described the forum as a “game changer” for Morocco-France relations, offering a platform to launch innovative projects and strengthen economic ties.
The event is organized in partnership with MEDEF International and will feature plenary sessions, business-to-business meetings, and project showcases. Senior business leaders, including Mohamed El Kettani and Ross McInnes, co-presidents of the France-Morocco Business Leaders Club, are expected to attend, alongside institutional and political representatives.
Strengthening Morocco-France ties
Economic statistics highlight the depth of Morocco-France relations. Bilateral trade reached €14.1 billion in 2023, with France ranking as Morocco’s second-largest trading partner and investor. French foreign direct investment in Morocco amounted to €8.4 billion in 2023, while Moroccan investments in France rose sharply to €1.7 billion the same year.
The forum will also underscore the untapped potential of Morocco’s southern provinces, where significant development projects are underway. Dakhla alone contributes over MAD3 billion annually to Morocco’s fishing sector and hosts renewable energy projects worth more than MAD22 billion, with a capacity of 1.4 GW. The upcoming Dakhla Atlantic Port, envisioned as a critical link between Europe and Africa, is expected to further elevate the region’s economic importance.
Alj described the southern provinces as “a new frontier for investment” and called on Moroccan and French economic actors to seize the opportunity to transform bilateral cooperation into sustainable socio-economic growth.
A platform for innovation and partnership
Organizers say the forum reflects a royal vision to solidify Morocco’s position as a gateway for investment and innovation in Africa, particularly in green energy and sustainable development. The gathering will focus on fostering value chains, advancing the green transition, and strengthening connectivity between Europe and Africa.
The forum is seen as a practical step toward realizing French President Emmanuel Macron’s vision of a “strengthened exceptional partnership” with Morocco. It is expected to redefine bilateral cooperation and position the southern provinces as a cornerstone of future investments.
“I encourage all stakeholders to make this forum the starting point for a new era of innovation and prosperity in Morocco’s southern regions,” Alj concluded.
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