Spain Values Morocco as a Key Partner: Insights from José Estévez

Thursday 13 June 2024 - 12:50

"Spain respects Morocco much more and considers it as an important partner, given the figures and the evolution of the country."

In an exclusive interview with *Atalayar* during the 10th Hispano-Moroccan Meeting on the Sea, Transport, and Logistics, José Estévez, President of the Spanish Official Chamber of Commerce in Tangier-Nador, underscored the vital cooperation between Morocco and Spain. Held at the Barcelo Hotel in Tangier, the event delved into critical topics such as digitization, innovation, cross-border collaboration, and environmental challenges within the transport and maritime sectors.

Estévez expressed his satisfaction with the substantial attendance at this milestone meeting. "Spain and Morocco always say that they are condemned to understand each other. It’s not that we are condemned, I mean that geography cannot be changed. What happens is that I always talk about respect," he stated.

A Growing Mutual Respect

He emphasized, "Yes, we must respect each other more. I think that in recent years, we respect each other, and I am speaking now as Spain. We respect Morocco much more, we consider it as an important partner, given the figures and the evolution of the country; if we are not united, we will never reach the objectives that we want to set for ourselves."

Estévez highlighted Morocco’s strategic initiatives to attract investments, particularly through the updated Investment Charter, which has been pivotal in drawing Spanish investors to the northern region of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima. He noted that King Mohammed VI has prioritized enhancing Morocco’s legal framework to foster investment. The President also pointed to the Nador region's potential, especially the Nador West port, which will boast a container capacity of 12 million, surpassing Tanger Med’s 9 million capacity.

Strategic Importance of Nador

"I think that Nador is also a very important area, and we must ensure security and accompany, especially accompany and communicate, so that people know where they come from, how they can invest, because we are at a short distance, but there is a different culture. Yes, it is necessary to adapt and know how to do business here," Estévez elaborated.

Discussing Spanish ports, Estévez mentioned that collaboration with Tanger Med has yielded mutual benefits, with Motril city playing a significant role in the Nador port development. He stressed Spain’s crucial involvement in the new port, cautioning against leaving it solely to German investors who have recently shown interest in cooperating and investing across all services, transport, and logistics of the new port.

Development of the Dakhla Port

Estévez also touched on the development of the Dakhla port in the Sahara region, which aims to complement the Canary Islands and the Atlantic coast. This is a significant initiative by the King to ensure stability in the Sahel, an area marked by delicate geopolitical dynamics.

Efficient Operations Amid Challenges

Concluding the interview, Estévez expressed satisfaction with the improvements in the Marhaba operation (Crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar), noting its enhanced efficiency compared to 30-40 years ago, thanks to digitalization and modernization efforts. However, he did point out the occasional lapse in maritime companies' adherence to schedules, resulting in long waiting times for trucks awaiting shipment.

José Estévez’s insights provide a comprehensive overview of the burgeoning partnership between Spain and Morocco, underscored by mutual respect and strategic collaboration in key economic sectors.