Morocco's Minister of Commerce and Industry Ryad Mezzour urged Spanish investors to seize opportunities to invest in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region.
"You must seize the opportunities today before tomorrow," asserted the Minister.
Speaking at the first edition of the Spain-Morocco investment forum in Dakhla, Mezzour pointed out that the region has great opportunities for investment in various sectors such as agriculture, tourism, renewable energies, and green hydrogen.
He added that Morocco witnessed a transformation over the past 20 years, during which the growth rate increased, boosting the Kingdom's position in investment and competitiveness.
About 200 Spanish investors attended the forum, organized by the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region in partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The Minister discussed the importance of the project of the port of Dakhla, which is under construction, saying it will provide a significant industrial and trade region between Europe and Africa.
He referred to the industrial transformation in Morocco benefiting from its location, saying that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation was able to overcome its repercussions.
President of the Dakhla Region Yanja Khattat said at the opening session that the region is a land of opportunities for profitable investments.
"The forum is a strong signal for national and international investments, especially for the Spanish people."
Khattat pointed out that Morocco adopted a new development model for the Moroccan desert regions launched by King Mohammed VI in 2015, including seven development programs in infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, culture, and the environment.
The President of the Dakhla region said that development provides investment opportunities through a program that includes integrated growth, natural resources and sustainable tourism development.
He stressed the importance of Dakhla and its geographical location, making it a gateway to the African market.
Governor of Aousserd province Abderrahaman el-Jaouhari said in a speech on behalf of the governor of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region that Spain's recognition of autonomy in the Moroccan Sahara paved the way for boosting the bilateral relations.
He explained that the Dakhla region provides promising investment opportunities.
He recalled the call of King Mohammed VI to achieve a south-south and south-north partnership given the Dakhla region's location.
Representative of the Spanish delegation Marie Jose Tato said that as an investor in Dakhla, she feels at home.
"My first adventure as an entrepreneur in Morocco was one of skepticism," Tato said.
"I didn't know what I would find if there would be legal certainty... And over time, I have come to feel at home. Here there is a great willingness to collaborate with Spanish companies, much optimism, and a great desire to work", she noted.
Tato recalled the great opportunities Dakhla offers and stated that the region enjoys security and is characterized by ongoing development.
