Morocco Projects Industrial Exports Worth $36 Bln in 2022

The flags of Morocco flutter outside Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier which is hosting the FIFA Club World Cup (Reuters)
The flags of Morocco flutter outside Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier which is hosting the FIFA Club World Cup (Reuters)
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Morocco Projects Industrial Exports Worth $36 Bln in 2022

The flags of Morocco flutter outside Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier which is hosting the FIFA Club World Cup (Reuters)
The flags of Morocco flutter outside Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier which is hosting the FIFA Club World Cup (Reuters)

Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, said Tuesday that Morocco's industrial exports should reach 360 billion dirhams ($36 billion) in 2022.

During a session for the House of Councilors on "The outcome of the 2014-2020 Industrial Acceleration Plan", Mezzour recalled that the volume of industrial exports had not exceeded 160 billion dirhams in 2013 (before the Plan was launched).

He highlighted a progression of about 200 billion dirhams in nine years.

This Plan has achieved a "very positive" outcome by exceeding its goal of creating 500,000 jobs, said the Minister.

He added that the plan has also created integrated industrial ecosystems, supported competitiveness, strengthened the confidence of Moroccan and foreign investors in the Moroccan industry, and enhanced the Kingdom's attractiveness as a destination for industrial investment.

Mezzour said that the volume of trade with African states would reach more than 65 billion dirhams in 2022, noting that these exchanges have more than quadrupled during the period 2001-2021, from 10 billion dirhams to 46 billion dirhams in 2021.

“The ambitions are not yet achieved at this level,” he said.

Mezzour said that a set of projects still exist to consolidate trade and partnership with African countries, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the Dakhla Port.

After its completion in 2027, the Port is called to become a high-level gateway to Africa to improve access to African markets and accessibility of the African product to world markets, the Moroccan minister added.



Oman's Asyad Group Plans to Sell at Least 20% of Shipping Unit Via IPO

Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
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Oman's Asyad Group Plans to Sell at Least 20% of Shipping Unit Via IPO

Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency

Oman's state-owned logistics firm Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering, it said on Wednesday, as part of the country's privatization drive.

The group, owned by Oman's sovereign wealth fund, plans to sell a stake of at least 20% in Asyad Shipping Co and float it on the Muscat stock exchange, it said in document detailing its intention to float.

"The intended listing would provide investors with the opportunity to invest in one of the world's largest diversified maritime shipping companies and a key player in the Omani economy," the company said.

Asyad Shipping focuses on transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil and other products. It lists energy firms BP and Shell as well as trading firm Trafigura among its customers and partners.

The offering will be made in two tranches, with 75% made to eligible investors in Oman and qualified institutional and other foreign investors. Of the 75% tranche, 30% of shares have been earmarked for anchor investors, the firm said.

The remaining 25% will be sold to retail investors in Oman.

The subscription period is expected to start next month, after the company has received regulatory approval.

Asyad Shipping plans to pay dividends semi-annually, beginning in September 2025 for the first six months of this year.

Oman Investment Bank, EFG Hermes, JP Morgan and Jefferies are acting as joint global coordinators. Sohar International is acting as joint global coordinator and as issue manager.
Credit Agricole and Societe Generale are joint bookrunners.