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.



Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.