Saint-‰tienne: Investment opportunities in the Kingdom’s southern provinces were the focus of a conference held over the weekend in Saint-‰tienne. Organized by the Consulate General of Morocco in Lyon in partnership with the Loire department, the conference provided an opportunity to highlight the new development model and its implementation in the southern provinces.
According to Ghana News Agency, the conference presented ongoing structural reforms in governance, sustainable economics, and the territorialization of public policies. The focus was on regional integration dynamics and new economic routes to Africa, positioning Morocco as a hub. The Laayoune Regional Investment Center (CRI) presented a paper on operational mechanisms and concrete investment opportunities in the region. These included investor support mechanisms such as a one-stop shop, tax incentives, and support services, emphasizing the Laayoune region’s strengths in natural resources, logistics infrastructure, renewable energy, and connectivity.
The event also showcased successful models of foreign investment projects in sectors like agribusiness, fisheries, energy, and logistics. Moroccan Consul General in Lyon, Fatima Baroudi, spoke at the conference’s opening, recalling recent milestones in France-Morocco relations. This included exchanges between officials, Morocco’s presence at fairs and festivals, and France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara. These developments contribute to strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in economic cooperation.
Baroudi highlighted France as a major economic partner and expressed hopes for a prosperous future together. She emphasized the importance of increased investment in Morocco’s southern provinces, noting its role in strengthening stability and development. George Ziegler, President of the Loire Department, celebrated the territorial cooperation with Morocco, while Dominique Shuffenecker, Secretary General of the Loire Prefecture, spoke about understanding investment opportunities and developing economic relations.
Fabienne Perrin, Departmental Councilor in charge of housing in Saint-Etienne, admired the development momentum in Morocco under King Mohammed VI’s leadership. Economist Tariq Essaid discussed legal and financial mechanisms for investors, including the investment charter, and highlighted prospects for economic cooperation between Morocco and France, given the strengths of both nations and their commitment to a strengthened partnership.