On this occasion, Minister of Equipment and Transport, Aziz Rebbah, gave a presentation before the Sovereign on Morocco’s port strategy by 2030 (expected to cost a sum of 60 billion dirhams/7 billion dollars), the various construction phases of the future Nador West Med port, and the development opportunities it offers.

   Designed to meet the various needs of national and international economic partners in terms of port services, Morocco’s port strategy aims to increase the comparative advantage of the Kingdom, explore a market share in international maritime trade between the Mediterranean, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and to build efficient ports, able to promote regional development and to make Morocco a key logistic platform in the region, the minister said.

   Six port clusters have been defined by this strategy, namely the eastern pole (facing Europe and the Mediterranean), the north-western pole (towards the strait of Gibraltar), the Kenitra-Casablanca pole, the Abda- Doukkala pole (center of heavy industry), the Souss-Tensift pole, and the pole of the southern ports.

   Considered the main component of the Eastern pole, the future Nador West Med port complex will be built on an area of 850 ha and is expected to serve as a massive storage platform of petroleum products to supply not only Morocco but also the countries of the region.

   The port, whose first construction phase will require a total budget of 5.9 billion dirhams (1.1 billion dollars), will be connected to a large network of roads, highways and railways for an integrated and sustainable regional development. 

   The King then presided over the signing ceremony of four agreements relating to the financing, construction, and management of Nador West Med port project.

   A new example of the royal Initiatives which aim to promote sustainable development in Morocco’s eastern region, Nador West Med port complex will allow the Kingdom to establish itself at the regional scene to make use of the various opportunities offered by the evolution of international trade including oil, containers and goods.

   The ceremony was attended by the head of government, advisors to HM the King, members of government, representatives of local councils, elected officials, and other civilian and military officials.