Conference in Lyon highlights the development boom in Morocco’s southern provinces

Speakers gathered in Lyon, at the initiative of the Consulate General of Morocco in this French city, highlighted the development boom in the southern provinces of the Kingdom under the enlightened leadership of King Mohammed VI.

This conference, held on Wednesday to mark the 49th anniversary of the glorious Green March under the theme “Southern Provinces of Morocco: Potential and Investment Opportunities,” brought together Morocco’s Consul General in Lyon, Fatima Baroudi, along with several French dignitaries and members of the Moroccan diaspora. It served as an opportunity to highlight the significant achievements made under the Sovereign’s leadership on a national scale, particularly in the Moroccan Sahara.

The various speakers emphasized the wide-ranging development initiatives launched throughout the Kingdom, driven by the Sovereign’s farsighted vision, which has fostered a sustained and renewed momentum for development, progress, and prosperity in the southern provinces.

Thanks to this Vision, they highlighted, the southern provinces have become a center of development and prosperity and a prime destination for major structuring projects and investments, establishing them as a hub for the African continent and a bridge between Europe and Africa.

The various French economic operators and members of the diaspora present followed the different presentations at the conference with great interest, expressing their willingness to support the Kingdom in its efforts toward development and progress, particularly in its southern provinces.

Henri Louis Vedie, Professor Emeritus at HEC-Paris, focused his remarks on the development efforts in these provinces from the organization of the Green March by the late King Hassan II to the present day, emphasizing the New Development Model initiated by King Mohammed VI.

As a keen expert on the Moroccan economy, Mr. Vedie highlighted the reform initiatives that have transformed the region into a hub of attraction and competitiveness in the agricultural and maritime sectors, as well as its vast tourism potential.

For his part, Mr. Tariq Essaid, a management consultant, presented the provisions of the investment charter, which include mechanisms to support investment, improve the business environment, and promote unified and decentralized governance.

Speaking on behalf of the Regional Investment Center (CRI) of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, Nabil Ameziane reviewed the practical aspects of investing in the southern provinces of the Kingdom, notably through the establishment of one-stop shops, such as the one in Dakhla, to better support investors.

The audience then viewed two documentaries: the first tracing the key moments of the historic Green March, and the second showcasing the wealth and various investment opportunities offered by the Dakhla region.

Following this, economic operators who have chosen to invest in the southern provinces shared their success stories in the region, which benefits from a business-friendly and encouraging environment.