Morocco and Egypt are seeking to strengthen economic ties through cooperation in ports, industrial zones, and logistics. A meeting between Egyptian Ambassador to Morocco Ahmed Nihad Abdel Latif and Mehdi Tazi-Riffi, CEO of Tanger Med Group, discussed opportunities for collaboration between the two countries' ports and industrial zones. The talks aimed to increase trade, attract investment, and improve access to international markets. This effort is part of a broader push to develop a comprehensive economic partnership between the two nations.
The meeting built on previous discussions between the two countries, including the first session of the Joint Coordination and Follow-up Committee held in Cairo on April 6. The committee, chaired by the prime ministers of both countries, reflected a shared commitment to economic cooperation. Abdel Latif highlighted Egypt's industrial and production capabilities, as well as its recent progress in infrastructure and transportation. He emphasized the potential for cooperation in these areas.
Tazi-Riffi presented Tanger Med's model, which integrates port operations with industrial zones and logistics services. He noted the port's role in facilitating international trade and the movement of goods between markets. The two sides discussed potential cooperation between Tanger Med and Egyptian ports, including those operated by the Suez Canal Authority and the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
The discussions also explored opportunities to exchange expertise in port and industrial zone management, improve transportation networks, and encourage partnerships between Moroccan and Egyptian companies. Such cooperation could support manufacturing, exports, and investment while improving access to African and European markets for products from both countries.
Morocco is currently advancing major projects to expand its maritime infrastructure, including the Tanger Med 3 and Nador West Med port complexes. King Mohammed VI recently chaired a working meeting to review progress on these projects. The Nador West Med complex has attracted MAD 54 billion ($5.4 billion) in public and private investment, with its first container terminal expected to begin operations soon.
The Tanger Med 3 project will add an annual handling capacity of 4.5 million containers, with an investment of MAD 8 billion ($800 million). The project includes 1,200 meters of quays and is expected to increase the port complex's total annual capacity to 20 million containers once completed. The King emphasized the importance of ensuring these investments create employment opportunities and benefit surrounding communities.
Egypt's strategic location around the Suez Canal and Morocco's position between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean provide both countries with geographical advantages. They are seeking to leverage these advantages by developing their port infrastructure and strengthening industrial and logistics connections. While the October 30 meeting did not announce specific agreements or investment commitments, it identified areas for closer cooperation between port authorities, businesses, and industrial operators.
Key points
- Morocco and Egypt are exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in ports, industrial zones, and logistics to increase trade and attract investment.
- The two countries are seeking to develop a comprehensive economic partnership through increased trade, joint investments, and cooperation in transportation and logistics.
- Morocco is advancing major port expansion projects, including Tanger Med 3 and Nador West Med, to strengthen its position in international trade.
