The Centre régional d'investissement (CRI) de Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra recently organized a meeting to examine investment opportunities in the region and mechanisms to support businesses. The event, held in partnership with the délégation provinciale du commerce et de l'industrie, featured three sessions on investment opportunities, trade strategy, and the role of training in supporting investors. Discussions focused on the region's economic potential, support mechanisms, and access to national, Atlantic, and African markets.
CRI director Mohamed Jifer emphasized that the meeting aimed to provide integrated responses to questions about the investment ecosystem, from identifying opportunities to accessing financing and training human capital. He highlighted the importance of exporting, given the region's relatively small market of 450,000 inhabitants, and stressed the need to orient investments towards external markets, particularly in Africa, to stimulate private investment.
The region has made significant economic progress, with its gross domestic product (GDP) growing from 15 to 33 billion dirhams over the past decade. This growth is attributed to the Nouveau Modèle de développement des provinces du Sud, launched in 2015. CRI secretary general Mohamed Lamine Mbirkat cited the region's diversified training offer, natural resources, and significant land area dedicated to investment as key attractions for investors.
The region's 575 km coastline, featuring several port infrastructures, also presents opportunities for growth. Mbirkat highlighted the CRI's role in promoting investment and supporting project leaders, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The CRI's project bank, comprising over 84 projects across various sectors, was also presented.
The meeting also covered the region's trade strategy for 2025-2027, with a focus on strengthening enterprise capacities and supporting access to international markets. A new export insurance mechanism was announced, designed to cover operations in new markets, particularly in African countries.
The economic development of Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra is expected to benefit various sectors, including blue and green economies, as well as large-scale projects initiated under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. The region's growth prospects are promising, with a focus on supporting SMEs and attracting investment.
The CRI's efforts to promote investment and support businesses in the region are ongoing, with a focus on addressing the needs of entrepreneurs and investors. The meeting demonstrated the region's commitment to economic growth and development, highlighting its potential as a hub for investment and trade.
Key points
- Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra's GDP has grown from 15 to 33 billion dirhams over the past decade.
- The region's coastline stretches 575 km and features several port infrastructures.
- A new export insurance mechanism has been announced to support access to international markets.
