Moroccan study mission to Portugal and Spain to strengthen the blue economy
Hibapress
The Ministry of Economy and Finance organized a study mission to Portugal and Spain from September 16 to 20.
This initiative is part of efforts to deepen understanding of the dynamics of the functioning of coastal clusters, currently in the development phase in Morocco, the ministry said in a press release.
The Moroccan delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Department of Maritime Fisheries, the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture (ANDA), as well as key players in the blue economy of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima and Souss-Massa regions (Wilaya, Regional Investment Center, Tangier Med, etc.), accompanied by representatives of the private sector, the press release said.
Lisbon – Oceano Forum and innovative initiatives
The mission began in Lisbon with a meeting with the Oceano Forum, at the Hydrographic Institute, allowing the delegation to appreciate the innovative initiatives and projects that strengthen this innovation hub, such as the Hub Azul Portugal, the Blue Digital Hub, and the Roteiro Naval CarbonoZero.
The Tagus Innov programme, an OpenInnovation initiative of the Port of Lisbon, launched by the Portugal Blue Digital Hub to stimulate maritime innovation in the leisure and tourism sectors, was also presented.
Tagus Innov aims to address real challenges through pilot projects and collaborations. The Directorate-General for Maritime Policy presented the European Union’s integrated action on maritime policy, covering the Atlantic basins and the WestMED initiative.
Vigo – Opportunities for collaboration and technology transfers
In Vigo, the delegation was received by Carlos Botana Lagaron, president of the port of Vigo, the first European port to implement a global blue growth strategy.
This meeting allowed to explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Oscar Gomez, director of the Aclunaga naval cluster, also presented the support provided to companies in the naval sector.
The delegation then visited the University of Vigo, more specifically the Campus do Mar, dedicated to research and teaching in marine sciences, as well as the Toralla Ecimat maritime station.
In addition, the members of the delegation participated in fishing tourism activities organized by the Amarturmar association.
Madrid – Meeting with the Spanish Maritime Cluster
In Madrid, the delegation met with Javier Garat Pérez, President of the Spanish Maritime Cluster, who shared the successes of collaboration between Spanish maritime stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of the governance system, the organization of the cluster, its legal form, as well as human resources, partnerships and financing.
At the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, the Director of the Department of Innovative Initiatives presented government measures and financing mechanisms intended to support clusters, including those linked to the blue economy.
Cadiz – Visit to the free zone and the Incubazul project
The mission concluded in Cádiz, where the delegation was welcomed by Fran Gonzalez, State Delegate to the Cádiz Free Zone. The delegation was presented with the “Incubazul” project, an incubator that promotes innovation and talent in the blue economy, and also visited the facilities of the free zone, including the new incubator built from recycled shipping containers.
This study mission reflects Morocco’s desire to draw inspiration from international best practices to consolidate its own initiatives in the field of the blue economy, while promoting opportunities for international collaboration.
