HIBAPRESS-RABAT-MEF
Recently, the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Kingdom of Morocco organized a study mission to Portugal and Spain. This initiative is part of efforts aimed at deepening the understanding of the operating dynamics of coastal clusters, currently in the development phase in Morocco.
The Moroccan delegation included representatives of 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 Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima and Souss-Massa regions (Wilaya, Regional Investment Center, Tanger Med, etc.), accompanied by representatives of the private sector.
Lisbon – Oceano Forum and innovative initiatives
The mission began in Lisbon with a meeting with the Forum Oceano, 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 program, 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-world challenges through pilot projects and collaborations. The Directorate General for Maritime Policy, for its part, presented the European Union’s integrated action in maritime policy, covering the Atlantic basins and the WestMED initiative.
Vigo – Collaboration opportunities and technology transfers
In Vigo, the delegation was received by Mr. Carlos Botana Lagaron, President of the Port of Vigo, the first European port to apply a comprehensive blue growth strategy. This meeting made it possible to explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Mr. 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. Furthermore, 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 Mr. Javier Garat Pérez, President of the Spanish Maritime Cluster, who shared the successes of collaboration between Spanish maritime stakeholders. He notably 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 innovative initiatives department presented government measures as well as 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 Mr. Fran Gonzalez, State Delegate to the Cádiz Free Zone. The “Incubazul” project, an incubator promoting innovation and talents in the blue economy, was presented to the delegation, who also visited the free zone facilities, 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.
