HIBAPRESS
The Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, emphasized during the opening of the second session of the African Continental Free Trade Area business forum held in Marrakech, that Morocco continues to consolidate its position as a "key player and strategic partner in strengthening multi-dimensional cooperation between the countries of the continent," thanks to a clear royal vision that makes African integration an irreversible strategic choice.
Aziz Akhannouch noted that this vision is based on enabling Africa to take control of its development path, transforming its natural and human resources into added value within the continent, while strengthening the connection between its regions with the aim of creating an integrated and competitive economic space. The Head of Government touched on the royal initiatives that embody this direction, foremost among them the initiative directed to the Atlantic African countries and the Sahel countries, highlighting that Morocco has placed its advanced port and logistical infrastructure at the disposal of 23 countries overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, in addition to the Sahel countries that do not overlook the sea, in support of South-South cooperation. He also highlighted the importance of major projects that enhance continental economic integration, headed by the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, considering that it goes beyond being just a line for transporting energy, to form a joint industrial platform that benefits vital sectors such as fertilizers and petrochemicals in 13 countries in West Africa. The Head of Government pointed out that Morocco's strong presence in the financial field is an additional lever for this direction, through the Casablanca Finance City, and the spread of national banking groups in more than 20 countries, in addition to the Central Bank of Morocco's joining the payment and settlement system for Africa, which enhances the Kingdom's role in financing continental economic integration.
