Economic relations between Morocco and Spain, strengthened by the signing of the collaboration agreement between the ports of Tanger Med and Algeciras, play a pivotal role in the development of Moroccan and Spanish port infrastructures, according to Hassan Abkari, Managing Director of the Tanger Med Port Authority (TMPA).

Speaking at a round table organized by TMPA, in partnership with the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras and the Moroccan Exporters Association (ASMEX), Abkari felt that this agreement, to be concluded in 2019, "symbolizes the two countries' shared commitment to enhanced cooperation, aimed at improving logistics capacities and port services, and promoting sustainable solutions to the challenges of modern maritime trade".

"The port of Tanger Med has demonstrated its crucial role as a trade hotspot, with remarkable performances in terms of container traffic and vessel reception," noted Abkari during the meeting, attended by Spain's ambassador to Morocco, Enrique Ojeda Vila, under the theme "The maritime connection between the Port of Tanger Med and the Port of Algeciras: a model for the integration of regional logistics chains".

After noting the port's ability to handle a massive amount of traffic and achieve record levels of productivity, testifying to its efficiency and strategic importance in the region, the official highlighted "the Atlantic Initiative, which reflects the Royal Vision for continental development, and underlines Morocco's commitment to using its infrastructure to support the development of the countries of the South".

In this sense, Abkari stressed that Morocco plays a pivotal role in the region's economic development, fostering stronger regional integration and improved access to global markets.

For his part, ASMEX President Hassan Sentissi declared that, while maritime transport is the world's largest link in the logistics chain, "the connections and synergies between the ports of Tangier Med and Algeciras, the main ports in the Mediterranean, need to be strengthened for regional integration to benefit growth and trade with the European Union. "The connections and synergies between the ports of Tangier Med and Algeciras, the main ports of the Mediterranean, are set to be strengthened for regional integration to benefit growth and trade with the European Union (EU)", he added.

In his opinion, the fluidity of port crossings and the reduction of transit times should be improved by strengthening the dematerialization and digitization of procedures at both ports.

The day was an opportunity for participants, professionals and players from the industrial and maritime sectors, to examine ways of promoting trade between Morocco and Spain, and to explore topical issues, notably the integration of the two countries' value chains, and the importance of cooperation between the various players on either side of the Mediterranean to strengthen regional connectivity.

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