🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Laâyoune strengthens its position as a strategic commercial hub
via Le Matin2 min read
Laâyoune recently hosted the fifth stage of Portnet SA's regional foreign trade meetings caravan, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services of the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region and the National Ports Agency. The event brought together institutional representatives and economic operators to support the transformation of Moroccan foreign trade and highlight the strategic potential of the South. This regional stage confirms Laâyoune's growing importance as an economic hub, moving beyond its role as a mere administrative center. During the event, Portnet's Director General, Youssef Ahouzi, emphasized digitalization as a key driver for improving the competitiveness of Moroccan businesses and streamlining trade. The Portnet platform was presented, showcasing new functionalities, simplified administrative procedures, and expanded coverage for foreign trade processes. These technical advancements are crucial for retaining investors and facilitating trade flows in an increasingly competitive international environment, where the dematerialization of customs and commercial processes is essential. Beyond digital transformation, discussions highlighted major projects in the region, including the development of industrial zones in Laâyoune, Boujdour, and Tarfaya, which provide suitable land and equipment for logistics and manufacturing operators. The Regional Investment Center was recognized for its role in supporting project developers, while the expanding port
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
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Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, the Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, announced that the first phase of Morocco's National High and Very High Speed Broadband Development Plan has been completed. This phase covered over 10,690 out of 10,740 zones with 2G, 3G, and 4G telecommunication services. The second phase of the plan has been launched, aiming to cover and improve services for 2,000 new rural areas by 2026. These areas were identified through a participatory approach involving local authorities, parliamentarians, and local elected officials. Satellite technologies VSAT are being used in areas difficult to serve by terrestrial networks, with each customer eligible for 2,500 dirhams in financial support per subscription, for up to 4,000 beneficiaries annually. Additionally, 5G has been launched in over 50 cities, serving approximately 7 million subscribers. Operators have committed to investments exceeding 80 billion dirhams by 2035 to expand this service, aiming to cover 45% of the population by 2026 and 85% by 2030. Efforts are also underway to implement the national fiber optic plan, which seeks to equip 5.6 million homes by 2030 by strengthening infrastructure sharing among operators and mandating fiber optic equipment in new subdivisions and infrastructure.
Mr. Toufiq announced that 34,000 individuals will benefit from the Hajj for the 1447H season. In response to an oral question in the House of Representatives regarding "improving Hajj services and ensuring optimal organization of this operation," posed by the Authenticity and Modernity group, Mr. Toufiq stated that the cost of Hajj under the official organization has been set at 63,121 dirhams, a decrease of 3,000 dirhams compared to the previous year. Measures taken include strengthening coordination with various departments, institutions, and bodies that are members of the Royal Commission in charge of the pilgrimage, each within its area of competence. These measures also include organizing training and supervision sessions for pilgrims, intensifying awareness programs through national media and in mosques, and developing guidance manuals covering the different stages of Hajj. He also highlighted the establishment of lists of supervisors and escorts, with one supervisor for every 49 pilgrims, as well as the development of a pilgrim transportation program according to a precise schedule. Pilgrims will also have a digital card containing all necessary information throughout the Hajj period. Regarding coordination with the competent authorities in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Toufiq noted that a protocol was concluded for this purpose on the sidelines of the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition. He remarked that Saudi authorities awarded the Moroccan mission a distinction l