🇲🇦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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The Tétouan Regional Hospital Center for Specialties has commenced operations, aligning with the national program for rehabilitating and equipping public health infrastructure. This initiative follows the Royal Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, aiming for a profound and structural reform of the national health system and the generalization of social protection and universal health coverage. The new center seeks to enhance healthcare provision in the Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region, bringing specialized health services closer to citizens and improving patient care quality. It also aims to alleviate pressure on other regional hospitals, promoting territorial equity in healthcare access. Built on over 3.27 hectares with 32,300 m² of covered area, the hospital represents a total investment of 805.26 million dirhams. With a capacity of 380 beds, it is designed to serve over 1.5 million inhabitants in the Tétouan province and surrounding health zones. Over 400 professionals, including medical, nursing, technical, and administrative staff, have been mobilized to ensure optimal service delivery. The center offers a wide range of specialized medical and surgical services, including general surgery, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, orthopedic and trauma surgery, anesthesia-resuscitation, and various internal medicine specialties. It also provides care in cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, nephrology, and hemodialysis, alongside medical imaging, advanced diagnostics,
Morocco's national football team, the Atlas Lions, will face Norway in their final friendly match before the start of the 2026 World Cup. The game is scheduled for Sunday in New Jersey. This match represents the first significant international test for national coach Mohamed Ouahbi, following two victories against Burundi and Madagascar in Morocco. The Morocco-Norway match will kick off at 8:00 PM at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. Fans can watch the match on Arryadia and Al Aoula channels.
Brazil's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, highlighted the significance of their first match in the 2026 World Cup against Morocco. Speaking on the YouTube channel "Duda Garbi" during the "Bola-Bola com Falcao" show, Ancelotti described Morocco as a "solid, intense, and very well-organized team, with high-quality players." He noted that scoring against Morocco is challenging due to their strong defensive organization, making it a "true test from the start of the competition." Ancelotti also compared Morocco to their other Group C opponents, Haiti and Scotland, stating that while the latter two rely on physical power, they lack the individual skills of Morocco. The Moroccan national team will begin their tournament against the five-time World Cup winners, Brazil, on Saturday, June 13, at 11 PM GMT+1 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Morocco's Atlas Lions are in the final stages of preparation for their World Cup 2026 campaign, which begins with a high-profile match against Brazil on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. After two victories in Morocco against Burundi and Madagascar, national coach Mohamed Ouahbi faces his first real international test this Sunday against Norway. This crucial match serves as a dress rehearsal before facing the Seleção and aligns with a well-defined tactical strategy. By choosing the Scandinavian team, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation provides Ouahbi with an ideal opponent to simulate the physical characteristics of Scotland, whom Morocco will play on June 19 at Gillette Stadium in Boston. Scotland is known for its impact in duels, aerial power, and constant intensity, representing a challenge that the Moroccans must learn to master. Norway, with a comparable athletic profile, will push the Moroccan central defense, still in its adjustment phase, and the midfield to elevate their physical demands. This is an ideal opportunity to strengthen defensive coordination, test the solidity of key players like Achraf Hakimi, and assess the freshness of young talent Ayyoub Bouaddi, while refining rapid transitions. Facing the athletic challenge awaiting them in Group C, this match will allow for final adjustments to approach the Scottish encounter with maximum assurance. Upon their arrival at Newark Airport, Brahim Díaz's teammates immediately grasped the expectations surrou