A high-level delegation from the Federal Republic of Somalia visited Dakhla on Friday, October 23, to learn about the development momentum underway in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region and explore prospects for economic cooperation and investment between the two countries.
The visit is part of the Economic Promotion Week of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Morocco, held from October 19 to 24, with the aim of promoting Somalia’s economic potential and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between Moroccan and Somali economic operators.
The 15-member delegation includes representatives of several Somali government departments, notably those responsible for Trade and Industry, Planning and Investment, Fisheries, Agriculture, Tourism and Energy, as well as representatives of the banking sector and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During the visit, the delegation members learned about the economic potential and investment opportunities offered by the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, as well as various major projects that have been completed or are currently underway.
In an address delivered on the occasion, Abderrazak El Gourji, secretary-general of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Wilaya, said the region is experiencing sustained development momentum across various sectors, thanks to the enlightened vision of King Mohammed VI, alongside an integrated social policy that places people at the heart of its priorities.
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This momentum, he continued, is underpinned by several major projects, notably the Dakhla Atlantic port, the development of the blue economy, renewable energy and agriculture, as well as the strengthening of social policies in education, healthcare, youth employment and women’s empowerment.
For his part, Ibrahim Ahmed Osman, director-general at Somalia’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, said the visit was an opportunity to benefit from Morocco’s experience in economic development, particularly in industrialization, port infrastructure and special economic zones.
Expressing his admiration for the city of Dakhla and its position on the Atlantic coast, Osman highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements, citing in particular the example of Tangier, where investment in port infrastructure and industrial zones has helped strengthen export capacity to European markets.
For his part, El Khattat Yanja, president of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council, said the meeting provided an opportunity to present the Somali delegation with the main features of the new development model for the Southern Provinces, as well as the various achievements made in the region.
He noted that the visit was particularly significant given the similarities between Somalia and the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, particularly in terms of climate, animal resources and their Atlantic coastline, saying these shared characteristics offer promising prospects for exchanging experiences.
The program for the visit includes meetings with officials from the African Chamber of Commerce and Services and the Regional Investment Center (CRI), as well as a visit to the construction site of the new Dakhla Atlantic port.
The Economic Promotion Week of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Morocco is part of efforts led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, through the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) and its partners, to strengthen South-South cooperation.
