An economic delegation from Spain’s Canary Islands visited Dakhla, in the Moroccan Sahara, on Monday to explore business and investment opportunities and open new avenues for economic and trade cooperation, particularly in maritime and port industries.
The visit was initiated by the Federation of Maritime Fishing and Aquaculture (FPMA), in partnership with the Federation of Port Companies (FEDEPORT) and the Canary Islands Economic Promotion Company (Proexca).
The delegation, which included representatives from Canary Islands companies specializing in port services, maritime transport, logistics management, and port technologies, focused on identifying high-potential areas for economic collaboration. These sectors include: Port Services and Logistics, Port Digitalization, Renewable Energy, The Blue Economy, and The Circular Economy.
Omar Akouri, Secretary General of the FPMA, highlighted the strength of the long-standing cooperative relations with Canary Island partners, particularly in the maritime fishing sector, characterized by continuous exchange of expertise and best practices. He noted that the visit provides the Spanish delegation with a firsthand look at the significant development underway in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, notably in modern port infrastructure.
José Juan Socas, President of FEDEPORT, stated that the ongoing Dakhla Atlantic port project represents a major and strategic business opportunity for Canary Island companies. He stressed that the port will allow them to strengthen their international reach, aligning with the Canary Islands’ consistent strategy to conquer new markets, particularly in Africa.
Socas affirmed the importance of closely examining this strategic port project and committed to keeping partners and professional associations informed of its progress and the opportunities it will soon offer the Canary Islands.
During their visit, the delegation held a series of meetings with Moroccan regional and port authorities, alongside B2B sessions with local economic operators. The representatives also visited the construction site of the Dakhla Atlantic port, where they received detailed explanations regarding the components and ambitions of this critical infrastructure.
AK/ac/fss/abj/APA