Casablanca
From The Report: Morocco 2016
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Already by far Morocco’s largest city and its economic capital, Casablanca is currently going through a major period of redevelopment. Planned large-scale works include substantial improvements to infrastructure, construction and renovation of leisure and cultural facilities, and expansion of the public transport network to make the city a more attractive place for residents and tourists alike. Launched in late 2014, a major new growth strategy, the 2015-20 Casablanca Strategic Development Plan, outlines a vision for the city as a well-connected and inclusive financial centre that is also an appealing place to live and visit. New industries are also emerging in the city.

This chapter contains interviews with Abdelaaziz Omari, Mayor of Casablanca; and Mohamed Aouzai, Governor of Urban Agency of Casablanca.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Dynamic change: Works will boost the commercial capital’s infrastructure and improve its offering for both locals and visitors
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Already by far Morocco’s largest city and its economic capital, Casablanca is currently going through a major period of redevelopment. The planned large-scale works include substantial improvements to infrastructure, the construction and renovation of new and existing leisure and cultural facilities, and the expansion of the public transport network to make the city a more attractive place for both residents and tourists alike. Launched in late 2014, the major new growth strategy, the 2015-20…

Interview

On track: OBG talks to Abdelaaziz Omari, Mayor of Casablanca
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Interview:Abdelaaziz Omari What can be done to tackle the deficit in public transport in Casablanca? ABDELAAZIZ OMARI: Public transport is critical to the Casablanca’s development. Government incentives to buy and acquire cars, coupled with demographic growth and urban sprawl, have led to increased traffic jams. Currently, the tram offers an alternative that is being developed. We already have 33 km linking the west to the east and, as part of the 2015-20 Casablanca Strategic Development…

Interview

Urban revival: OBG talks to Mohamed Aouzai, Governor, Urban Agency of Casablanca
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Interview:Mohamed Aouzai In what ways can improved urban planning help overcome the challenges facing the city? Mohamed AOUZAI: There is a vision that we share with our local partners and civil society for an enhanced synergy in Greater Casablanca. This vision, which underpins the urban master plan – Schéma Directeur d’Amé nagement Urbain – seeks to build an inclusive, integrated and welcoming city, connected to the wider national and international environment, and where quality of…

Analysis

Gateway to Africa: New financial centre offers firms a platform from which to access the rest of the continent
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A major new financial city and investment regime, Casablanca Finance City (CFC) is in the process of being developed in Morocco’s economic capital, with the aim of transforming it into a major regional investment and finance centre. New Regime The CFC regime effectively came into being in 2011, when a decree enforcing the law creating it – which had been passed the previous year – was issued, allowing companies to be designated as having CFC status, entitling them to a range of benefits.…

Analysis

Multi-talented: New MICE and leisure projects are boosting Casablanca tourism
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As Morocco’s logistical and economic hub, Casablanca has traditionally been the bedrock of business tourism in the country. Now, owing to increased air connectivity and the expansion of conference and entertainment venues, the city is drawing growing interest from operators promoting it as an emerging destination for both leisure and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). Development Plan In 2014 authorities set up the Regional Contract Programme (Contrat Programme Régional,…