Transport
From The Report: Morocco 2016
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Capitalising on its strategic location and promising economic environment, the Moroccan transport sector has made significant strides in recent years. A range of major upgrades and expansions to roads, ports, railways and airports have continued to press forward, despite challenges such as the eurozone debt crisis, regional political instability and a tightening of the state budget. Looking ahead, the private sector is set to play an increasing role in financing and managing transport infrastructure. Significant investment in road construction has improved connections between newly developed industrial areas and port infrastructure, and the benefits of lower distribution costs are beginning to appear. Improvements to urban transport, particularly in Casablanca, will help further improve connectivity and reduce congestion, while ambitious plans to expand aviation and maritime infrastructure will ensure a gradual rise in capacity.

This chapter contains interviews with Aziz Rabbah, Minister of Equipment, Transport and Logistics; and Mohamed Benouda, CEO, SNTL Group.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Better links: Investment remains strong, with a range of projects addressing the need for upgrades
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Capitalising on its strategic geographic position and promising economic environment, the Moroccan transport sector has made significant strides in recent years. A range of major upgrades and expansions to roads, ports, railways and airports have continued to press forward despite challenges, including the eurozone debt crisis, regional political instability and a tightening of the government budget. Key Indicators The transport sector’s contribution to GDP has remained steady in the past…

Analysis

On track: The kingdom is improving intercity links and modernising the rail network
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Over the past decade efforts to improve intercity rail links have intensified, with the authorities investing heavily to increase capacity and coverage across the kingdom. Between 2010 and 2015, the government invested Dh34bn (€3.1bn) in the segment, up from Dh18bn (€1.7bn) between 2005 and 2009, and Dh7bn (€641.8m) during the 2002-05 period, according to the Ministry of Transport, Equipment and Logistics. In 2016 the government pledged Dh4.3bn (€394.2m) in investment to the rail network. While…

Interview

Gateway to Africa: OBG talks to Aziz Rabbah, Minister of Equipment, Transport and Logistics
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Interview:Aziz Rabbah What are the ministry’s objectives in terms of port connectivity? AZIZ RABBAH: With an average annual growth rate of 8%, port traffic has undergone tremendous change over the past 10 years, reaching 111m tonnes in 2014. In order to address the evolution in traffic, an ambitious port strategy has been adopted in Morocco, with a roadmap to develop port infrastructure by 2030. This strategy, based on the construction of five ports, the rehabilitation of existing ones…

Analysis

Pressing ahead: Efforts concentrate on improving logistics sector competitiveness and setting up new zones
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As the Moroccan transport sector has taken off in recent years, the government has embarked on an ambitious plan to cut costs and improve the sector, expanding port capacity, creating logistical zones and improving domestic distribution infrastructure, including Customs systems, multimodal connections and dry ports. Emphasis On Costs & Time In 2010 the country launched the National Strategy for the Development of Logistics Competitiveness, a plan seeking to reduce logistics costs from 20% of…

Interview

Improving mobility: OBG talks to Mohamed Benouda, CEO, SNTL Group
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Interview:Mohamed Benouda How would you rate Morocco’s transport and logistics performance? MOHAMED BENOUDA: In the last 15 years Morocco’s transport and logistics infrastructure has developed significantly. Traveling to and within Morocco has become easier. Morocco’s major airports in Casablanca, Marrakech and Tangiers facilitate international flows of goods and people and have responded to increasing numbers. Additionally, more than 20 small airports interconnect the country. With…