Speaking at a conference held in London on the sidelines of the "Innovation Zero" Clean Energy Forum, the official highlighted sector-based opportunities in fisheries, tourism, high-value industry, and agriculture. These opportunities, he said, would pave the way for strengthening the already fruitful cooperation between Morocco and the UK.
The decision by several countries to open consulates in Dakhla will further develop opportunities for investors, especially as Morocco has made socio-economic development in Africa a priority, he said, pointing to the initiative launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI to promote Sahel states' access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Morocco's ambassador to the UK, Hakim Hajoui, pointed out that not only is Dakhla Oued Eddahab Morocco's largest region, it is also the most flourishing in terms of human development, drawing naturally on Morocco's stability and rapid progress.
The region occupies a highly strategic position in the Atlantic, with one of Africa's future largest ports linking Dakhla to the Americas, Europe, and Africa, while taking advantage of various free trade agreements concluded by Morocco, he detailed.
In addition to its undeniable potential in renewable energies, green hydrogen, and sustainable agriculture, Dakhla is a ground for innovation and technology, poised to become a technology valley in the near future, the diplomat said.
Forum President Liam Fox looked back on his visit to Dakhla in 2023, saying he had been “impressed” by the qualities of the region, which offers "breathtaking” potential in renewable energies.
The region is continuing to develop to take full advantage of this potential, the British MP observed, citing the Dakhla Atlantic port project, which, in addition to renewable energies, will develop the region's fishery industry and strengthen Morocco's position as a gateway to Africa.
Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, who visited the region on several occasions, expressed his admiration for Morocco's achievements, which he believes are creating numerous investment and cooperation opportunities.
In this sense, "developing trade relations with Morocco must be a priority for the UK," said the MP, who is a member of the Business and Trade Committee in Parliament, recalling that "trade breaks down barriers, strengthens friendships, and builds partnerships."
He also praised Morocco's commitment to the climate, its booming tourism industry, and its agriculture and industry development, assuring that the port of Dakhla will play an essential strategic role in international free trade.
The conference, which featured testimonials and success stories from British companies based in the region, also saw the broadcast of a pre-recorded message from the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, reviewing the advantages offered by Morocco, as well as a corporate film from the Dakhla Oued Eddahab Regional Investment Center.
At Innovation Zero, which runs until May 1, the Dakhla Oued Eddahab region occupies a prominent place, with a 80-square-meter stand showcasing the solutions offered by the Kingdom's Southern Provinces.