"We are now at 41% of Moroccan integration rate and the whole chain is moving upmarket with a goal of eventually reaching 60%", said the minister at the end of a visit to the Irizar Maroc industrial unit, contractor for the supply of 200 buses intended for the city of Casablanca.

"All this was done thanks to the impetus of HM King Mohammed VI who wanted that Moroccan companies participate in national tenders", underlined Elalamy, expressing his thanks to the Interior Ministry who "was mobilized to make sure that the Moroccan product is on the agenda". He noted that Irizar won an order for 200 buses from the call for tenders related to urban transport in Casablanca, 60 of which have already been completed.

He also highlighted the availability of high skills at the national level which contributed to the local manufacture of these buses that Morocco previously imported, voicing his wish to see more factories contribute to improving the rate of local integration.

"It is not normal that Morocco continues to buy buses manufactured abroad and that it does not export extremely competitive buses" of a high quality like those assembled by Irizar, he said, reiterating his commitment to supporting the Moroccan industry in capacity building.

These 33-seat vehicles that Irizar Maroc assembles incorporate the latest technology in terms of safety, comfort and accessibility.