Make The Science And Technology City An Important Engine For Morocco’S Economic Growth
Departing from Casablanca, a city on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, the reporter took a high-speed train to the northern port city of Tangier. Approaching the destination, a busy construction scene came into view. This is the Mohammed VI Tangier Science and Technology City project under construction.
"Every time I pass by here, I can see new changes. At first, this place was deserted, but now the construction site is in full swing. In a few years, a modern science and technology city will rise from the ground." A Moroccan passenger told reporters.
Morocco is located at the crossroads connecting the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, Europe and Africa. Tangier guards the Strait of Gibraltar and has unique shipping conditions. In July 2022, the Science and Technology City project undertaken by China Road and Bridge Engineering Co., Ltd. was officially launched. The project covers a total area of 2,167 hectares and is divided into two major parts: the industrial acceleration zone (free trade zone) and the urban supporting area. The industrial acceleration zone (free trade zone) has a planned area of 947 hectares and the urban supporting area has a planned area of 1,220 hectares. The project follows the development concept of "industry in the north and city in the south, leading the city with industry, and integrating industry and city". Upon completion, it will become a comprehensive modern smart industrial new city with technological, ecological and intelligent features.
According to local media reports, the Science and Technology City project is a major project in Morocco and will create more than 100,000 local jobs and significantly improve Morocco's technology and manufacturing levels. Moulay Hafed Alami, former Moroccan Minister of Industry, Trade, Investment and Digital Economy, said in an interview with this reporter that as Morocco's future technology, technology and manufacturing center, Tangier is a hub for China's automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries. It is an important platform for enterprises in the fields of business and textiles to enter Morocco and North Africa. It is a pragmatic result of Morocco's efforts to achieve diversified development of industry and industry. Morocco has full confidence and expectations in this science and technology city under construction.
Yan Bin, general manager of China Road and Bridge Corporation's Morocco office, said that the Science and Technology City project is an important cooperation project for China and Morocco to jointly build the "Belt and Road" and an important link to deepen economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
In an interview with this reporter, Valalou, the former Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance, said that Morocco is the first country in North Africa to sign a cooperation plan for the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" with China, and the construction of the Science and Technology City will promote the long-term development of cooperation between the two countries.
"The Science and Technology City project is an important achievement for Morocco to connect with the joint construction of the 'Belt and Road' initiative and strengthen the economic and trade relations between the two countries. It will make a positive contribution to the further development of Morocco-China relations. The Moroccan government will adopt a series of preferential policies and facilitation measures to attract people including China Enterprises from various countries, including enterprises, have settled in the Science and Technology City, making the Science and Technology City an important engine for Morocco's economic growth," Valalou said.