Belgium Backs Morocco‘s Sahara Plan, Encourages Investment
Brussels, Belgium – Morocco is opening its doors to increased Belgian investment, particularly in its southern provinces, following a significant shift in Belgium’s position on the Western Sahara dispute. During a joint press conference in Brussels on Thursday, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita urged Belgian businesses to capitalize on the opportunities presented by King Mohammed VI’s vision to transform the Sahara region into a hub for development and cooperation.
This call came alongside the proclamation from Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot, that Belgium will now align its diplomatic and economic policies with Morocco’s stance on the Sahara, supporting autonomy within the Kingdom’s sovereignty.
Bourita highlighted growing international recognition of the Sahara’s potential, citing examples like the United kingdom, Germany, France, and the United States, all of whom view the region as a promising investment destination. He pointed to recent developments like the US’s formal encouragement of investment and France’s recent economic forum held in Dakhla as evidence of this trend.
While Belgium currently ranks 13th among Morocco’s commercial partners and 17th among investors, Bourita emphasized the potential for growth through increased private sector involvement. He anticipates a boost in collaboration during an upcoming visit to Morocco by a Belgian government delegation, including key economic operators and business leaders.
Beyond direct investment, Bourita underscored the strategic advantage the southern provinces offer Belgium as a gateway to expanding commercial ties with West and Central Africa, specifically highlighting the port city of Dakhla.
Discussions focused on promising collaborative opportunities in key sectors including renewable energies,infrastructure development,industry,and the burgeoning field of green hydrogen.
Belgium’s newly expressed support for autonomy within Moroccan sovereignty signals a strengthened partnership and a commitment to fostering economic growth and cooperation in the region.
