French investment in Morocco is anticipated to rise soon after Paris clarified its stance on the Sahara issue. The French government announced its support for Morocco's sovereignty over the region, endorsing autonomy as the only solution to the dispute, as conveyed in a message from French President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI.
The first indications of Morocco opening its doors to French companies for projects and investments appeared last Thursday when the company "Egis" announced it had won a contract to assist in managing the high-speed rail infrastructure project between Kenitra and Marrakesh. Morocco plans to implement and complete this project before the 2030 World Cup.
Economic and financial expert Mohamed Nader told "Assahifa" that this deal is a message from Morocco to France in the economic domain, especially since it comes directly after Paris announced its support for Morocco on the Sahara issue. He pointed out that French investments in the kingdom would receive a significant boost in the coming period.
Nader added that Morocco is currently considered an open workshop in light of upcoming commitments, including its preparation to host the 2030 World Cup. This means Rabat will be compelled to undertake numerous projects to ensure the event's success, thus opening the door to foreign companies, primarily French ones.
The economic and financial expert explained that the projects Morocco will undertake are not limited to football stadiums but will include various sectors such as roads and railways, as well as energy supply projects and others that many French companies will be eager to invest in, especially given the competition from other companies from China, the US, South Korea, etc.
In light of France's new position supporting Morocco, Mohamed Nader pointed out that the Moroccan Sahara region will also witness an influx of investments and projects from French companies, especially as Morocco aims to develop and rejuvenate the area with substantial investments, such as the Dakhla Atlantic Port project and energy-related projects.
The aforementioned economic expert considered that the current political conditions regarding Franco-Moroccan relations are favorable and conducive for French companies eager to secure their "share" of the major projects Morocco has undertaken, leading to a surge in French projects and investments in the country.
It is worth noting that the National Railway Office awarded the contract for assisting in managing the high-speed rail infrastructure project between Kenitra and Marrakesh to the French company "Egis," in partnership with Moroccan companies "Systra" and "Novec," despite the Spanish company "Ineco" submitting a lower financial bid for the contract.
