Latest news with #AbdessamadKayouh
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, Niger Strengthen Transport Cooperation
Rabat — Morocco and Niger appear to be taking bold steps towards securing strong cooperation in the transportation sector. Morocco's Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh held talks today with Niger's Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Colonel-Major Abdourahamane Amadou. The meeting focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in transport and logistics, exploring cooperation opportunities in railway, air, and road transport sectors. Both parties recalled the North African country's accumulated experience in these strategic areas. Following the meeting, Kayouh expressed Morocco's commitment to establishing a 'win-win' partnership with Niger in transport. He outlined areas including training, expertise transfer, and technical support. The Moroccan minister showcased his country's experience in road safety, railway network development, and airport infrastructure modernization. He stressed Morocco's dedication to sharing its expertise with Niger, particularly through advanced technical training programs for Nigerien students. Kayouh also recalled the Atlantic Initiative launched by King Mohammed VI, which aims to connect Sahel countries, including Niger, to the Atlantic coast. The initiative is set to help these landlocked nations access sea routes and boost their commercial, industrial, and agricultural exchanges. The Nigerien minister, who leads a significant delegation on a working visit to Morocco, expressed his admiration for Morocco's transport sector achievements. He said his visit aims to learn from Morocco's best practices in governance, regulation, and infrastructure development. Amadou shared his country's desire to benefit from Moroccan expertise in creating a national airline, developing railway networks, and strengthening road safety. He explained that Niger wants to build an integrated and efficient transport network to overcome challenges related to being landlocked. The Nigerien official also praised Morocco's consistent support for Niger's development and expressed his country's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through active African solidarity and sustainable partnership. The meeting represents another step in Morocco's growing engagement with African partners, particularly in sharing technical expertise and infrastructure development knowledge with fellow African nations. Tags: MoroccoMorocco and NigerTransportation
Morocco World
29-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, Ukraine Forge New Transport Partnership at Istanbul Summit
Tangier — Morocco and Ukraine struck a deal on Saturday to boost trade through improved road transport links. Although separated by thousands of kilometers, the two countries found common ground in Istanbul. The signing of the newfound partnership took place during the World Forum on Transport Connectivity, where officials from both countries met to discuss expanding economic ties. Morocco's Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh and Ukraine's Deputy Minister Serhiy Derkach finalized the agreement following bilateral talks. The deal opens new possibilities for businesses in both nations, allowing Ukrainian freight companies direct access to Moroccan markets. Meanwhile and through the agreement, Moroccan transport firms can now route shipments through Europe to reach Ukraine. The cooperation agreement creates fresh trade corridors that bypass traditional routes between the two countries. 'We see this as just the beginning,' Kayouh told Morocco's official news agency MAP, explaining, 'our teams are already exploring ways to expand this cooperation into other areas.' For Ukraine, the timing proves especially significant as the country has prioritized rebuilding its transport and logistics networks, making international partnerships crucial for economic recovery. Derkach pointed out how new transport routes will stimulate Ukraine's economy by facilitating smoother commercial exchanges. 'This cooperation benefits both sides equally,' the Ukrainian official said, thanking Morocco for its commitment to the partnership. The agreement represents one outcome of Morocco's active participation in the three-day Istanbul forum, which runs through Sunday. Morocco sent a high-ranking delegation, including Ambassador Mohamed Ali Lazrak and top transport sector officials. The World Forum brings together government ministers, international organization representatives, financial institution leaders, and private sector experts. Turkiye's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure hosts the event with World Bank backing, focusing on how countries can develop and improve international transport networks. Tags: Morocco and Ukrainetransport sector
Morocco World
28-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, Turkiye Sign Transport Cooperation Agreements in Istanbul
Tangier — Morocco and Turkiye are joining forces to strengthen cooperation on road safety and maritime corridors. The two countries signed two cooperation agreements on Friday in Istanbul to foster bilateral ties in the transport sector. Morocco's Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh and Turkiye's Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu signed the memoranda of understanding (MOU) during an international transport forum. Road safety technology partnership The first agreement between the two countries covers technological cooperation in road safety, with Morocco aiming to benefit from Turkiye's experience in securing freight transport by trucks. 'Morocco is interested in the Turkish experience in securing the transport of goods via trucks,' Kayouh told Morocco's official news agency MAP. Maritime fleet development The second memorandum supports Morocco's study to strengthen its national maritime fleet, based on Turkiye's significant experience in maritime navigation and shipbuilding. 'Turkiye has accumulated important experience in maritime navigation and shipbuilding,' the minister explained. International transport forum Morocco is participating in this three-day international event, from June 27-29, with a delegation led by Kayouh, including several directors and officials from the transport and road safety sector. Initiated by the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the World Bank support, the event brings together high-level political decision-makers, ministers, representatives from international organizations and global financial institutions, industry and private sector leaders, and expert specialists. Focus on global transport networks The forum serves as a platform for strategic discussions on developing and improving international transport corridors. Beyond enhancing physical connectivity, the discussions cover key areas including sustainable development, green economy transition, and expanded use of renewable energy sources. Participants also explore digitization and artificial intelligence potential, innovative practices, effective financing solutions, and intensified regional cooperation on a global scale. Morocco's transport and maritime situation The signing of the MOUs comes at a time when the North African country's maritime transport fleet is experiencing a dramatic decline to only 17 vessels, down from approximately 70 ships in the 1960s and 1970s. Morocco's Ministry of Transport and Logistics has already initiated a study to reinvigorate the country's maritime capabilities, aiming to foster its logistical sovereignty and ease citizens' maritime transportation. To enhance the country's transport sector, the ministry has recently launched a comprehensive reform plan, focused on improving public safety, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing service quality across various transport modes. The reform includes the renewal of the intercity bus fleet, professional training for drivers, and support for the rural and tourism transport sectors, as well as the car rental industry. Tags: Maritime sectorMorocco Turkiye relationstransport sector
Maroc
25-06-2025
- Business
- Maroc
Tangier-Tarifa: Zero-Emission Electric Maritime Link by 2027
The Spanish maritime company Baleària presented on Tuesday in Tangier a project for an electric, zero-emission maritime link between Tangier and Tarifa, operated by two high-speed electric ferries set to be launched in 2027. The presentation ceremony was attended by Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, the Spanish Ambassador to Morocco, Enrique Ojeda, the President of the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras, the President of the Port of Tangier City, the Spanish Secretary-General for Air and Maritime Transport, and the President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council. This public-private partnership project aims to establish a green maritime corridor between Europe and Africa, enabling a fully electric, CO2-free crossing between the two shores of the Strait. It includes the construction of two twin vessels in Spain and the installation of port infrastructure for electric charging in both Tangier and Tarifa. In a statement to MAP, Minister Kayouh stressed that strengthening the maritime fleet is part of a broader strategy to ensure smooth and sustainable mobility, particularly within the framework of the Marhaba Operation, conducted under the supervision of the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity. He noted that the ministry is supporting the operation by mobilizing around 29 vessels, offering a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles across four Moroccan ports and twelve European ports. "The goal is to make as many vessels as possible available to meet rising demand and ensure optimal crossing conditions for Moroccans living abroad," he said. For his part, Baleària's CEO, Georges Bassoul, stated that each vessel will produce 16 MW of electric power via four electric thrusters powered by batteries with a capacity of 11,500 kWh, allowing the entire crossing to be completed using electric propulsion only, with zero emissions. In a detailed presentation of the project's technical aspects, Bassoul emphasized that these will be fully decarbonized crossings, meeting 2050 sustainability goals as early as 2027. MAP: 24 June 2025
Morocco World
25-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Maritime Fleet Declines to 17 Ships, Government Plans Revival Strategy
Marrakech – Morocco's maritime transport fleet has dramatically declined to just 17 vessels, down from approximately 70 ships in the 1960s and 1970s, according to Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh. Kayouh made his remarks during Monday's oral questions session at the House of Representatives. 'Most of these vessels are owned by foreign operators,' Kayouh noted, stressing the severity of the decline. In response to the royal speech on the 48th anniversary of the Green March, the ministry has initiated a comprehensive study to revitalize Morocco's maritime capabilities. The initiative aims to facilitate the movement of Moroccan citizens and enhance the country's logistical sovereignty. The strategic study involves multiple government departments through a steering committee. Key participants include the Ministries of Equipment and Water, Industry and Trade, Energy Transition, Finance, Interior, and Investment – all with direct roles in maritime transport operations. Kayouh promised that ministry officials would complete the study within a month. 'The results will be published for the public to develop a roadmap for upgrading the maritime transport sector,' he confirmed. Abderrahman El Amri, a member of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), corroborated the minister's figures. He specified that 'Morocco's fleet of commercial ships in the 1980s was 73 ships before sharply declining to 11 ships in 2020,' attributing this decrease to 'the accumulation of company debts.' El Amri further explained that 'the percentage of foreign trade conducted via Moroccan commercial ships does not exceed 5 percent only, which is very unfortunate.' He pointed out that maritime connectivity is a fundamental factor in the success of the Atlantic Initiative launched by King Mohammed VI and in strengthening maritime links with African coastal countries. Regarding the ministry's strategy to reduce maritime transport ticket prices for Moroccans living abroad, Kayouh reported that preparations for Operation Marhaba 2025 include ensuring capacity and securing various transportation services. For maritime transport specifically, 29 vessels will be available with a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles, distributed across 13 maritime lines. This translates to 7.5 million passengers, 2 million vehicles, and 7,800 weekly trips. For air transport, Kayouh revealed that the ministry is working with various operators. They have authorized 59 airlines to secure approximately 2,235 flights between Moroccan airports and 141 international airports. The Atlantic African region faces serious challenges related to resource sustainability and security that require robust maritime governance. Effective maritime management is essential for the region, which benefits from an exceptional ocean frontage. These maritime capabilities are increasingly vital for Morocco's strategic initiatives and economic competitiveness, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its logistical sovereignty and facilitate smoother trade exchanges in a context where these have become national priorities.
