Morocco to Launch Three Industrial Projects in Casablanca-Settat Region

Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Green and Digital Economy is set to launch a call for bids for the development and management of three industrial parks in the Casablanca-Settat region on January 30.

The ministry is collaborating with the Millenium Challenge Account (MCA) Morocco Agency for the project, in line with a public-private partnership model.

The offers concern an extension of the industrial zones of Bouznika and Had Soualem, and the development of a new industrial zone in Sahel Lakhyayta, south of Casablanca. The new projects will be built over 140 hectares.

Before launching the call for bids, the ministry and MCA plan to organize meetings with professionals from the industrial zones to receive their suggestions on how to improve the sites, between January 2-22.

The call for bids, open from January 30 until May 25, addresses investors and operators specialized in the management and development of industrial zones and areas of economic activities. The requirements set by the ministry include the ability to manage the industrial sites depending on the needs of the businesses installed, along with offering a sustainable and inclusive approach.

As the projects will be based on a public-private partnership, the public sector will carry out the necessary technical and economic studies, and link the facilities with public infrastructure.

On the other hand, private investors must ensure the development, marketing, and management of the industrial zones by offering quality services to businesses and employees.

The partnership model aims to develop the industrial zones offering job opportunities for Moroccan youth while benefiting from the expertise and investments of the private partners.

The ministry and MCA selected the three sites based on several criteria, including demand, economic impact, financial viability, and lack of major risks.

MCA, a US governmental agency, will provide $127 million for the project.