Casablanca — Morocco and the European Union are discussing possible solutions to ease visa procedures for Moroccan professional drivers and companies involved in international transport, Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh said today in Casablanca.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 13th edition of Logismed, Kayouh said the issue was at the center of a videoconference meeting held Monday with the European commissioner responsible for sustainable transport and tourism.
According to the minister, discussions focused on visa restrictions that are hurting the competitiveness of Moroccan transport operators working internationally. Moroccan truck drivers traveling to Europe, especially through Spain, have long complained about delays and difficulties in obtaining visas needed for cross-border freight operations.
Kayouh described the meeting as “very positive” and said several short-, medium-, and long-term solutions had been proposed. Those proposals will now be examined with Spain in an effort to facilitate visa issuance for Moroccan drivers entering European territory.
He also said the measures come while waiting for amendments to regulations linked to electronic visas, which are expected in the coming weeks.
The minister made the remarks during Logismed, one of the region’s major transport and logistics events. The exhibition runs until May 14 under the theme “An intelligent logistics ecosystem connecting territories and reinventing the supply chain.”
More than 7,000 professional visitors are expected at this year’s edition. Participants represent different economic sectors and companies of varying sizes, all looking for practical solutions to improve competitiveness and operational performance.
The visa issue has become increasingly sensitive for Moroccan transport firms as trade flows with Europe continue to grow. Industry professionals say delays in obtaining travel documents can disrupt delivery schedules, increase costs, and create uncertainty for companies operating international routes between Morocco and EU countries.
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