Rabat – Morocco and Egypt are exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in ports, industrial zones, and logistics as the two countries seek to increase trade, attract investment, and improve their access to international markets.
The discussions took place on October 30 during a meeting between Egyptian Ambassador to Morocco Ahmed Nihad Abdel Latif and Mehdi Tazi-Riffi, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Tanger Med Group, at the group’s headquarters at Tanger Med Port.
The meeting focused on opportunities for cooperation between Moroccan and Egyptian ports, industrial zones, and logistics networks.
Abdel Latif said the discussions were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic relations between the two countries. He pointed to the first session of the Joint Coordination and Follow-up Committee, held in Cairo on April 6 under the chairmanship of the two countries’ prime ministers.
The committee’s work reflected a shared commitment to developing a comprehensive economic partnership through increased trade, joint investments, industrial integration, and cooperation in transportation and logistics.
The ambassador also highlighted Egypt’s industrial and production capabilities, as well as its recent progress in infrastructure and transportation.
For his part, Tazi-Riffi presented Tanger Med’s model, which connects port operations with industrial zones and logistics services. He noted the port’s role in facilitating international trade and the movement of goods between markets.
The two sides discussed potential cooperation between the Tanger Med ecosystem and Egyptian ports, including those operated by the Suez Canal Authority and the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
They also explored opportunities to exchange expertise in port and industrial zone management, improve the use of transportation networks, and encourage partnerships between Moroccan and Egyptian companies.
Such cooperation could support manufacturing, exports, and investment while improving access for products from both countries to African and European markets.
Morocco expands port capacity
The meeting comes as Morocco advances major projects to expand its maritime infrastructure and strengthen its position in international trade.
Earlier this week, King Mohammed VI chaired a working meeting at the Royal Palace in Rabat to review progress on the Nador West Med port complex and plans to expand Tanger Med through the construction of Tanger Med 3.
According to the Royal Cabinet, Nador West Med has attracted MAD 54 billion ($5.4 billion) in public and private investment. Its first container terminal is expected to begin operations in the coming days, with an annual capacity of 3.5 million containers. A second terminal, scheduled to enter service in April 2027, will add another 1.8 million containers.
The complex also includes industrial, logistics, and energy facilities designed to support economic activity in the region.
Meanwhile, Tanger Med 3 will add an annual handling capacity of 4.5 million containers. The MAD 8 billion ($800 million) project will include 1,200 meters of quays and is expected to increase the port complex’s total annual capacity to 20 million containers once the planned expansions are completed.
During the meeting, the King also stressed the importance of ensuring that these investments create employment opportunities and benefit surrounding communities, calling for vocational training programs adapted to the needs of emerging industries.
Building economic connections
Egypt’s position around the Suez Canal gives it a strategic role in international maritime trade, while Morocco’s location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean provides access to European and African markets.
Both countries are seeking to make greater use of these geographical advantages by developing their port infrastructure and strengthening industrial and logistics connections.
The October 30 meeting did not announce specific agreements or investment commitments. However, it identified several areas where closer cooperation between port authorities, businesses, and industrial operators could support trade and investment.
The discussions also build on the two governments’ efforts to give their economic relationship a stronger framework following the April meeting of their Joint Coordination and Follow-up Committee.
