A delegation from the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France visited Laayoune on Monday to explore opportunities for collaboration and development.
The delegation was led by Jean-Pierre Collin, the Vice President in charge of finance, partnerships, and cooperation. Meetings were held with the Governor of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Abdel Salam Bekrate, alongside several members of the regional council and the Laayoune municipal council.
During these meetings, both sides emphasized the strength of relations between Morocco and France and the notable development seen in the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, attributed to the developmental projects completed under the New Development Model for the Southern Provinces, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in 2015.
Representatives from the Regional Investment Center presented a detailed overview to the French delegation, showcasing the volume of existing investments in promising sectors such as fishing, agriculture, tourism, and renewable energies, as well as infrastructure and transportation projects linking the region to other parts of the kingdom and the world.
The head of the French delegation expressed great admiration for the scale of achievements in infrastructure and the quality of projects completed or underway, deeming the visit a valuable opportunity for delegation members to witness firsthand the development dynamics in the region.
He underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the two regions, particularly in areas of mutual interest, especially in the energy sector.
The members of the French delegation toured several major projects, including the City of Professions and Skills, the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, the University Hospital Center, and the Sports Village, observing the quality of educational, health, social, and sports facilities established under the New Development Model.
