Riyad Mazur: Two Decades of Industrial Growth Driven by a Royal Vision
Riyad Mazur, the Minister of Industry and Trade, affirmed on Sunday in Riyadh that Morocco has experienced a profound industrial transformation over the past two decades, a result of a continuous royal vision that has positioned industry as a driving force for integrated, comprehensive, and sustainable development. During the introductory session of the twenty-first General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, he explained that this path began with the launch of the revival plan and has now solidified through a commitment to enhancing industrial sovereignty.
The minister noted that this strategy has manifested in the doubling of industrial production and exports over the last decade, within a sector that currently provides over a million jobs. In the automotive industry, the local integration rate reached 69% with an annual capacity of one million vehicles, aiming to increase this to two million units by 2030. In the aerospace sector, Mazur recorded a “qualitative leap” with the launch of a facility dedicated to aircraft engines, positioning Morocco among a select few countries capable of manufacturing such equipment.
He also highlighted the expansion of prepared industrial land from 10,000 hectares in 2021 to 14,500 hectares spread over 157 industrial zones, reinforcing the kingdom’s status as one of the most important production platforms in the continent, exporting hundreds of thousands of components to more than 180 countries. This, he asserted, signifies a shift from a resource-dependent model to a development path based on innovation.
Regarding cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Mazur emphasized the role of the Country Partnership Program, launched in 2019, in supporting the modernization of industrial zones, developing value chains, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting clean production, and preparing for the transition to Industry 4.0. Extending the partnership until 2027 presents an opportunity for a new phase focusing on sustainable value chains, decarbonization, the circular economy, innovation, sustainable industrial zones, and South-South cooperation.
The minister reiterated that Africa remains a strategic priority for Morocco under the leadership of the king, calling for enhanced innovation and collaboration amid profound transformations in the global economy, while praising the organization’s role in assisting countries in building competitive and sustainable industries.
