A French delegation of young elected officials, led by Xavier Iacovelli, visited Dakhla on Saturday to evaluate the region’s economic development and explore future investment opportunities. The visit, part of a broader mission to Morocco, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across sectors including tourism, renewable energy, and maritime fishing.
Key Meetings and Economic Focus
During the visit, the delegation met with the president of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council, Yanja El Khattat, and the interim director general of the Regional Investment Center (CRI), Fayçal Sahmani. According to Mr. Sahmani, the discussions aimed to showcase the region’s current structural projects and efforts to bolster economic attractiveness. Mr. El Khattat noted that the visit served as a platform to present key economic sectors to the French representatives, specifically highlighting potential collaboration in agriculture, urban planning, higher education, and vocational training.
Did You Know? The delegation’s itinerary in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region includes a site visit to the Dakhla Atlantique port, a major infrastructure project currently under development.
Strengthening French-Moroccan Ties
The mission emphasized the importance of the ongoing partnership between France and Morocco. Xavier Iacovelli expressed satisfaction with the development dynamics observed in the region and the potential for future cooperation. Théo Am’Saadi, president of the Jeunes Républicains, reaffirmed his party’s commitment to the historical friendship between the two nations and noted his support regarding France’s recognition of the marocanité of the Sahara.
Expert Insight: This visit signals a structured effort to transition diplomatic alignment into concrete economic activity. By engaging young political leaders in site visits to major infrastructure projects like the Dakhla Atlantique port, both nations appear to be prioritizing long-term institutional continuity for their bilateral investment strategies.
Future Cooperation Prospects
The visit is likely to pave the way for increased French involvement in the region’s development projects. As the delegation continues its mission across Morocco, participants expressed a desire for young political leaders to actively support the implementation of development initiatives in the Kingdom’s southern provinces. Future cooperation may depend on the successful integration of the sectors identified during these meetings, including renewable energy and tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the French delegation to Dakhla?
The delegation was led by Xavier Iacovelli.
What sectors were discussed for potential cooperation?
Discussions covered investment, tourism, renewable energy, maritime fishing, agriculture, urban planning, training, and higher education.
What was the purpose of the meeting with the Regional Investment Center?
The meeting allowed officials to present the region’s investment opportunities, ongoing structural projects, and current efforts to improve economic attractiveness to the French delegation.
How might these diplomatic engagements influence future investment trends in the region?
