Participants in the Parliamentary Forum on Economic Cooperation between Morocco and the CEMAC highlighted on Friday in Laayoune,the strategic importance of the Southern Provinces of the Kingdom and the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region as a vital link between North Africa and Morocco’s deeper African ties,and as a promising zone for investment and integrated development.
In the “Laayoune Declaration,” which marked the conclusion of the Forum,participants commended the development underway in Laayoune,which has become an open and integrated development site reflecting the New Development Model of the Southern Provinces implemented under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
Participants also praised the King’s enlightened vision for strengthening intra-African cooperation and His leading role in advancing the continent’s development agenda and promoting a partnership-based,efficient and solidarity-driven approach.
They emphasized the importance of this parliamentary forum as a unique and innovative platform to promote African parliamentary integration and support government efforts in development,regional integration,and boosting the continental economy,particularly through the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Declaration underscores the role of parliamentary diplomacy in consolidating cooperation,coordinating positions on bilateral and regional issues,exploring avenues to enhance economic,trade and humanitarian relations,and leveraging the promising potential of cooperation between Morocco and the CEMAC countries.
It also highlights the relevance of discussed issues,which are part of the shared development strategies of Morocco and CEMAC countries (Cameroon,Central African Republic,Congo,Gabon,Equatorial Guinea,and Chad),particularly those concerning regional and continental economic integration,investment,infrastructure,food security,and energy transition.
In this regard,speakers stressed the need to strengthen parliamentary and economic diplomacy to promote the integrated development agenda and foster win-win partnerships between Morocco and CEMAC member states.
They also welcomed the pioneering Royal Initiative aimed at facilitating access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean,which would boost regional connectivity and support economic integration by opening new prospects for trade and investment. This initiative is also seen as key to achieving food and energy security and contributing to stability and sustainable development in Sahel countries.
Furthermore,they emphasized the major geoeconomic importance of the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project as a driver of energy security and continental integration.
The participants also stressed the growing role of the private sector and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) in promoting development and building bridges between Moroccan and CEMAC economic players,especially in joint investments and knowledge exchange across various strategic sectors.
They likewise highlighted the importance of encouraging partnerships between public and private economic actors,as well as between companies in Morocco and CEMAC countries,to promote regional integration and strengthen shared value chains,positioning the private sector as a key driver of South-South cooperation and shared growth.
They reiterated,in this regard,the need to create an investment-friendly environment and improve infrastructure to better connect regional markets,thus encouraging Moroccan and CEMAC entrepreneurs and investors to undertake high-value joint projects.
Moreover,they emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the House of Councillors and the CEMAC Parliament by intensifying experience sharing and implementing joint programs to build the capacities and skills of parliamentarians and administrative staff of both institutions,particularly through the House of Councillors’ platform for parliamentary diplomacy and South-South dialogue.
The Declaration outlines the central role played by Parliaments in fostering closer ties between Morocco and the CEMAC countries by establishing appropriate legislative frameworks and supporting public policies aimed at encouraging joint investments,thereby strengthening economic cooperation in the service of the shared interests of the brotherly peoples.
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