Morocco’s southern provinces took centre stage Thursday night in Saint-Étienne as government officials, business leaders, and diplomats gathered to explore new investment horizons in one of the Kingdom’s most strategic regions.

The high-level conference, organised by the Consulate General of Morocco in Lyon and the Loire Department, spotlighted the region’s vast economic potential and Morocco’s bold development model for the Sahara.

The event emphasised Morocco’s role as a rising economic hub connecting Europe to Africa.

The Laayoune Regional Investment Centre (CRI) delivered a compelling presentation detailing investor incentives, from one-stop-shop services and tax breaks to robust support systems.

The region’s rich natural resources, advanced logistics infrastructure, renewable energy assets, and strong connectivity were showcased as key strengths.

Success stories of foreign investment in agribusiness, fisheries, energy, and logistics highlighted the untapped potential in the south.

Opening the event, Moroccan Consul General in Lyon, Fatima Baroudi, underlined recent milestones in Morocco-France relations, including France’s historic support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.

She said, “All these meetings strengthen our political dialogue, deepen regional cooperation, and reinforce the economic pillar of our partnership.”

Baroudi called on French investors to act: “By investing there, you contribute to stability, prosperity, and the growth of provinces so dear to our hearts.”

George Ziegler, President of the Loire Department, praised the deep territorial cooperation with Morocco. Dominique Shuffenecker, Secretary General of the Loire Prefecture, called the gathering “a valuable opportunity to deepen economic ties.”

Saint-Étienne’s housing chief, Fabienne Perrin, lauded the Kingdom’s “remarkable modernisation drive under King Mohammed VI,” calling Morocco’s infrastructure boom a model of efficiency and vision.

Economist Tariq Essaid engaged participants with insights into Morocco’s revamped investment charter and bilateral cooperation prospects. He described Morocco and France as “natural partners” poised to build a shared economic future.

The evening closed with a strong call to action: Morocco’s southern provinces are open for business, and the time to invest is now.