Highlights

The Moroccan delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Department of Maritime Fishing, the National Aquaculture Development Agency (ANDA), as well as key players in the blue economy of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima and Souss-Massa regions (Wilaya, Regional Investment Center, Tanger Med...), accompanied by representatives from the private sector.

Lisbon - Oceano Forum and innovative initiatives

The mission began in Lisbon with a meeting at the Hydrographic Institute with the Oceano Forum, enabling the delegation to appreciate the innovative initiatives and projects that are strengthening this innovation hub, such as the Hub Azul Portugal, the Blue Digital Hub, and the Roteiro Naval CarbonoZero. The Tagus Innov program, a Port of Lisbon Open Innovation initiative launched by the Portugal Blue Digital Hub to stimulate maritime innovation in the leisure and tourism sectors, was also presented. Tagus Innov aims to tackle challenges through pilot projects and collaboration. The Directorate General for Maritime Policy presented the European Union's integrated action on maritime policy, covering the Atlantic basins and the West MED initiative.

Vigo - Opportunities for collaboration and technology transfer

In Vigo, the delegation was received by Mr. Carlos Botana Lagaron, President of the Port of Vigo, the first European port to implement a global blue growth strategy. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Mr. Oscar Gomez, Director of the Aclunaga naval cluster, also presented the support provided to companies in the naval sector.

The delegation then visited the University of Vigo, more specifically the Campus do Mar, dedicated to research and teaching in marine sciences, as well as the Toralla Ecimat maritime station. Members of the delegation also took part in fishing tourism activities organized by the Amarturmar association.

Madrid - Meeting with the Spanish Maritime Cluster

In Madrid, the delegation met with Mr. Javier Garat Pérez, President of the Spanish Maritime Cluster, who shared the success stories of collaboration between Spanish maritime players. In particular, he highlighted the importance of the cluster's system of governance, organization and legal form, as well as human resources, partnerships and financing.

At the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, the Director of the Department of Innovative Initiatives presented government schemes and funding mechanisms designed to support clusters, including those linked to the blue economy.

Cadiz - Visit to the free zone and the Incubazul project

The mission concluded in Cadiz, where the delegation was welcomed by Mr. Fran Gonzalez, State Delegate for the Cadiz Free Zone. The "Incubazul" project, an incubator promoting innovation and talent in the blue economy, was presented to the delegation, who also visited the free zone's facilities, including the new incubator built from recycled shipping containers.

This study mission reflects Morocco's desire to draw on international best practices to consolidate its own initiatives in the field of the blue economy, while fostering opportunities for international collaboration.