Speaking at a roundtable held this weekend in Olbia, Sardinia, within the framework of FestMed, a fair dedicated to Mediterranean countries, under the theme “Common Challenges and Interests in the Mediterranean: Energy, Tourism and Connectivity”, Mr. Balla reviewed Morocco’s major structuring projects at both national and regional levels, including the Noor solar power plant and the wind farms of Tarfaya and Tangier.
The diplomat noted that today nearly 42% of Morocco’s energy mix is green, with the objective of reaching 52% by 2030. He also underlined Morocco’s ambition in the field of green hydrogen, with a roadmap targeting the production of 14 TWh by 2030 and the launch of six major projects valued at 30 billion euros.
Mr. Balla further stressed that, thanks to competitive costs, the Kingdom is well positioned to become a natural supplier for Europe.
On the tourism front, the Ambassador pointed out that Morocco offers a “unique package” combining imperial cities, the Sahara, mountains, and coastlines, while also developing new niches such as medical, digital, and film tourism.
For Mr. Balla, the FIFA World Cup 2030, to be co-hosted with Spain and Portugal, will undeniably represent a historic opportunity to strengthen the attractiveness and visibility of the entire Mediterranean region. In this regard, he called for the adoption of a Mediterranean charter for sustainable and responsible tourism that safeguards the region’s shared heritage.
As for connectivity, the diplomat highlighted the success of the Tanger Med port, now the largest in Africa and the Mediterranean, as well as structuring projects such as the Morocco-Spain submarine tunnel and the Euro-African digital highway.
He also called for making the Mediterranean “a resource of union”, stressing the need for effective cooperation to address common challenges such as climate change, irregular migration, and geopolitical tensions.
“Morocco is ready and willing to work with all its partners to make the Mediterranean basin a space of dialogue, innovation, and shared prosperity,” he insisted, while underlining the importance of a fair partnership built around three pillars: Africa, the Mediterranean, and Europe.
Editorial team/le7tv