“Jointly carried by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, the 2030 FIFA World Cup project is not limited to the organization of a major sporting event, but is based on a broader ambition of economic, social and territorial integration between the three countries,” Mr. Garamendi stressed while speaking at the opening of the Morocco–Spain–Portugal Business Forum on the 2030 FIFA World Cup, jointly organized by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE) and the Portuguese Business Confederation (CIP).
More than a competition, the 2030 World Cup is founded on a long-term vision and structured cooperation, he continued, noting that the three countries are moving forward with determination within the framework of a common project offering tangible economic benefits, while laying the foundations for a sustainable and balanced partnership.
According to him, the event represents an exceptional lever for infrastructure development, improved mobility, job creation and the modernization of services, while providing a unique framework to accelerate investment, particularly through close collaboration between the public and private sectors, which is essential to the success of the project.
He specified that investments are targeting in particular infrastructure and mobility, tourism, as well as innovation and technology, with the aim of anchoring them in the long term through responsible solutions and sustained private sector engagement.
At the same time, he pointed out that tourism and culture are set to play a central role as high value-added economic drivers. “Integrating the cultural dimension helps strengthen the tourism model, broaden the offer and extend the benefits well beyond the event itself,” he said.
Moreover, he insisted that this project must give a central place to sustainability, with particular attention paid to environmental and energy impact.
For his part, Nuno Gabriel Cabral, adviser at the Portuguese Embassy, stressed that this event goes beyond the simple sporting framework linking Africa and Europe, positioning itself as a genuine opportunity for sustainable cooperation.
In this context, he emphasized the importance of value creation and large-scale investment, highlighting needs in infrastructure, technology, mobility and innovation.
According to him, this dynamic represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the Morocco–Portugal partnership, improve competitiveness and consolidate solid partnerships capable of creating favorable conditions for companies to operate effectively and generate employment.
The opening of this Forum was marked by the participation of the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget and President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, and the President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), Chakib Alj.
The Forum aims to promote joint business opportunities, share best practices and successful experiences, encourage innovation and maximize the long-term impact of investments linked to the 2030 World Cup.
It brought together Moroccan, Spanish and Portuguese companies operating in sectors related to the organization of major international sporting events, notably infrastructure, mobility, tourism, hospitality, innovation, digital services and logistics.
Editorial team/le7tv