The 3rd edition will be hosting once more, African and Mediterranean delegations in order to confederate Aeroexpo’s exchange platform and consolidate the position of Morocco within the development of the African aeronautic industry.
The entire international aviation community has shown an increasing interest for Africa, the continent´s states concerned about their economic development are aware of the need to develop their communication channels. The air and satellite transmissions are vectors of global growth.
With the Trans-African cooperation, Morocco is committed to develop its relations with African states; for this prospect, 35 military delegations and 18 civil delegations have been invited to Aeroexpo 2010. 260 exhibitors, 41 675 visitors have attended the show.
The number of delegations grew from 32 in 2008 to 53 in 2010. African Ministers, Ambassadors, CEO, heads of international civil aviation, etc; all have made the trip to evince their support for the Moroccan strategy to establish the African Aerospace Platform.
Aeroexpo Marrakech proves once again that the North African nation’s visions will contribute in attracting strong investors and reaffirm the world’s trust in Morocco as a solid ground for development and unique model of stability.
Morocco’s potential and advantages:
- A skilled workforce;
- Competent use of foreign languages (French, English, Spanish in the north of Morocco);
- Closeness of culture;
- Vicinity of Europe;
- Various free exchanges agreements (CEE, USA, Turkey, Arab countries…);
- Strong government support to develop aeronautic industries (emergence plan);
- Tax incentives for investment.
Within a few years, Morocco has developed an aeronautic pole that is providing many jobs.
The major success of the aviation industry (The Aeropole in Casablanca Nouacer and Tangiers Free Zone); is based on four conditions: competitively priced qualified labor, the availability of qualified subcontractors, close proximity of factories and suppliers, and availability of local investment capital.
The growth of the aeronautics industry relies on a highly professional and qualified supply chain of local subcontractors who have achieved certifications from international organizations.
The Moroccan government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade & New Technologies, is strongly involved in the development of automobile and aircraft parts manufacturing (Emergence Plan). The sector is eligible for Hassan II funds, which contribute financing for land acquisition and building construction (50% of the land cost, 30% of the construction cost; this subsidy is 100% if it is claimed for the land acquisition only).
Some figures about the aeronautic industry in Morocco:
- 700 millions euros turnover in 2008;
- 7200 qualified employees;
- 300 million investment;
- 90 companies operating in the aeronautic industry based in Morocco (almost 70% have less than 5 years of existence) and businesses generating more value added to the industry.
An industry mainly located in Casablanca:
Almost all businesses are based in the Casablanca-Rabat axis and in the free zone of Tangier. The economic capital of the country, supported by the aeropole of Nouaceur, centralises in fact 90% of the turnover and nearly 70% of jobs.
