During discussions held in recent days, MPs in the South African-based Pan-African Parliament have expressed strong interest in the Atlantic Access Initiative launched by Moroccan King Mohammed VI, last November.
This interest is expected to translate into various steps that are likely to enhance the African institution’s involvement in the initiative.
Discussions are said to have led to agreement on several points, including recommendations to form a parliamentary working group on the Atlantic Initiative, organising a visit to Rabat next November for MPs and holding a symposium on the initiative during the next session of the Pan-African Parliament.
According to sources, MPs also suggested the appointment of an honorary ambassador for the Africa Atlantic and Sahel countries initiative, a step that indicates particular interest in the initiative and possible legislative support steps to be taken in the future.
Hana Benkheir, a member of Morocco’s House of Advisors who is also a member of the Pan-African Parliament briefed its MPs about the Africa Atlantic Initiative during a meeting of the Trade, Customs and Immigration Committee of the Pan-African legislature.
The presentation entitled “The Moroccan Initiative for Atlantic Africa and the Sahel countries: an opportunity for the continent”, fleshed out details and goals of the project. Since its launch, it has drawn growing regional and international attention while Rabat has intensified its promotion.
The third regular session of the sixth legislative term of the Pan-African Parliament, from June 24 to July 5, has allowed MPs to examine the details of the Atlantic Initiative, its objectives, benefits and the positive impact on advancing development in Africa, said experts.
Benkheir stressed during her talk that, “Morocco has launched this strategic initiative in order to enhance cooperation, stability and economic development in the African Atlantic region,” adding that “the initiative provides a real opportunity for all African countries, because of its significant positive impact on many sectors and activities.
“This is particularly pertinent to the African Continental Free Trade Area, as it improves logistics, facilitates exchanges between African countries and expand economic growth.”
According to Benkheir, the royal initiative will enable the creation of continental value chains and industrial systems, thus enhancing African cooperation based on the principles of joint development and the promotion of trade between African countries and the rest of the world, in addition to improving logistical and commercial efficiency.
The Moroccan parliamentary advisor spelled out the advantages of the Atlantic Initiative, stressing that it will help raise the flows of commodities in African Atlantic ports.
She pointed to the ongoing transformations in the field of infrastructure, including road and railway connections and the boosting of economic integration in the African Atlantic region.
This African Atlantic region includes 23 countries with significant economic and demographic weight.
It is seen as a promising market with large, developed ports such as the port of Tangier Med, the port of Dakhla, which is being completed, and the ports of Lagos, Luanda and Cape Town.
These ports and their locations are likely to enhance international trade, boost their regional competitiveness, and also contribute to increasing investment and economic attractions, said economists in the region.
Created in 2004, the Pan-African Parliament, which is an advisory body affiliated to the African Union, includes representatives from the member states of the AU. Each member state is represented by five parliamentarians.
The Atlantic Strategy for the Sahel Countries is a royal initiative launched by the Morocco’s King Mohammed VI. It aims to enhance the access of the Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean with the end-goals being African economic prosperity and greater South-South cooperation on the basis of win-win partnerships.
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Source link : https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/politics/pan-african-mps-show-strong-interest-in-morocco-s-atlantic-access-initiative/20240706190907202461.amp.html
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Publish date : 2024-07-06 10:06:23
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