Dr.. Nadir Boubkari: How will the port of Nador turn the eastern region into an economic hub?

Nadir Boubkari, Pedagogical Coordinator of the Master of Applied Economics and Modeling at the Multidisciplinary College in Nador, discussed the dimensions of the Nador West Mediterranean Port project and its expected role in transforming the eastern region into an economic pole during his participation in the program «Morocco of Development» on Medi 1TV. He pointed out that the project is part of the development dynamics witnessed by Morocco, supported by a trend towards advanced regionalization aimed at achieving balanced development between the different regions of the Kingdom. In this framework, major infrastructure projects have been adopted as a lever to achieve economic growth and attract investments, and the eastern region stands out as a model for this dynamic through a project that aims to transform the east of the Kingdom into a new economic gateway and strengthen Morocco's position regionally and internationally.

An integrated project, not just a traditional port

Dr. Boubkari explained that this is not a traditional port, but an integrated project that links maritime transportation with industry, logistics, and road and rail networks. This integration makes its expected impact a structural impact on the economy of the eastern region, not just a transit activity. The eastern region has historically been relatively far from major growth centers and has suffered from a limited industrial base and reliance on traditional activities. The West Mediterranean port of Nador is betting on turning the equation around by creating a modern economic system based on manufacturing, exports and advanced logistics services.

The importance of the project lies in its attempt to transcend the current economic reality of the region. While the Eastern Province has historically relied on activities with limited diversification, this project aspires to build a modern production base capable of competing regionally and internationally.

Huge investments and public-private partnerships

Regarding the size of the investment bet, Dr. Boubkari highlighted that the project is based on major investments within the framework of a partnership between the state and the private sector. The project is accompanied by the preparation of an industrial and logistics zone adjacent to the port to receive value-added production and service projects. He emphasized that the success of this model is inspired by the experience of Tanger Med, which turned from a port project into a turning point that repositioned northern Morocco on the map of the Mediterranean and international economy. The West Mediterranean port of Nador is likely to play the same role for the benefit of the eastern region.

The Tanger Med experience is an important reference point for understanding the ambitions of the new project. It has succeeded in transforming the north of the Kingdom into a logistics and industrial platform that attracts diverse investments and creates significant job opportunities. The question today is: Will the eastern region be able to replicate this model?

Integrated network to integrate the region into the national transportation system

Regarding the integration of the project into its surroundings, Dr. Boubkari noted that the success of the port is linked to a vast connectivity program that is being implemented in parallel. This program includes the construction of a motorway between Kersef and Nador, the improvement of road axes along the coastal road (National 16), and the planning of an efficient rail link for the transport of goods to the national network. These links aim to connect the port to the various regions of the region and the cities of the northeast, promote decoupling and integrate the eastern region into the national transportation system.

The goal of this infrastructure is to turn the port into a gateway connecting Morocco to European and African markets by sea, while increasing export competitiveness and lowering the cost of imports and exports. This multimodal connectivity is crucial to the success of the project, as no port can achieve its goals without an efficient transportation network linking it to the hinterland and production centers.

Rehabilitating human capital is the pillar of economic transformation

Dr. Boubkari stressed that the desired structural transformation is not limited to structures and facilities, but is also based on the qualification of the human element. This requires aligning university and vocational training with the needs of new professions related to port, logistics and industry. Training should be geared towards specializations related to supply chains, port technology, maritime transport, industrial engineering, and foreign languages for international trade.

This human dimension represents a long-term investment in the future of the region. Without qualified local talent, the project will remain dependent on external expertise, and the local population may not benefit as much as it should from the job opportunities created.

An all-inclusive bet on integrated development

Dr. Boubkari stressed that the Eastern Province is on a date with comprehensive positive results if the integration of infrastructure, connectivity, industrial base and human competencies is achieved. If the vision is translated into productive investments, added value and sustainable job opportunities, the West Mediterranean port of Nador will become a locomotive for regional development that changes the reality of the Eastern Province for the better and establishes its position as a new economic pole.

The success of the project depends on the fulfillment of multiple conditions: The sustainability of the investment, the effectiveness of the public-private partnership, the timely completion of the connecting infrastructure, and the training of local human resources. These factors will determine whether the West Mediterranean port of Nador will truly become an economic turning point for the eastern region, or whether it will remain a mere port facility without the hoped-for developmental impact.