The CEO of UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG), Geraint Evans, commented on the projects inaugurated in the Casablanca port complex, saying that Morocco's ports are strategic and at the heart of its economic development.

Evans said that Morocco is reaping the rewards of its “ambitious” strategy, adding that many countries can learn from the country’s recognition of the crucial role that ports play in the current and future economy.

“The expansion of the Kingdom's ports is welcome,” he said, citing the recent decision by the international port infrastructure operator, DP World, to launch a maritime service directly connecting Morocco with the United Kingdom and Northern Europe.

These developments "are a key part of our ambition at UKMPG to further strengthen international links with our major ports," he said.

Founded in 1993, UKMPG is the professional umbrella organization for the UK's leading port operators, representing nine of the country's top ten port operators. Members of this group collectively manage 75% of UK port throughput across 40 ports.

King Mohammed VI inaugurated major development projects in the complex on Thursday to strengthen the center's economic and tourism influence.

These projects seek to position Casablanca as a leading economic and financial center on the continent, fully open to the international community.

With investments of approximately 5.000 billion dirhams, these projects have focused on the development of a fishing port, the construction of a new shipyard, the development of a cruise terminal, and the construction of an administrative complex that brings together all the stakeholders of the Port of Casablanca.