Morocco’s growth as a key player in the international transport sector is reflected in the increasing financial investments that are allowing the creation of industrial zones which attract companies from all over the world. An industrial development in constant growth is a logistical challenge, so it is essential to know how to choose the strategically most suitable location from where you are operating your transports to Morocco. Within this context, HTG Express recently expanded by opening an office in Tangier which is now able to provide an express freight service throughout the region.
Considering its geographical position, Morocco is a nodal point for all connections to Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. Due to this special setup, both private and public investments in the Moroccan market are growing year after year and with it, the arrival of companies with industrial productions, imports and exports.
It is therefore necessary to make an analysis of which location to choose when it comes to setting up operations in such a large country that has a natural border with the Sahara Desert, the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Mediterranean Sea. By opening a new office in Tangier Med, we are settling into a well-communicated location with access to develop flowing infrastructures which is a key aspect for the logistics of any urgent shipment to Morocco.
Free trade zones within the Tangier Med network
Within a radius of 80 kilometres from the port of Tangier Med, five free trade zones have been established which offer great advantages to companies focused on imports or exports. Currently more than 900 companies are conducting business in these free trade zones since 2009, in the whole area from Tangier to the city of Tetouan.
The logistics and industrial complex of Tangier Med is one of the most relevant connections to the African continent and a heavily frequented transit point to the Mediterranean regions. This region is undoubtedly the most important point of transport to Morocco, but it is necessary to know how to differentiate the focus of its five different free zones.
Tangier Free Zone (TFZ)
Since 1999, the Tangier free trade zone has been extended to 400 hectares. There is hardly any space left as there are more than 600 companies – mainly dedicated to the automotive, aeronautics and textile industries have practically all their space taken up. It is the most highly sought-after business zone and the one that has been able to develop its region the most.
Melloussa Zone (Renault Tanger Med)
In 2012, the alliance of automotive giants Renault and Nissan established an industrial complex of more than 300 hectares. This production line near the town of Melloussa is the largest on the African continent and in less than five years it reached its first million of new vehicles produced. This milestone achieved by the Franco-Nipponese manufacturer is a sign of the efficient logistical system of production and use of infrastructures in transport across Morocco.
Tanger Automotive City (TAC)
Next to the before mentioned Renault-Nissan industrial complex is the Tangier Automotive City. The 300-hectare site is home to a number of companies involved in the automotive sector that work in conjunction with the Melloussa zone. The TAC is home to vehicle parts manufacturers, subcontractors, logistics operators and other services that help developing the sector.
Tetouan Park
About ten kilometres from the city of Tetouan is this free zone that seeks to complement the offer of the Tangier Med industrial platform. This business park is growing rapidly and is approaching one hundred established companies, both export-focused and those with an eye on the domestic market.
Tetouan Shore
As its name suggests this free zone located in the Moroccan city of Tetouan, specialized in offshore services and companies. The park aims to be the reference in services such as business process outsourcing (BPO), information technology outsourcing (ITO) and customer relationship management (CRM). In this way, it is able to complement the offer that is given in the region and to enhance the import and export capabilities in the transport to Morocco.
Other relevant zones in transport to Morocco
In addition to the established free zones, there are several large business parks on the outskirts of Tangier to consider. To understand the scale and context, the Mghogha industrial zone, for example, is six times the size of the Tangier free trade zone.
The axis connecting the three Moroccan cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakesh is also of vital importance to the country’s economy. In this area you can find points such as the Nouaceur Zone, where there is a cluster of aeronautical industries, as well as the Aeropol or the Parc Technopolis.
