Tanger Tech: New Canal Project to Protect Industrial City from Flooding

In late January, the Moroccan government decided to initiate the construction of a canal aimed at safeguarding the "Mohammed VI Industrial City – Tanger Tech" from floods in the Tanger-Assilah prefecture.

This industrial project, a collaboration between Morocco and China, was officially announced in the latest edition of the Official Bulletin on January 23. Decree n° 2.24.1146, published in this bulletin, specifies that "public utility requires the construction of a canal to protect Mohammed VI Industrial City – Tanger Tech – from flooding in the Tanger-Assilah prefecture."

The decree is based on Law n° 7.81 concerning expropriation for public utility and temporary occupation, enacted by Dahir n° 1.81.254, and Decree n° 2.82.382, which outlines its implementation. It was adopted under the proposal of the Minister of Equipment and Water.

The plan for the canal is to be implemented according to a 1/50,000 scale site plan, with execution entrusted to the Minister of Equipment and Water, under the supervision of the Prime Minister.

This large-scale industrial project is part of a strategic partnership between Morocco and China. In 2019, a memorandum of understanding was signed in Beijing at the "Belt and Road" international cooperation forum. The agreement brought together the Tanger Tech Development Company (SAT), Chinese company "China Communication Construction Company Limited International" (CCCC), and its subsidiary "China Road and Bridge Corporation" (CRBC).

The initiative dates back to 2017, when King Mohammed VI presided over the presentation ceremony for the "Mohammed VI – Tanger Tech" project at the Marshan Palace, followed by the signing of a related memorandum of understanding. Designed as a smart city, this development aims to accelerate the economic growth of Tanger and the northern region of Morocco.

This project represents the deepening of economic and industrial ties between Rabat and Beijing, reflecting both countries’ commitment to enhancing their cooperation.

In 2020, a virtual ceremony marked the signing of partnership agreements between "China Communication Construction Company" (CCCC), "China Road and Bridge Corporation" (CRBC), the Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region, the Tanger-Mediterranean Special Agency, and Bank of Africa (formerly BMCE Bank of Africa).

According to a statement by Bank of Africa, these agreements officially integrated "CCCC/CRBC" into the capital of the "Tanger Tech Development Company" with a 35% stake, alongside Bank of Africa, the Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region, and the Tanger-Mediterranean Special Agency. This partnership strengthens the development company’s shareholder structure and solidifies the project’s foundation.