Mr. El Jaouhari pointed out, in a speech during a communication meeting that brought together the main actors and investors in the region, that the goal is to make Ifrane a model of ecological excellence, by seeking to obtain the international label "Ifrane Clean City".
To achieve this goal, the region's governor stressed the need to encourage investments in green sectors, such as green taxis, emphasizing that the desire is to make public transport in Ifrane 100 percent clean.
The official explained that "this is a comprehensive strategy based on environmental protection and respect for nature, emphasizing the firm will to make Ifrane a global benchmark in sustainable development.
On the other hand, Mr. El Jaouhari stated that this communication meeting aims to explore the promising opportunities that the region abounds with and to discuss ways to enhance its attractiveness in order to attract more high added-value investments.
He pointed out that this initiative is in line with the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which place investment at the heart of economic and social development.
He continued that the Fez-Meknes region seeks to achieve economic recovery based on a sustainable and inclusive development model, thanks to a qualified human capital and an ancient heritage extending over 12 centuries, as well as a strategic location and distinguished resources in innovation.
He also emphasized the important role of Al Akhawayn University, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, in the development of the Ifrane region.
To achieve the region's development vision, Mr. El Jaouhari stressed the need to transform Ifrane into a global model in technological innovation and green growth, similar to a number of developed countries.
In this context, he emphasized the important role that Al Akhawayn University can play in this transformation through its local and international partnerships, particularly through the establishment of business incubators and laboratories to encourage young people to establish start-ups focused on sustainability in technological innovation.
Regarding infrastructure, Mr. El Jaouhari announced that 5.5 billion dirhams have been allocated between 2015 and 2023 for infrastructure, social, and human development projects.
As for private investments, the governor explained that the Regional Unified Investment Commission has approved projects worth 1.1 billion dirhams since 2022, noting that the last quarter of 2024 saw an acceleration of investments, with 55 percent of submitted projects approved, worth 258 million dirhams, representing 91 percent of the total amount of investment projects approved in 2024.
For his part, the governor of Ifrane province, Driss Mesbah, stressed the importance of rigor and seriousness in the investment approach, by benefiting from successful experiences and overcoming existing constraints.
He emphasized, in this context, the exceptional ecological character of the region, which abounds with wetlands classified under the Ramsar Convention, its vast forests rich in botanical and biological diversity (116 thousand hectares), and its rich cultural and artisanal heritage.
The governor pointed out, in this regard, that the Ifrane province is a distinguished destination for ecotourism, sports activities, and medical tourism, as it has a reception capacity of 3818 beds and 5680 camping places.
He also highlighted the agricultural character of the region, with an arable land area estimated at 72 thousand hectares, particularly apple and cherry cultivation, making the region the main producer of these two fruits at the regional level.
Mr. Mesbah also addressed the Ifrane National Park, which covers 85 percent of the province's area and will be rehabilitated with a budget of 734 million dirhams, noting that Ifrane was classified as the second cleanest city in the world in 2016, and among the most beautiful African cities in 2023.
For his part, the president of the Fez-Meknes region, Abdelouahed El Ansari, stressed the importance of this meeting, the eighth of its kind in a series of consultations launched by the region's governorate since last December.
He also highlighted the numerous projects completed or launched by the regional council, particularly in the areas of road infrastructure, drinking water supply, health, sports, and culture.
He noted that "significant efforts have been made, and we are aware of the challenges facing the region", reaffirming the council's commitment to continue the development process and prepare new projects that meet the needs of the population.
