"This form of decentralization is not a simple planning or territorial division, but it reflects the determination of the Kingdom to take advantage of the momentum of modernization of states at the global level and the desire to amplify its sustainable development through the mobilization of local synergies," said El Khattat Yenja who was speaking at the first Forum of African Regions (FORAF).

During a panel, held under the theme "Regional Governments and Territorial Competitiveness", the president of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region noted that Morocco, "since its accession to independence, has put in place various approaches and strategies to address the challenges of development through an inclusive and consistent advanced regionalization."

"The Kingdom aspires to a harmonious economic development in all its regions," he added, noting that the regionalization desired by Morocco aims to strengthen the democratic process through the establishment of local democracy and the assurance of a management of proximity including local actors in the autonomous management of their affairs, while taking into account their specificities, potentialities and socio-economic assets of their region.

In this sense, he called on the regions to rethink their economic paradigm and to innovate so that they can set themselves up as a pole of competitiveness.