Rail Outward Mission to Morocco

In partnership, UK railway suppliers are invited to join a Railway Industry Association (RIA) and the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) trade mission to Morocco. Participants will meet key players and find out more about opportunities in this strong railway market.

Morocco
The 2040 Rail Strategy is a £30bn rail development plan to expand Morocco’s existing rail network, with plans for 1,300km of high-speed lines and 3,800km of standard lines by 2040. With elements of the plan expected to be expedited for completion ahead of Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the National Railways Office (ONCF) will be releasing a high volume of tenders in high-speed and light rail over the coming months.

The plan is to extend Africa’s only operational high-speed rail line, connecting Tangier with Marrakech and Agadir. Morocco’s World Cup bid includes the development of light rail within Casablanca and Rabat, along with the development of new stations, connecting this network to the inter-city high-speed line.

At present, only one airport in Morocco is connected by rail, with plans to connect a further 14. The existing network includes 1,000km of track, with 120 stations serving passengers and 15 serving freight. Six Moroccan cities will host games at the 2030 FIFA World Cup – Tangier, Fes, Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, and Marrakech.

UK-Morocco Association Agreement
This bilateral Association Agreement sets the framework for trade between the UK and Morocco, with trade at its highest level of £3.6bn. The framework supports regular dialogue between the two Kingdoms, including on public procurement.

Draft Programme
Monday 21st October – arrive in Casablanca
Tuesday 22nd October – morning briefing session with DBT, UK Export Finance and local partners. Afternoon meetings with local contractors, manufacturers and Casablanca regional government. Consulate reception in the evening.
Wednesday 23rd October – travel to Rabat on high-speed rail. Morning Workshop with ONCF, including presentation on 2040 Rail Strategy and 1-2-1 pitch opportunities. Afternoon meeting with Rabat regional government and Morocco’s investment promotion agency. Evening free.
Thursday 24th October – breakfast briefing with UK Ambassador to Morocco.

Mission Dates
Tuesday 22 October to Thursday 24 October 2024
Delegates will be expected to be available from 9am Tuesday morning and it is suggested to travel to Morocco on the Monday.

Costs & Travel
£350 plus VAT per company for DBT support and RIA management fee. 
Delegates will be responsible for their own flight bookings and related costs including hotels (which will be recommended). A detailed programme will be provided along with a mission brochure. 
With any overseas travel, RIA recommends that those travelling always check the latest travel advice issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) before committing to travelling and again before travelling. 

Registration
The event is open to all UK registered companies – 2 delegates per company limit.
A minimum of ten companies are required for the mission to go ahead. Applications are open until full or Friday 30 September 2024.