(Ecofin Agency) - The government of Morocco released its “Master Plan for the development shipping-oriented port infrastructures by 2030” estimated to cost 4.5 billion dirham (slightly more than $468 million).

According to local media sources, Sanae Elamrani, Head of the Planning and Funding Division at the Moroccan Ministry for Equipping, Transport and Logistics, said: “the plan aims to provide Morocco with a modern port infrastructure to stimulate development of its shipping industry”

From what studies show, the plan which is expected to add 2 billion dirham ($208 million) to the country’s GDP and boost trade exchanges by 6 billion dirham ($624 million), will be financed by the government, port authorities, under a public-private partnership.

The Master Plan is based on two strategic axes knowingly the renovation of existing infrastructures and the construction of new ones.

Regarding main strategic goals, they include the repairing and maintenance of local fleet, gaining regional and international market shares, and making Morocco a reference in the region, in terms of big ship (120 m) construction.