Melilla Seeks Maritime Link with Morocco to Boost Trade and Port Activity

While waiting for the still closed borders to open, the president of CEME stressed that a maritime line could revive trade and exchanges between the two regions. Following a recent meeting bringing together the president of the Port Authority of the Port of Melilla, the president of the local government and the local employers’ association, it was concluded that the economic and commercial development of the city now depends on the reactivation of its port activity.

The operators of the enclave, suffocated by the health crisis and the closure of the borders with Morocco, agree. The establishment of a direct service between the port of Beni Ansar and the autonomous city would be beneficial for both parties. The Spanish shipping company Balearia would even be interested in providing this link.

It has two ships, capable of meeting the demand, whether for passenger or freight transport. This remains a real business opportunity for both parties. Morocco, by embarking on such an adventure, will have the opportunity to sell its fish, fruits and vegetables and construction materials (mainly aggregates). But the downside, according to lesecos.ma, is that it is the enclave of Melilla that will generate significant revenue at the expense of Morocco.

A few days after the closure of the borders, the authorities and operators of the enclave were considering redirecting trade to Algeria. But they changed their minds, opting for "cooperation" with Morocco and for "strengthening the commercial relations that have existed for centuries". The operators of the enclave now hope that this proposal for a maritime line to boost trade will be discussed during the bilateral summit scheduled for February between Morocco and Spain, the same source said.