Boosting Moroccan transport in the Spanish market
Moroccan companies are significantly increasing their presence in Spain, securing an increasing number of licences to operate in the country. This boom in Moroccan transport activity has caught the attention of both Moroccan and Spanish media, with some suggesting that Moroccan firms are on their way to dominating the Spanish market.
As reported by Morocco Word News, the expansion of Moroccan transport companies in Spain is highlighted by a stark contrast in the number of trips made by operators from each country. According to Moroccan media reports, Spanish transport companies used just over 8,000 travel permits for destinations outside the European Union last year, representing barely 10% of the total. In comparison, Moroccan companies made use of more than 80,000 licences, demonstrating their strong presence in the market. This increase is evidence of Moroccan companies' ability to adapt and seize opportunities in a competitive environment.
This discrepancy has not gone unnoticed by industry organisations. The Spanish National Federation of Transport Associations has acknowledged that the Moroccan authorities are actively negotiating with the Spanish Ministry of Transport to increase their share of operating licences. The Federation also pointed out that the Spanish fleet, despite having more than 133,000 trucks, is mainly focused on EU countries, leaving room for Moroccan companies to expand their operations. This focus on the European market by Spanish companies creates a vacuum that Moroccan companies are keen to fill, diversifying their routes and services.
The growing presence of Moroccan transport companies in Spain can be attributed, in part, to the increasing demand for Moroccan drivers. Spanish media outlet La Razón has reported that Spanish companies are actively looking for Moroccan drivers, offering attractive salary packages to cover the lack of young Spaniards interested in pursuing this profession. The lack of interest on the part of Spanish youth in the transport sector has created a significant demand for foreign drivers, and Moroccans are well positioned to meet this need due to their geographical proximity and experience in the sector.
In addition, the strengthening of bilateral relations between Morocco and Spain has facilitated this growth. Cooperation between the two countries in terms of trade and transport has been crucial for Moroccan companies to expand and operate more freely in the Spanish market. Ongoing negotiations to increase operating license quotas are a testament to the willingness of both nations to foster a favourable environment for business growth and job creation.
Ultimately, the remarkable growth of Moroccan transport companies in Spain reflects an upward trend, driven by the ability of these companies to seize opportunities in an expanding market and bilateral collaboration to increase licence quotas. This phenomenon is not only transforming the transport landscape in Spain, but is also strengthening economic ties between the two countries. The continued evolution of this dynamic could set a new standard in Spanish-Moroccan trade relations, with long-term mutual benefits.