Casablanca is set to host the 2024 edition of the Crans Montana Forum from April 24 to 26, bringing together key global stakeholders to discuss the crucial link between international trade and maritime security. Under the theme “International Trade Requires Maritime Security and Safe Ports and Waterways,” this year’s forum aligns with the Atlantic vision advocated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, reinforcing Morocco’s strategic role in global commerce.
According to a statement from the Crans Montana Forum, an esteemed Swiss-based organization, the event has become a cornerstone for economic and political leaders seeking to address the pressing challenges of maritime trade and its evolving security landscape. The 2024 edition promises high-level exchanges on topics essential to the future of global trade and the economic development of coastal regions.
Two major conferences will shape the discussions at the forum. The first will focus on strengthening international cooperation as an essential element of any maritime security strategy. The second will delve into securing ports and maritime routes as a catalyst for economic development. These discussions will be complemented by a broader exploration of strategic issues, including the evolving challenges faced by Africa’s maritime industry in a rapidly changing world, the role of digitalization in enhancing maritime security, the progress of the Atlantic African States process, the importance of preserving coastal natural resources, and the geostrategic significance of the Port of Dakhla as a driving force for West Africa’s transformation.
Beyond the conference halls, participants will have the opportunity to visit Casablanca’s Smart Port, a state-of-the-art facility that represents a model of modernization and intelligent port management. This visit will provide insight into how Morocco is leveraging technology to optimize maritime operations and bolster its position as a key trade hub.
Dakhla, which has been a focal point of previous editions, will once again take center stage during the forum. As a rapidly expanding economic hub, its port is increasingly seen as a gateway for transatlantic trade and a vital engine of growth for the region. The city’s strategic location offers vast potential for boosting economic exchanges between Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
The forum will once again attract a distinguished gathering of ministers, senior government officials, maritime security experts, and leading economic players from Africa and beyond. It will provide a platform for fostering strategic alliances and exchanging best practices to ensure safer maritime trade and sustainable economic development.
Following five successful editions held in Dakhla, this year’s move to Casablanca marks an important step in consolidating Morocco’s role as a key player in global trade and maritime security. The forum continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation, driving forward a shared vision of prosperity through secure and efficient maritime trade routes.
