Special Economic Zones in the OIC Region:
Learning from Experience
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In 2016, Decathlon started its logistics operations within the Medhub zone with the take up of
over 20,000 sqm of warehouse space. The facility will be the second largest Decathlon logistics
facility in the world and will primarily focus on re-export activities to Mediterranean and West
African markets.
Box 33 – Tanger Med Success Factors – Pillar 2 Infrastructure Investment – TMSA Interview
5.4.3 Legislative and Regulatory Framework
Special Economic Zone Act and Regulations
Morocco’s Special Economic Zones were set forth by Law 19-94 (Dahir No. 1-95-1) on January
26th, 1995. The zones are exempt from customs regulations, foreign trade and exchange control
restrictions which are in place within the domestic economy. Further information on these fiscal
incentives is provided below.
The country has made significant progress since the degree of the SEZ law in improving the
release and clearance procedures for the SEZs. It is recorded that operators within the zones are
now able to conduct 30 operations remotely including the release and clearance of goods, digital
signature of customs declarations and e-payments. In addition, an agreement between Customs
and the Directorate-General of Taxation has now permitted approved economic operators to
exchange tax data, reducing tax-related procedures.
Licensing, Ownership and Zoning Restrictions
The Tanger Med zones are structured to allow either rental or purchase of land parcels.
Incentives
The Moroccan Industrial Strategy aims to strengthen the attractiveness of Morocco through the
definition of a value proposition specifically for automotive equipment suppliers and
manufactures. The Government have developed an ‘Offer Morocco for the Automotive Sector’
Investment in infrastructure was another identified key success factor drawn fromdiscussions with
TMSA. The port’s geographic location was identified as one of the primary contributors to Tanger
Med’s unique value proposition and competitiveness. The port enables enterprises within the
Industrial Platform to deliver to Europe and the rest of the world. The fact that Renault have now
expanded their exports to South America from Tanger Med was provided as a key example of this
connectivity.
The integrated infrastructure network which connects each of the zones was also identified to have
been a key factor in attracting foreign investment and creating a unique value proposition for export
orientated automotive industries. Each of the zones within the Tanger Med Industrial Platform are
also connected by highways allowing rapid connectivity to Tanger Med Port for the export of goods.
The utilities offer within each zone is also of very high quality, built to international standards to
ensure that investors receive the same quality of services as within their countries of origin.