Special Economic Zones in the OIC Region:
Learning from Experience
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Additionally, specific education trainings were developed for specific industries and in
collaboration with the private sector. Technical centres and engineering schools opened
campuses on the TFZ, allowing for tailored, practical trainings, providing high skilled workforce
to the zones. These have been in line with the sectors attracted to the zones. In particular,
aeronautics, automobile and offshoring have been the target sectors of this education initiative.
For example, Siemens recently opened a training centre providing high quality education for all
new employees joining their wind turbine manufacturing plant. The centre has trained over 500
employees since April 2016.
The Automotive Careers Training Institute was also set up with the support of Renault and
public investment to facilitate local training of the workforce for the factory. It was founded in
2012 and since has trained over 6,500 people.106
Box 36 - Tanger Med Success Factors – Pillar 5 Qualified Labour Force – TMSA Interview
Box 37 – Standard Profil Interview – Tanger Med Free Zone
106 Renault 2014 -
The fifth pillar of success identified by TMSA is the presence of a qualified labour force within
the Tangier- Tetouan region. Key to this success has been the establishment of 27 training
centres developed with government funding, with training costs also subsidised by central
government funding. TMSA also identified the importance of continual discussions with
companies and industries to identify skills requirements and needs. This proactive approach to
skills development in their opinion has resulted in a skilled Moroccan workforce which is a key
strength for investors looking to locate within the region, particularly within the automotive,
aerospace and logistics sectors.
Standard Profil manufacture automotive sealing systems and are located within the Tanger Med
Free Zone. When asked to identify the key attraction of the Tanger Med Free Zone for investment
the costs of labour and the quality of labour were presented as two primary reasons. It was noted
that the Moroccan labour force was recognised to be amongst the highest quality of any Standard
Mobil manufacturing facility globally. Standard Profil also indicated that the presence of a
technical school within the zone was a key factor in providing a highly skilled workforce. The
majority of technical workers within the Standard Profil factory come from this school and then
undergo further internal training.
Other key reasons for investment included:
 The fiscal and financial incentives offered;
 The presence of a one-stop-shop – TMSA helped the firm to expand operating hours to allow
24 hour working;
 The geographical proximity to Spain – where Standard Mobil’s key customers are based; and
 Proximity of the port for facilitating export of goods.