After travelling some 3,500 km (Tangier-Dakhla and Dakhla-Casablanca), participants left very satisfied, promising to return next year for the second edition.

They promised to return in large numbers to participate in the second edition, which will be held during November 1-9, 2009.

According to the director of Raid, Mr. Omar Alaoui, this visit will take place every year under the same themes to continuously contribute to the development of the southern provinces.

With regard to this issue, he said, it allowed intensive contacts between investors and local officials in Guelmim, Laayoune and Dakhla including representatives of regional investment centers that have exposed business opportunities in their respective regions.

The passage of the Raid was also marked by a number of charitable activities (circumcision of children, distribution of clothing), which also helped to strengthen the link with local associations.

He also praised the support of the Agency for the promotion of Economic and Social Development in the Southern Provinces of the kingdom, also paid tribute to the group of the phosphates Office and other partners for their support. 

He also revealed that the organizers, very motivated after the success of this edition, will start working immediately to prepare for the next edition, which will be marked above all by programming concerts in the cities visited ( Guelmim, Laayoune, Dakhla) to generate revenue that will be devoted to actions of solidarity.
He welcomed in this regard, artists Lahlouy Nouamane and Zarhouni Adil, who joined this first raid.

The raid, which started on November 1st in Tangier, passed through Casablanca, Marrakesh, Agadir, Guelmim, Tan-Tan and Laayoune before arriving in Dakhla. It then left for Casablanca, where it arrived Sunday late in the evening. Some fifty people took part including several businessmen.

Source: MAP
-News on Western Sahara issue/ Corcas-