Mohammed Isa Al Abbasi 
The state of the East side has revealed its strategy to improve the commercial situation in the city of Oujda through three steps, which is reflected in the rehabilitation of random markets and the creation of new markets, the deportation of sellers into organized commercial sites, then creating new weekly markets, as well as keeping pace with this strategy for technological changes.
In this context, the National Initiative for Human Development allocated 60 million dirhams in order to establish model markets, in addition to distributing commercial vehicles to 14 points of sale, and rehabilitating 13 typical markets, which benefited about 3380 people; In addition to the fish market project, in installments, which was allocated a budget of 3 million dirhams.
According to data reached by Hespress from the state of the region, the local authorities continue their efforts to improve the commercial organization in the city, by developing new markets, improving infrastructure, providing adequate parking lots, health facilities, and food stores, in addition to electronic payment systems, which will contribute, according to it, to improve traffic flow, reduce environmental and audio pollution, as well as attract more visitors and motivate the local economy.
The objectives of the project to deport the sellers into organized commercial sites are to improve the local organization, reduce traffic congestion, improve the flow of traffic in the city streets, create an organized commercial environment, achieve environmental sustainability by providing more green spaces and areas designated for walking, and achieving a balance between urban development and the environment by transporting markets to areas far from residential areas to reduce environmental and audio pollution.
In this context, markets such as Friday market and Sunday market were deported to areas far from residential neighborhoods, with the aim of reducing pressure on the main streets; Al -Falah Market has also been deported to a market that has a modern infrastructure that facilitates traffic and limits congestion.
Among the most prominent projects that will be implemented, according to the state of the East, the establishment of the market of the “People of Anjad” group on an area of 12 hectares, with an investment of approximately 10 million dirhams, with the establishment of modern commercial facilities that meet the needs of merchants and population in order to stimulate the local economy. A group of weekly market construction projects were also programmed in different regions, with a financial cover estimated at 70 million dirhams. The matter is related to the Bani Adrar market, Sidi Moussa Market for the end, Al -Naimah Market and Ain Al -Safa Market.
The same source emphasized that these new markets are designed according to modern criteria, which guarantee enough and appropriate space for displaying goods and organizing places, and turning the shopping experience into a smooth experience thanks to the aesthetic design and taking into account the social and environmental aspects of its construction. As well as facilitating transport and distribution operations by allocating areas for shipping and unloading.
Within the framework of improving the commercial position of a social nature, according to the same source, a regional platform for valuing local products was built on an area of 5 hectares, at a total cost of 195 million dirhams, dedicated to cooling rooms and processing units, and also includes advanced logistical equipment, equipment and means to ensure highly efficient operations. This platform is concerned with packaging, promotion, and marketing local products such as dates, olive, olive oil, honey, almonds, essential oils, and spices.
The local authorities in Oujda emphasized that they seek to “make the city a role model among Moroccan cities, especially in achieving a balance between sustainable urban development and the preservation of the environment and natural resources”, as the city focuses on developing green spaces and improving the quality of the environment, through renewable energy projects, such as using solar panels in buildings and public facilities, in order to provide a healthy urban environment.
The city’s commercial space is estimated at 315 square meters per 1000 people. In 2022, the Trade and Services Sector shares of 56.6 percent of GDP of the East, with a noticeable growth in the number of points of sale, which exceeds 12 thousand points, and provides more than 21 thousand jobs.
Oujda has a diverse commercial network that includes many markets and commercial centers, which include the wholesale sales market for vegetables and fruits, the wholesale fish market, 11 markets per week, 30 markets and commercial boats, 9 medium and major commercial centers, 10 specialized stores, and 80 brand stores.
Nevertheless, the state of the east is acknowledged that one of the most prominent problems facing traditional trade in Oujda is the weakness of the organization in some traditional markets, which negatively affects its attractiveness and the quality of the services provided; As it is affected by the problems related to hygiene, the regulation of traffic, and the overcrowding, highlighting that, in addition, the non -structured trade sector, such as street vendors, witnesses widely, which raises challenges to the commercial sector.
