"I am amazed by the progress in social development and economic development in the region," Luisa Fernandez, a Chilean activist based in New York, told MAP after an interview with president of the Council of the urban commune of Laayoune, Moulay Hamdi Ould Errachid.

She noted that the various projects implemented in the southern provinces have enabled the local population to contribute actively to accelerating the process of integrated development in their region.

Carmen Ximena Zamora Bravo, elected and vice-president of the Center for Maghreb Studies in Latin America, said that the Chilean delegation's three-day visit to Laayoune "offers them the opportunity to learn more about reality "in the southern provinces of Morocco.

She further stated that "the autonomy plan is the only credible solution to put an end to this artificial conflict".

Juvenal Urizar, former mayor, noted that the implementation of a number of pilot projects in the Moroccan Sahara has helped to improve the socio-economic level of the inhabitants of the southern provinces, especially young people and women.

At the headquarters of the Regional Investment Center (CRI) of Laayoune Sakia Al Hamra, the Chilean delegation learned about business opportunities, investment climate in the southern provinces of the Kingdom as well as the advantages and facilities provided for investors.

Delegation members also discussed possibilities of building partnerships between Chilean and local economic operators.

In addition, they visited several socio-economic infrastructures of the city of El Mersa, including desalination plant, commercial port, fishing port,  freezing unit, in addition to the cannery.

The members of the delegation also made a tour in the main neighborhoods of the city of Laayoune, including socio-sport centers and library.

-News on Western Sahara issue/ Corcas-