Bombardier Aerospace will be participating in the first North African edition of the World Investment Conference, which runs from March 20 to 22, 2013 in Marrakesh, Morocco. Speaking in the Global Leaders Panel for Automotive and Aeronautics Industries, Souad Elmallem, Chief Country Representative, North Africa, Bombardier Inc., will discuss the attractiveness of the North African market for foreign direct investment with other international industry leaders.

“Africa is a market with great potential for Bombardier on several levels,” said Ms. Elmallem. “Bombardier’s investment in Morocco reflects our long-term engagement with the Moroccan government and will serve as a springboard for the Company’s activities and presence in North Africa.”

Over the next 20 years, it is predicted that Africa will be among the global leaders in annual economic growth rates, which will drive increases in both business and commercial aviation activity. With its portfolio of industry leading aircraft, Bombardier is well positioned to capture a significant share of Africa’s demand for new aircraft.

Bombardier recently began production of simple aircraft structures at a transitional facility near Casablanca, employing 18 local graduates of the Institut des Métiers de l’Aéronautique (IMA). Plans are well underway for the construction of Bombardier’s own facility in Morocco, which is expected to include a workforce of approximately 850 people by 2020.

Distinction “Wissam” Royale du Grand Mérite National Late last month, in Tangier, King Mohammed VI of Morocco personally awarded a Royal Decoration to Ms. Elmallem during the third edition of the Assises Nationales de l’Industrie, Morocco’s most important industrial summit. This royal distinction serves as recognition of Bombardier’s commitment to Morocco and its vested interest in the region’s continued industrial development and growth. In addition, it further recognizes Ms. Elmallem’s integral role in Bombardier’s establishment in Morocco.

“The Royal Decoration bestowed upon Souad Elmallem by King Mohammed VI is a testament to Souad’s personal leadership in our African project and to Bombardier’s solid commitment to Morocco,” added Guy C. Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. “The aerospace sector in Morocco has grown remarkably in the last decade and is an excellent platform for Bombardier to continue to extend its global footprint to the African market.”

Bombardier press release