“Marseille Attractive 2012-2020”, an economic and territorial objective

After fifteen years of economic growth, profound transformation in the city’s urban fabric and a rising international profile, Marseille is reaching a pivotal moment in its history.

The City Council must adopt a concerted strategy defining future orientations for the next ten years in consultation with all the region's stakeholders.   

The “Marseille Attractive 2012-2020” initiative which was approved by the City Council on the 12th December 2011 sets out this vision. This new and unique development programme for our city aims to promote Marseille’s territorial offer by encouraging competitive business sectors and by driving forward a joint-marketing approach involving all relevant stakeholders such as local authorities, academia, key players in innovation and, of course, businesses.  

Our strategy to reinforce the city’s appeal is based on three key priorities : to make Marseille become the biggest trade platform in the southern Mediterranean, to position Marseille as a city of knowledge and creativity and and make it 'must-see' tourist destination. 

To strengthen its vocation as a centre for business and trading platform , Marseille is focusing on both the commercial port by reasserting its industrial and trading role and the growth of high-level service sector activities as part of Euroméditerranée. Another sizeable asset is Marseille-Provence airport which is has just become a new operational hub for Air France building links between the Phocean city and 10 new international destinations, including Beirut with which we have just extended our co-operation agreement. Lebanon has been the centre of our attention over the last few months and a new partnership agreement was signed this time with the coastal city of Tripoli. We also shouldn’t forget the close links established with Dakar and Hamburg.

During the trade mission to Saudi Arabia from 2-5^th December led by Ubifrance  and the Marseille-Provence Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we met with Saudi investors. Contacts were established and we hope to welcome these same investors next year in Marseille during the World Water Forum.   

The second priority of the “Marseille Attractive” plan aims to position the city as a centre of knowledge and creativity by promoting the potential of higher education and scientific research thereby facilitating the creation of innovative businesses, supporting joint-ventures and strengthening technological innovation projects. Recent events have demonstrated the advantages of Marseille in these areas such as the success of the first ever Marseille WebFest  a genuine trade show for web series creators. In February, we will also open Technoptic, a 3,300 m² technology centre, a highly influential facility in the fields of research and development.

The third strategic priority of our new road-map ,the city of Marseille  as a tourist destination, will be developed with a commitment to securing a strong position in the economic summits market and be part of the top 5 MICE events (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions)  such as Seatrade Med  next November.     

To increase upon the 4 million tourists who currently visit Marseille, the city intends to attract even more major international events to raise its profile in the cruise and business tourism sectors. The World Water Forum which will be held in March 2012, kicks off this major events programme!  Finally, the regeneration underway in the city centre, the semi-pedestrianisation of the Vieux Port and the extension to the area covered by Euroméditerranée will all contribute to making the Phocean city even more modern and attractive. 

I wish you all the very best for the end of year festivities and here’s to a radiant and attractive 2012!

Roland Blum, Member of the National Assembly, First Deputy to the Mayor of Marseille.