Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is currently experiencing the rainy season. Chinese engineering technicians wearing reflective vests took advantage of the clear sky to quickly set up inspection points and use detectors and other equipment for geological surveys, preparing for the construction of the high-speed rail underground tunnel passing through the core area of the city. In April 2025, Morocco officially launched the construction of the second phase of the high-speed rail project. Multiple Chinese enterprises have participated in the construction of tunnels, bridges, roadbeds, and other projects, helping to improve and upgrade Morocco's transportation infrastructure. Morocco is the first country in Africa to have high-speed rail, which is a landmark project in the modernization process of Morocco. In 2018, with the completion and opening of the first phase of the 200 kilometer high-speed rail project, Morocco entered the era of high-speed rail, providing an important foundation for economic and social development as well as the upgrading of cultural and tourism industries. Chinese funded enterprises such as China Electric Power Construction Fifth Engineering Group Co., Ltd. and China Railway Eighth Engineering Group Co., Ltd. participated in the construction of the first phase of the high-speed railway project, which received high praise from Moroccan owners and laid a good foundation for cooperation in the second phase of the project. The second phase of the high-speed railway, with a total length of 430 kilometers and a designed speed of 350 kilometers per hour, will be connected to the first phase of the high-speed railway, linking Rabat, the largest city Casablanca, and the southern ancient city of Marrakesh, providing transportation support for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The Rabat high-speed railway tunnel, which passes through the core area of Rabat, is designed to be 2849 meters long and passes underneath municipal buildings, public roads, schools, and parks. In order to overcome the challenges of complex geological conditions and avoid the pollution and inefficiency problems of traditional geological drilling rigs, we have introduced new processes and methods for surveying. Ao Guohui, the project manager of the Rabat high-speed railway tunnel project of China Electric Power Construction Fifth Bureau, told reporters that the construction team accurately calculated the underground medium structure and interface position by measuring the resistivity distribution of the strata and the propagation speed of seismic waves, providing geological reference for tunnel design. Entering the construction site of the Rabat high-speed railway tunnel, the huge double track high-speed railway tunnel entrance has begun to take shape. Workers are using equipment such as arch frame trolleys and lining trolleys to carry out construction operations in an orderly manner. At the groundbreaking ceremony of the second phase of the high-speed railway project, Moroccan King Mohammed VI stated, "The Rabat high-speed railway tunnel is a landmark project in Morocco's modernization process and will become a model for the two countries to jointly promote the construction of underground transportation in African cities." In order to build this tunnel well, the construction team of China Electric Power Construction Fifth Engineering Bureau and Morocco General Engineering Company formed a joint venture to effectively connect Chinese technical experience with Moroccan market resources and achieve win-win cooperation. Choosing Chinese enterprises as partners is precisely because they have rich experience in tunnel construction. ”Mohammed Asatotai, the engineering director of the Rabat high-speed rail tunnel project, told reporters that the joint development of Chinese enterprises and local partners can effectively integrate the technical capabilities and market resources of both sides. To bring more opportunities for the development of our country, the second phase of the Moroccan high-speed railway will run through major towns along the northern Atlantic coast of the country, with complex geological structures and dense existing road networks, making bridge construction particularly important. The ninth section constructed by China Energy Engineering Gezhouba Group includes six large bridges. Among them, the individual span of Nanmahler Bridge is 1.1 kilometers. At the construction site of Nanmahler Bridge, multiple drilling equipment are operating in an orderly manner. Under the guidance of Chinese technical personnel, the local construction team carried out lifting, grouting and other operations. Zheng Ai, the project manager of the ninth section, introduced that during the pile foundation construction phase, the project introduced China's mature drilling and grouting pile technology. At the same time, in response to the challenges brought by the windy, high-temperature, and complex geological conditions in Morocco, the project has improved the mud preparation formula, selected mud making materials suitable for local geology, and monitored the mud density and viscosity indicators in real time to ensure the stability of the borehole wall. On the other side of the site, workers are preparing steel cages. From bending ribs, tying cages to welding, the figure of Zhongmo employees working side by side and cooperating seamlessly can be seen in every process. Zhewade is a local welder with 16 years of work experience. He is leading several colleagues to calibrate the gaps between steel bars one by one, and then using electric welding to make the frame of the steel cage. My Chinese colleagues have taught me many advanced welding techniques, and I am very grateful to them, "said Zhewade." It is an honor to participate in the construction of this high-speed railway, and I believe it will bring more opportunities for the development of our country. "The project team comprehensively sorted out local regulations in Morocco and relevant European standards, compared Chinese construction methods with local requirements one by one, and made localized adjustments. By collaborating with local design companies, consulting firms, and construction teams, we can jointly solve problems such as terrain adaptation and process connection encountered during construction, promote the adaptation of Chinese technological advantages to local standards, and form a complete application system. According to local media reports, the newly built high-speed railway line will serve 59% of Morocco's population, connect more than two-thirds of the country's economy, and directly or indirectly create thousands of job opportunities, promoting the development of industries such as industry and services. In the past, I worked for a local construction company and heard that Chinese companies were building high-speed railways in Morocco. I submitted my resume with a try and see attitude, and they interviewed and hired me. Now, my income has increased. ”Moroccan engineer Muzong, who works in the project department of the first section of the high-speed railway project of China Railway Fourth Bureau in Morocco, told reporters that by participating in the construction of the second phase of the high-speed railway project, he gradually accumulated experience in high-speed railway construction and management. "With these skills, I believe my development will continue to improve. The first section has a 15 kilometer route passing through the town of Hadada in the province of Ganitra. Since the participation of Chinese enterprises in the construction, they have driven the economic development of the small town and created employment opportunities through material procurement, "said Hamid Sadawi, the mayor of Hadada Town. At the end of 2025, Ganitra Province experienced continuous heavy rainfall, causing damage to multiple roads in Hadada Town and flooding of many villagers' homes. Sadavi said he approached the project department and hoped to help the village solve the problem of waterlogging. The project department immediately organized personnel to inspect the on-site situation and quickly arranged for professional personnel and mechanical equipment such as excavators and graders to enter the site. Through collaboration with the villagers, the team repaired the damaged road within 3 days and excavated two 500 meter long drainage ditches. Li Peng, the administrative director of the first section of the Morocco High speed Railway Phase II project of China Railway Fourth Bureau, introduced that enterprises are obligated to build infrastructure such as roads and bridges, create beneficial projects such as drinking water and drainage for residents, help solve livelihood problems in villages and towns along the high-speed railway, and provide assistance within their capabilities to improve the lives of local people. Abdulhamid Mazid, the Governor of Ganitra Province, said that after more than half a year of interaction, he has gained a new understanding of Chinese enterprises. China has the world's largest and most advanced high-speed railway network, and Chinese enterprises have mature construction experience and advanced equipment technology, "he said." We welcome Chinese enterprises to help Morocco build high-speed railways