On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Rabat, Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour and UK Minister of State for International Trade Chris Bryant underscored their mutual aspirations to significantly enhance bilateral trade and accelerate investment opportunities between Morocco and the United Kingdom. This ambitious endeavor is grounded in the substantial infrastructural projects being executed in Morocco, particularly in relation to the preparations for the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup.
During the opening of the Moroccan-British Business Forum, which Bryant attended with a high-level British delegation comprising government officials and private sector leaders, he emphasized the necessity of amplifying trade exchanges and fortifying partnerships between the two nations. Bryant characterized the current period as a "time of opportunities" for Morocco, highlighting the significance of the 2030 World Cup as a catalyst for transformation, a chance to enhance the kingdom's attractiveness, and an opportunity to solidify its global standing. Furthermore, he noted the imperative of developing infrastructure and creating a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations.
In this context, Bryant remarked that British companies participating in the forum are eager to assist Morocco in this dynamic phase, particularly in areas such as event management, security, infrastructure, services for fans, and planning for sustainable returns post-event. He reiterated the UK's commitment to deepening its partnership with Morocco, indicating that British firms are keen to engage in Morocco's significant infrastructural projects.
In response, Minister Mezzour highlighted the 2030 World Cup as a vital driver for development, aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure, health services, and public facilities across not only the host cities but also throughout the entire nation. He added that beyond the World Cup, Morocco is implementing an extensive eight-year program for territorial and economic transformation, which encompasses road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and the revitalization of the local economic fabric.
Mezzour addressed British companies, expressing Morocco's desire to leverage its public contracts and transformation projects to strengthen its position within global value chains. He also emphasized Morocco's ambition to progress beyond mere technology transfer by fostering partnerships based on investment, innovation, and competitiveness, inviting British firms to engage in this dynamic and create mutually beneficial collaborations.
Ben Coleman, the UK's trade envoy to Morocco and West Africa, pointed out that the primary challenge lies in aligning the aspirations and needs of both parties. He explained that British companies seek a better understanding of Morocco's priorities to identify how they can contribute to achieving its developmental goals, while Morocco is keen to ascertain the British expertise that can support its projects.
Coleman specifically noted the immediate needs associated with major events and infrastructure, particularly concerning the movement of people between various locations, security, and services provided to users, while simultaneously calling for long-term strategic thinking. He added that this collaboration could leverage the competencies available from both British companies and Moroccan stakeholders, especially in the fields of engineering and innovation.
The Morocco/UK Economic Forum, held on June 2 and 3 in Rabat and Casablanca, convened a high-level British delegation comprising government officials, business leaders, and investors, with the aim of reinforcing bilateral cooperation and supporting Morocco's development program in anticipation of the 2030 World Cup. This forum was initiated by the Moroccan government and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, in partnership with the UK Department for Business and Trade, reflecting the growing dynamism in the relationship between the UK and Morocco and their mutual desire to translate their strategic partnership into tangible economic outcomes.
Approximately 50 British companies, representing sectors such as infrastructure, transportation, security, engineering, design, and professional services, are participating in this event, which underscores the UK's significant interest in Morocco's long-term developmental ambitions. The forum's agenda includes high-level plenary sessions, targeted sectoral meetings, and practical workshops aimed at fostering dialogue, exchanging expertise, and exploring cooperation opportunities in prioritized sectors.
As reported by maroc.ma.
