Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Investment
Morocco and the United Kingdom are setting ambitious goals to double their trade exchanges and accelerate bilateral investments, leveraging the opportunities presented by significant structural projects initiated by Morocco, alongside preparations for the 2030 World Cup. This was articulated on Tuesday in Rabat by Ryad Mezzour, the Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, and Chris Bryant, the UK Minister of State for International Trade, who is currently visiting Morocco leading a delegation of high-ranking government officials and private sector representatives.
During the inauguration of the Morocco-UK Business Forum, Bryant emphasized the importance of doubling trade and strengthening partnerships between the two nations. He described the current moment as a "period of opportunities" for Morocco while highlighting the pivotal role of the 2030 World Cup as a transformative lever. This event not only aims to enhance Morocco's international image but also to develop infrastructure and establish a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Prospects
In this context, Bryant noted that British companies present at the Forum are eager to support Morocco's dynamism, particularly in areas such as large event management, security, infrastructure development, fan services, and legacy planning post-event. Reaffirming the UK's commitment to deepening its partnership with Morocco, he indicated that British businesses are keen to engage in Morocco's major transformative projects.
On his part, Mezzour pointed out that the 2030 World Cup is seen as a development engine aimed at improving transportation infrastructure, healthcare services, and public facilities not only in host cities but across the entire nation. Beyond the World Cup, Morocco is embarking on a comprehensive territorial and economic transformation program over the next eight years, which includes road infrastructure, proximity health facilities, and revitalizing the local economic fabric.
Addressing British businesses, Mezzour expressed Morocco's desire to leverage public contracts and transformation projects to strengthen its positioning within global value chains. He also reiterated the Kingdom's intention to go beyond mere technology transfers by fostering alliances based on investment, innovation, and competitiveness, inviting British companies to participate in this dynamic and paving the way for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Ben Coleman, the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy for Morocco and West Africa, highlighted the main challenge of aligning the expectations and needs of both parties. He remarked that British firms wish to gain a better understanding of Morocco's priorities and identify how they can contribute to achieving the Kingdom's development goals, while Morocco seeks to pinpoint British expertise that can support its projects.
Particularly, Coleman referred to immediate needs related to major events and infrastructure, especially concerning the mobility of people between various sites, security, and user services, while also urging discussions on long-term objectives. The Morocco-UK Business Forum, taking place in Rabat and Casablanca on June 2 and 3, brings together a high-level British delegation comprising government representatives, entrepreneurs, and investors to bolster bilateral cooperation and support Morocco’s development program in preparation for the 2030 World Cup.
This forum, driven by the Moroccan government, the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), and the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), underscores the growing dynamism of relations between the UK and Morocco, as well as their shared commitment to translating strategic cooperation into concrete economic benefits.
As reported by maroc.ma.
