China-Africa Economic and Trade Exhibition Kicks Off in Morocco
On June 10, 2026, the Moroccan edition of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Exhibition commenced in Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. This significant event marks the first major economic and trade activity organized outside of China by Hunan Province, situated in central China, on African soil. This initiative aligns with China's policy of zero tariffs for 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, showcasing a commitment to fostering economic collaboration.
Moroccan experts have emphasized that the exhibition, characterized by targeted and practical matchmaking mechanisms, will establish a new bridge for mutual benefit. It is poised to serve as a prominent platform for deepening strategic cooperation between China and Morocco while enhancing economic and trade relations between China and Africa at large. Nasser Boucheb, the president of the Morocco-based African-Chinese Development Cooperation Association, highlighted the timely nature of this exhibition, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and Morocco. He noted that it will help translate the gains from the zero tariff policy into tangible results for practical cooperation.
Boucheb further pointed out that the exhibition will facilitate easier access for distinguished Moroccan products to the vast Chinese market. Additionally, it encourages more Chinese companies to expand their presence in North Africa, enhance local service networks, and promote the integration of industrial and supply chains. The bilateral trade volume between China and Morocco reached an impressive $10.96 billion in 2025, an increase from $9.04 billion in 2024. China has consistently been Morocco's third-largest global trading partner and its largest trading partner in Asia for several consecutive years.
In 2025 alone, China’s exports to Morocco totaled $9.88 billion, while imports from Morocco amounted to $1.08 billion. Jawad El Kerdoudi, president of the Moroccan Institute for International Relations, regarded this policy as a strategic move that fosters mutual benefit. He asserted that it would contribute to reducing Africa's trade deficit with China while attracting more Chinese investments, bringing in capital, technology, and job opportunities to the continent. El Kerdoudi also noted that Morocco has witnessed a marked acceleration in attracting Chinese investments in recent years, with numerous large projects launched across various sectors, including new energy, green technology, textiles, and more, thus bolstering local manufacturing and creating job opportunities.
Regarding the exhibition's significance, Mohamed Khalil, president of the Moroccan-Chinese Friendship and Exchange Association, stated that it will further enhance the synergy between policies, align industries, and strengthen people-to-people ties. This exhibition not only symbolizes a deepening of economic relations but also highlights the collaborative spirit between Morocco and China in achieving shared goals.
As reported by arabic.news.cn.
