Morocco and India: A Commitment to Economic Cooperation
In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations, Morocco and India have reiterated their commitment to bolster economic cooperation, aiming to unlock new joint investment opportunities while reinforcing industrial partnerships. This pledge was highlighted during the seventh meeting of the Moroccan-Indian Joint Commission, which took place in Rabat on August 24, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Omar Hjira, Morocco's Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, and Jitin Prasada, India's Minister of State for Commerce and Industry. The discussions were centered on strategies for expanding market access and diversifying the bilateral trade landscape between the two nations.
The agenda explored various avenues of cooperation, including the provision of Moroccan fertilizers to India, and potential collaborations in vital sectors such as agriculture, food safety, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, automotive industry, water management, railways, renewable energy, digital transformation, and logistics. The bilateral trade between India and Morocco has shown promising growth, reaching approximately $4 billion in 2025. India’s exports to Morocco comprise refined petroleum, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, synthetic textiles, food products, and spices, while Moroccan imports primarily consist of phosphates and fertilizers.
During the meeting, Hjira emphasized the importance of strengthening the cooperative ties between the two countries, with a vision of nurturing a strategic partnership that fosters mutual growth and prosperity. He underscored Morocco’s advantageous geostrategic location, its advanced infrastructure, and its array of free trade agreements (FTAs) with the United States, the European Union, and several Arab and African nations. These factors position Morocco as an attractive gateway for Indian companies looking to penetrate global markets.
On the other hand, Jitin Prasada expressed India’s determination to further deepen its partnership with Morocco, advocating for the removal of non-tariff barriers and facilitating smoother access to each country's markets. He proposed the establishment of a joint working group tasked with exploring ways to enhance bilateral trade, fostering connections between businesses, and potentially negotiating a preferential trade agreement. This collaborative spirit reflects the shared vision of both nations to create a robust economic framework that benefits their respective economies and paves the way for future advancements.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
