CHANGSHA/RABAT, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The forthcoming session of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in Morocco is anticipated to significantly enhance the economic relationship between China and Morocco. This event is particularly timely, as China's implementation of a zero-tariff policy for African nations, coupled with an increasing focus on industrial collaboration, opens new avenues for trade, investment, and the integration of supply chains.
Jointly organized by the Secretariat of CAETE and Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the expo is scheduled to take place in Casablanca from June 10 to 12. This marks a notable milestone as it is the first major overseas economic and trade initiative organized by Hunan Province in Africa since China adopted zero tariffs for the 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
Experts and business leaders are optimistic that this zero-tariff policy will not only facilitate bilateral trade but also broaden market access for African goods within China. Nasser Bouchiba, the president of the Morocco-based Africa China Cooperation Association for Development, emphasized that this event arrives at a crucial moment, enabling premium Moroccan products to penetrate the vast Chinese consumer market more effectively. It also allows Chinese companies to enhance their footprint in North Africa, thereby strengthening the integration of industrial and supply chains.
The trade dynamics between China and Morocco have shown a positive trajectory, with bilateral trade reaching an impressive 10.96 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, an increase from 9.04 billion dollars in 2024. China has consistently ranked as Morocco's third-largest global trading partner and its foremost trading partner in Asia over the years. In 2025, China exported goods worth 9.88 billion dollars to Morocco, while Moroccan imports into China amounted to 1.08 billion dollars.
Observers in the industry have pointed out that the zero-tariff policy is poised to decrease export costs for Moroccan products, thereby boosting their competitiveness in the Chinese marketplace. Jawad Kerdoudi, president of the Moroccan Institute of International Relations, described this policy as a mutually beneficial strategic initiative that would contribute to mitigating Africa's trade deficit with China while attracting increased Chinese investments, which would bring capital, technology, and job opportunities to the continent.
Hunan Province has emerged as one of China's most proactive regions in fostering economic and trade relationships with Africa. Yang Yi, general manager of Hunan Yufei Industry Investment Co., Ltd., noted that preparations for the Morocco session have been in the works for several months, showcasing coordinated efforts between Chinese and Moroccan businesses. The company is actively promoting Moroccan specialty products, which include argan oil and essential oils, through its “African Products” brand system.
An African specialty products fair held in Changsha during the May Day holiday attracted nearly 100,000 visitors over six days, reflecting the growing interest in these products. Yang expressed hopes to diversify sourcing channels and enhance supply chains, allowing more high-quality Moroccan products to enter the Chinese market under African branding.
Beyond mere trade, the relationship between China and Morocco is increasingly pivoting towards industrial integration and supply-chain cooperation. A prime example of this is the Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City, which has signed agreements with 42 enterprises, including 34 Chinese firms, with a total planned investment of approximately 3.5 billion U.S. dollars. Chinese lithium battery materials producer BTR New Material Group is establishing cathode and anode material projects in this technology park, which is expected to generate over 1,100 skilled jobs.
Morocco, recognized as the world's largest exporter of phosphate and rich in cobalt and lithium resources, is strategically leveraging its natural assets to create a new energy industrial chain that connects its resources with Chinese processing capabilities and European markets. Equipment from Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co., Ltd. has also been widely utilized in significant infrastructure projects in Morocco, including facilities for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Financial institutions, such as the Agricultural Bank of China's Hunan branch, are reinforcing cross-border financial support for Chinese enterprises operating within Morocco, further solidifying this partnership. Additionally, green development has emerged as a vital component of China-Morocco collaboration. Imad Toumi, president of the Managem group, highlighted several joint projects, including a battery-grade cobalt sulfate project in Marrakech and a seawater desalination initiative in Nador, which exemplify a model that harmonizes economic growth with environmental stewardship.
The year 2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of the China-Morocco strategic partnership. Xiao Hao, executive dean of the Institute of African Studies at Hunan University, remarked that the cooperation between China and Morocco is consistently progressing towards higher quality and more sustainable development. With the Africa tour of CAETE commencing in Morocco, the economic, cultural, and academic exchanges between the two nations are set to reach unprecedented heights.
As reported by en.people.cn.
