The backdrop of London's supportive stance on Morocco's territorial integrity has given rise to an increasingly dynamic relationship between the United Kingdom and Morocco. This relationship was further underscored by the British-Moroccan Economic Forum (UK–Morocco Business Forum), which took place in Rabat over two days, Tuesday and Wednesday. The forum aims to bolster bilateral cooperation between the two nations, particularly as they gear up for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, focusing on critical sectors such as infrastructure, transport, security, and investment.
During the opening session of the forum, which was attended by around 50 British companies and prominent business figures alongside Morocco's Minister of Trade and Industry, Chris Bryant, the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade, emphasized the necessity of transitioning from discussion to tangible action. He expressed his strong belief in free trade while firmly rejecting protectionist measures, underlining the importance of achieving measurable results in trade relations between the two countries.
Bryant highlighted the deep historical ties that bind the UK and Morocco, which date back decades. He referenced Scottish painter James McBey, who lived in Morocco in the 1920s and captured its essence through his art. He also noted the impressive statistic that approximately 1.5 million British tourists visited Morocco last year, reflecting the strength of these bilateral relations. Furthermore, he described Morocco as a vital strategic gateway connecting Africa and Europe, likening it to the Welsh town of Porth, meaning 'gateway,' and stressing that this geographic positioning presents unique opportunities for both economic and cultural growth.
Expertise and Commitment to Collaboration
In line with this, the UK Minister of State for Trade and Business reiterated the critical role of major sporting events, particularly football, in fostering international relations and energizing communities. Drawing from the UK's experience in organizing the London Olympics, Bryant emphasized Britain's readiness to deploy experts and specialists to assist Morocco in hosting the World Cup, ensuring safety and security, and establishing a sustainable legacy for the event. He concluded his speech by reaffirming the UK's full support for Morocco's developmental trajectory in anticipation of the world's most significant football event, stating, "We want to be part of your adventure in the 2030 World Cup as brothers and friends," while highlighting that relationships require constant movement and evolution as stagnation does not support progress.
Ben Coleman, the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Morocco, also expressed his pride in participating in this gathering, which features a selection of prominent British companies and Moroccan officials. In his remarks, Coleman pointed out that the current shared challenge lies in a precise understanding of the ambitions of both parties and the two kingdoms. He stressed the need for clear and transparent communication to align short-term and long-term goals, and he encouraged deep and direct questioning to ensure a convergence of visions. Coleman announced a commitment to intensifying efforts with Moroccan counterparts to ascertain the specific needs of Morocco from the UK, addressing urgent requirements such as the provision of safe and reliable transport between facilities and sports venues, as well as long-term developmental aspirations that would allow British companies to align their support and plans accordingly.
Future Trade and Investment Prospects
The British trade envoy declared a clear commitment to doubling the trade volume between the UK and Morocco over the next five years, viewing the forum as a genuine starting point to transform promises and aspirations into successful projects and tangible achievements. He sees the year 2030 as a major catalyst for mutual change and development between the two countries. According to Bryant, Morocco is currently experiencing a unique moment of opportunity, reminiscent of a "California-style moment of opportunity." He noted that Morocco is rich in exceptional opportunities that must be seized, describing it as a gateway not only to Europe but also to Africa. He drew parallels with the UK, which sometimes serves as a gateway to the United States and Europe, along with direct shipping lines to the city of Agadir, enhancing prospects towards the African continent.
In response to a question from Hespress, Bryant stated that the British companies present are exploring ways to assist in the organization and success of the World Cup in collaboration with Morocco. He emphasized that building stadiums is only one aspect; providing logistics, infrastructure, buses, trains, and all other elements necessary for a truly successful World Cup is equally crucial. He highlighted the UK's significant experience in these areas, citing their collaboration with the Saudi government on the upcoming World Cup and their successful management of the London 2012 Olympics. Over the two days of the forum, the agenda will include high-level general sessions, specialized sector sessions, and workshops aimed at facilitating dialogue, sharing experiences, and identifying cooperation opportunities in priority sectors. The forum will serve as a platform for direct communication between British and Moroccan companies, fostering new business partnerships and strengthening commercial ties between the two nations.
During his visit, the British minister will hold bilateral meetings with Moroccan ministers and co-chair the fourth session of the UK-Morocco Partnership Council alongside Ryad Mezzour, Morocco's Minister of Trade and Industry.
As reported by hespress.com.
