Morocco Strengthens Economic Partnership with China and Calls for a Digital Platform to Support SMEs

ALDAR/

Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, reaffirmed the Kingdom of Morocco’s commitment to deepening its economic and trade relations with the People’s Republic of China. He emphasized that this strategic path reflects Morocco’s vision of openness to reliable global partners, especially in light of ongoing international economic shifts.

Speaking at the China-Arab States Forum—where Morocco was honored as the “Guest of Honor”—Mezzour said this recognition highlights the Kingdom’s advanced status as a key regional partner. He recalled the historic state visit by King Mohammed VI to China in 2016, which marked a turning point in bilateral relations and opened new avenues for cooperation in several vital sectors.

The minister also noted Morocco’s active engagement in the Belt and Road Initiative, viewing it as a strategic platform for strengthening economic connectivity and infrastructure between Asia and Africa. He pointed out that Morocco serves as a natural gateway to the African continent, providing it with a unique position in Chinese-Arab cooperation projects.

As part of efforts to promote practical cooperation, Mezzour proposed the establishment of a joint digital platform between China and Arab countries. This platform would serve as a space for exchanging expertise and experiences among entrepreneurs, with a special focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are key drivers of sustainable economic growth and job creation.

This proposal comes at a time when China is showing increasing interest in Arab markets, particularly in North Africa. Both sides aim to develop industrial and technological partnerships aligned with current demands, emphasizing innovation, digitalization, and smart manufacturing.

This renewed momentum in Morocco-China relations is expected to lay the groundwork for ambitious joint investment projects and broaden the horizons of South-South cooperation, within a balanced and mutually beneficial partnership model.