Japanese automotive firms explore Morocco's promising market as gateway to Africa

Wednesday 05 February 2025 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Japanese automotive firms explore Morocco's promising market as gateway to Africa

In a significant development for Morocco's automotive sector, top Japanese automotive companies embarked on a business mission to Rabat, marking an important step in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. The mission, organized by the Japan External Trade Organization in Rabat (JETRO Rabat), runs until February 5 and includes collaboration with key Moroccan industry organizations.

The initiative brings together the Moroccan Association for the Automotive Industry and Construction (AMICA), the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), and the Tanger Med Special Agency (TMSA). Through meetings and site visits, Japanese firms will gain firsthand insight into Morocco's business environment and industrial capabilities.

Hicham Chaoudri, Director of investment at the Ministry of Investment, Convergence, and Policy Evaluation, emphasized that over 70 Japanese companies currently operate in Morocco, predominantly in the automotive sector. Their continued presence demonstrates confidence in Morocco's business climate and growth prospects.

Morocco's position as a key economic partner for Japan in Asia has been reinforced by Japanese investments in the country's automotive industry, contributing significantly to Morocco's industrial capacity and export potential. Maria Ouazzani Chahdi, chief of AMDIE's automotive department, highlighted Morocco's enhanced status as a global investment destination, pointing to its advanced infrastructure including Africa's first high-speed train connecting major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Kenitra, and Tangier.

The country's strategic advantages include 18 airports linking to more than 130 international cities, strengthening its position in global trade. Morocco has developed an efficient industrial ecosystem that continues to attract foreign investment, according to Chahdi.

Nishimoto Hirochi, Senior Deputy Director of the Trade Promotion Division at Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, expressed Japan's commitment to expanding its presence in Morocco. The delegation's schedule includes visits to Kenitra and Tangier, both crucial automotive production centers.

This mission follows a November visit to Tokyo by Karim Zidane, Minister Delegate for Investment, Convergence, and Policy Evaluation, as part of the "Morocco Now" campaign, which positions Morocco as a sustainable and strategic hub for trade and business.