EU ambassador praises Morocco-EU economic partnership as trade flourishes

Wednesday 17 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

EU ambassador praises Morocco-EU economic partnership as trade flourishes

The European Union's ambassador to Morocco, Dimiter Tzantchev, hailed the "remarkable success" of Morocco-EU economic relations during a meeting with the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) in Casablanca. Speaking on Monday, Tzantchev highlighted the profound transformation in Morocco’s economy and institutions, emphasizing the growing prosperity and job creation on both sides of the Mediterranean.

EU remains Morocco’s top partner

The EU continues to be Morocco’s leading supplier, customer, and foreign investor, with bilateral trade increasing fivefold over the past 25 years. CGEM President Chakib Alj underscored the importance of this relationship, noting that the EU accounts for 56% of Morocco’s trade in goods and absorbs 65% of its exports. Over the last few years, total trade value has surged nearly 40%, reflecting the sustained momentum in economic exchanges between the two partners.

Alj highlighted the significance of the new agricultural agreement concluded in October, which he described as a structural milestone in bilateral relations. The deal provides preferential access for Moroccan agricultural products, including those from the Western Sahara, to the EU market under specific labeling guidelines, such as “Dakhla-Oued Eddahab.”

Opportunities for deeper collaboration

During the meeting, CGEM identified several key areas for enhanced cooperation, including green hydrogen, renewable energy, integrated industrial value chains, research and development, innovation, training, and sustainable agriculture. Alj described this agenda as a robust framework for strengthening the partnership between Morocco and the EU, which he said is moving toward a more balanced and promising future.

The current momentum, he added, is supported by several recent developments, including the October agricultural agreement, the EU’s adoption of the delegated act, the implementation of the New Mediterranean Pact, and support for UN Security Council resolution 2797 on Western Sahara. These initiatives, he noted, provide a solid foundation for advancing shared goals of economic stability, innovation, and prosperity.

Commitment to shared prosperity

Tzantchev commended Morocco’s private sector for its active engagement in the partnership and acknowledged the critical role CGEM plays in fostering economic collaboration. The ambassador’s remarks echoed CGEM’s commitment to deepening Morocco-EU ties by aligning strategic objectives and ensuring mutual benefits.

The session, held on the sidelines of CGEM’s Board of Directors meeting, served as a platform to discuss strategic issues, explore trade and investment opportunities, and solidify priorities for future collaboration between Morocco and EU institutions. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to anchor the partnership in shared growth and long-term stability.