Morocco and Chile forge new trade partnership at inaugural forum

Thursday 11 June 2026 - 07:36

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco and Chile forge new trade partnership at inaugural forum

Morocco and Chile have taken a new step toward strengthening their economic relationship after signing a joint statement at the conclusion of the First Moroccan-Chilean Economic Forum in Sale. The agreement aims to expand bilateral trade and investment while creating a more structured framework for cooperation between businesses and institutions in both countries.

The forum gathered government officials, investors, and business leaders from Morocco and Chile to identify new opportunities for collaboration. The joint statement sets out the foundations of a future partnership designed to encourage balanced commercial exchanges and greater investment flows based on mutual interests. Both countries expressed their commitment to building long-term economic relations within a sustainable institutional framework.

The event was co-chaired by Omar Hejira, Secretary of State in charge of Foreign Trade, and Paula Estévez Weinstein, representing Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Economic Relations. Discussions focused on strengthening existing ties and developing new channels for cooperation. Officials emphasized the historical and diplomatic relationship between the two nations, recalling the royal visit to Santiago in 2004 and Morocco’s role as an observer in the Pacific Alliance since 2014, a status that makes it the only African country participating in that capacity.

Participants also underlined the complementary nature of both economies. Morocco offers strategic access to African, European, and Mediterranean markets, while Chile provides a gateway to Latin America, Asia, and Pacific economies. This geographic positioning was presented as a major advantage for companies seeking to expand beyond their traditional markets.

Alongside official meetings, the forum promoted direct engagement between private sector representatives. Hejira said the initiative supports Morocco’s broader strategy of diversifying international partnerships and increasing market access for domestic companies. He noted that the gathering allows both countries to assess their export capacities and identify practical opportunities to improve trade performance.

Chile was presented as a valuable entry point into Latin American markets, an area where Morocco seeks a stronger economic presence. In return, Moroccan infrastructure and trade networks could help Chilean businesses reach growing African markets. Officials from both sides agreed that closer cooperation could generate benefits for exporters, investors, and industrial sectors in both countries.

Weinstein identified agriculture, energy, and mining among the sectors with the strongest potential for collaboration. She said the complementary strengths of the two economies create favorable conditions for future partnerships and commercial projects. The diplomat also confirmed that additional business-to-business meetings between Moroccan and Chilean companies will take place to explore concrete investment and trade opportunities.