Morocco expands its economic partnerships from Latin America to Asia

Thursday 24 September 2026 - 11:17

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco expands its economic partnerships from Latin America to Asia

Morocco is increasingly using trade and investment cooperation as part of a broader strategy to diversify its international partnerships, extending its economic reach from Latin America to Asia. Rather than focusing solely on opening new markets for Moroccan products, Rabat is developing a network of commercial relationships that can also strengthen long-term bilateral ties and create additional channels for diplomatic cooperation.

The approach was highlighted by Morocco’s recent move with Chile, where the two countries signed the terms of reference for negotiations on a free trade agreement during a meeting between their foreign ministers in New York. The agreement marks the formal starting point of negotiations and comes as Morocco and Chile celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations. Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna described the step as a way to expand trade and exports while giving Chile greater access to African markets.

The Chilean initiative also carries a political dimension. In their joint communiqué, Chile expressed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its territory, including the Moroccan Sahara, and described Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal as a political solution it considers just, lasting and mutually acceptable. Santiago also said it would promote economic and trade opportunities in the Moroccan Sahara, linking its diplomatic position with plans for investment, trade and productive development.

For Morocco, the importance of such partnerships lies partly in the economic networks they can create over time. Trade agreements and preferential arrangements can encourage investment, integrate companies into supply chains, improve market access and increase cooperation between private-sector actors. These links can give bilateral relations a wider economic foundation beyond traditional diplomatic exchanges.

The strategy is not limited to Latin America. Morocco and South Korea have been discussing the path toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, while the two countries are also seeking to expand cooperation in strategic areas including renewable energy, green hydrogen, infrastructure, batteries and artificial intelligence. South Korean officials have highlighted Morocco’s geographical position and its network of trade agreements as factors supporting greater commercial engagement.

Indonesia represents another part of this Asian expansion. Rabat and Jakarta have reactivated trade negotiations, with Indonesia targeting a comprehensive agreement in 2027. The discussions build on earlier efforts toward a preferential trade agreement and include ambitions to improve market access and strengthen private-sector cooperation. Indonesia has also presented Morocco as a gateway to African and Mediterranean markets, while Morocco can benefit from stronger links with the ASEAN region.

The economic logic is particularly relevant for sectors in which Morocco has developed an export-oriented industrial base, including automotive manufacturing, aerospace, agribusiness, fertilizers, renewable energy and increasingly sophisticated industrial components. At the same time, Asian partners are looking for access to African markets, making Morocco’s logistics infrastructure and connections with Europe and Africa an important element of the relationship.

China is another major component of the broader picture. Any future trade agreement with Beijing would require careful assessment because of the scale of Chinese exports and the potential effects on Moroccan industries and existing trade arrangements. The same principle applies to other prospective agreements: market access can create opportunities for exporters and investors, but it also requires governments to assess competition, industrial capacity and the balance of trade.

Morocco’s economic diplomacy therefore increasingly operates on several levels at once. Commercial agreements can support exports and investment, while deeper business ties can create durable interests between countries. In the case of Chile, the latest agreement illustrates how economic cooperation and diplomatic positioning can develop alongside each other, although political positions and commercial agreements remain distinct areas of bilateral relations.

The emerging network stretching from Santiago to Jakarta, Seoul and other Asian markets reflects Morocco’s effort to broaden its international economic partnerships. Whether these initiatives ultimately translate into fully operational trade agreements and significant investment flows will depend on the outcome of negotiations, market-access commitments and private-sector participation. If they progress, however, they could add another layer to Morocco’s economic diplomacy while strengthening its role as a commercial link between Africa, Europe, Latin America and Asia.