China and Morocco are deepening their ties under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), creating a roadmap for enhanced economic collaboration and shared development. Abdelkader El Ansari, Morocco's ambassador to China, underscored the potential of this partnership during a recent interview, emphasizing Morocco's strategic role as a gateway to Africa and a bridge to Europe.

Bridging Continents through Strategic Synergy

“Morocco will be a main pillar in implementing the BRI in our region,” El Ansari stated, reflecting on the nation's alignment with the initiative's goals. Morocco signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the BRI in 2017 and became the first North African country to formalize its implementation plan in 2022. As China's largest trading partner in Asia and a key African ally, Morocco is uniquely positioned to drive cross-continental connectivity.

The Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City stands as a cornerstone of this partnership. Launched in 2017, the project envisions hosting around 200 Chinese companies and includes a 1,000-hectare industrial acceleration zone. "This smart city will serve as a hub for next-generation technologies, fostering collaboration in industries like automotive, electronics, and robotics,” El Ansari noted.

A Powerhouse for Electric Vehicles

The automotive sector exemplifies Morocco's rapid industrial growth, with exports reaching $16 billion in 2023. Morocco's conducive business environment has transformed it into a leading auto exporter, and its synergy with China is further bolstering innovation in electric vehicles (EVs).

El Ansari highlighted Morocco's competitive advantage in EV production, citing its abundant raw materials, skilled labor, and strategic market access. A landmark $1.3 billion agreement between Chinese battery giant Gotion High-Tech and the Moroccan government will establish a gigafactory in Kenitra, advancing Morocco's ambitions as an EV manufacturing hub.

Strengthening Cross-Sector Collaboration

Beyond automotive and technology, Morocco is aligning its national development strategy with the BRI across 14 sectors, including energy, health, education, and tourism. Chinese tourists, once a rarity in Morocco, now arrive in droves thanks to a visa waiver introduced in 2016. Annual Chinese tourist numbers skyrocketed from 15,000 to 200,000 within three years, with a target of 500,000 by 2027.

This burgeoning relationship extends to multilateral platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, where shared visions and projects take shape.

A Model of Mutual Prosperity

El Ansari's optimism is palpable. His visits across China reveal a nation of “significant dynamism, growth, and ongoing projects,” underscoring the shared momentum driving Sino-Moroccan ties. “The BRI represents a comprehensive framework for cooperation, opening up avenues for deeper integration and mutual prosperity,” he said.

As China and Morocco continue to forge ahead, their partnership offers a compelling blueprint for cross-regional collaboration, unlocking opportunities that transcend borders.