Economic Times
PM Modi meeting the King Mohammed VI of Morocco, on the sidelines of the 3rd India Africa Forum
Relations between India and Morocco go back to the 14th century. Over the years, India and Morocco have enjoyed cordial and friendly relations and bilateral relations have witnessed significant growth. In 2014, trade between the two countries stood at $1.36 billion i.e. India’s exports to Morocco in 2014 stood at $500.5 million while imports were valued at $855.8 million.
India Africa Summit Forum 2015 witnessed one of the largest delegation led by the the King of Morocco. The delegation comprised of Moroccan Centre of Export Promotion, CGEM, ASMEX, Al Akhawayn University, amongst other key government agencies. Senior management of large Moroccan Corporations and Industry Federation leaders representing various business segments of Morocco were also part of the delegation.
On the side lines of the Summit, Moroccan Centre of Export Promotion had organized networking business meet, which evoked overwhelming response from various business segments of Indian Industry such as infrastructure, engineering, technology, manufacturing and many others. The business delegation from Morocco had business interactions with the senior leadership of large Indian conglomerates like NIIT, Punj Lloyd, Micromax, Soma, Amity University, Waterlife, The Times of India Group and few others.
MoUs were signed by Moroccan Center of Export Promotion with ASSOCHAM, PHDCCI, FIEO and Indian Importers Chambers of Commerce & Industry for bilateral economic cooperation. Memorandum of Cooperation was also signed by Al Akhawayn University of Morocco with Amity University of India towards bilateral cooperation in Education field. Some more announcements were also made for bilateral cooperation projects.
“The Moroccan Centre of Export Promotion has played a pivotal role in perspective sharing of competitive strength of the country and emerging business opportunities”, said Ms. Zahra Maafiri – Director General of Export Morocco.
There is a strong intent and pull to take forward these discussions towards partnership and mutual prosperity of India & Morocco. Focus areas such as IT & ITeS, Agro, Smart City, Roads & Highways, Textile and Telecom, offer attractive opportunities for partnership between Morocco and Indian businesses, with handholding & support of the Indian Government.
