CASABLANCA, Morocco, November 6, 2024-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, the first edition of the ZLECAF Business Forum, held on November 5, 2024 was chaired by the Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Mr. Omar Hejira in collaboration with the Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (ASMEX).
The event, which saw the participation of more than 12 African countries, brought together senior representatives, including the Minister of Commerce of Chad and the Secretary General of the AfCFTA, ambassadors from many brotherly African countries, organizations governments as well as representatives of the private sector.
The opening ceremony was marked by the opening speech of Mr. Omar Hejira, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, who underlined that “Morocco has made African cooperation a priority of its foreign policy. His Majesty, may God help him, expressed this vision forcefully during the 28th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa. And this forum today comes as an implementation of this Royal vision through a strengthening of the cooperation framework of African member countries. Morocco, as a leading economic player in Africa, is able to play a major role in this common expansion.”
He added that “Regional integration is a fundamental lever for boosting economic growth and employment in Africa. It opens up encouraging prospects by strengthening political cooperation, increasing intra-African trade and attracting foreign capital. This strategy places African citizens at the center of our concerns, aiming for inclusive and sustainable development, in accordance with the High Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, aimed at strengthening the social State.”
For his part, Mr. Hassan Sentissi El Idrissi, President of ASMEX, presented the ZLECAF as a unique opportunity for Africa: “the ZLECAF is not only a free trade zone, it embodies a new era for Africa. By creating an integrated and competitive economy, it opens the way to qualified jobs, especially for young people, and encourages sustainable growth. But this responsibility falls on us: if the ZLECAF offers the framework, it is up to us to build the necessary dynamic, by defending our common interests and ensuring win-win exchanges. Logistics and sustainability thus become key pillars to make our companies true conquerors of global markets.”
Mr. Mene Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the ZLECAF, for his part praised the strategic role of Morocco in the development of strengthened South-South cooperation. He declared that “this forum marks a crucial step in strengthening historical and socio-economic ties between Morocco and other African countries, through cooperation Mr. Mene Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the ZLECAF, for his part welcomed Morocco’s strategic role in the development of strengthened South-South cooperation. He declared that “this forum marks a crucial step in strengthening historical and socio-economic ties between Morocco and other African countries, through increased South-South cooperation and partnerships within the framework of the ZLECAF. By bringing together Ministers of Commerce, key public figures, trade promotion representatives, experts, private sector leaders, academics and members of civil society from across the continent, this forum will help position Morocco as a strategic hub in Africa.
At the end of this first edition, Mr. Secretary of State announced the organization of the second edition of the forum in Marrakech, making this forum an annual professional meeting. Also on the occasion, Mr. Secretary of State issued several key recommendations: the creation of a Ministry-Zlecaf Task Force which will ensure the acceleration of the operationalization process of the Zlecaf, the development of a Guide to Export-Import course in Africa in partnership with the Foreign Exchange Office, the Customs Administration, Portnet and Moroccan banks as well as the creation of a structure dedicated to Africa for even more openness and encouragement commercial flows towards new markets in a win-win logic.
The discussions covered various topics, including strategies for penetrating African markets, financing mechanisms, policies promoting intra-African trade, as well as best practices for maximizing the benefits of the AfCFTA.
Finally, at the end of this first edition, a message of allegiance to His Majesty King Mohammed VI may God assist him was read to the audience as a thank you for the granting of High Royal Patronage.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) for the Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (ASMEX).
About the AfCFTA: African Continental Free Trade Area
The AfCFTA is an ambitious project that aims to create one of the largest free trade zones in the world on the African continent with a potential market of 1.2 billion consumers and a combined GDP of $3 trillion. Signed in March 2018 at the Kigali summit, the AfCFTA is part of the African Union Agenda which aims to establish a single market on a continent-wide scale.
About the Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (ASMEX)
The Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (ASMEX), created in 1982, represents the export sector and brings together all associations, regional and national sectoral federations. ASMEX aims to represent and defend the Moroccan export sector, as well as to strengthen the competitiveness of Moroccan companies.
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Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-11-06 15:07:00
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**Interview with Mr. Omar Hejira, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade of Morocco**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Hejira. You recently chaired the inaugural ZLECAF Business Forum in Casablanca. Can you share your thoughts on the significance of this event for Morocco and broader Africa?
**Omar Hejira:** Thank you for having me. The ZLECAF Business Forum is indeed a pivotal moment for Morocco and Africa as a whole. It reflects our commitment to African cooperation, which has been a priority of Morocco’s foreign policy under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. By fostering dialogue among over 12 African nations, we are creating a collaborative environment that encourages regional integration—an essential lever for economic growth and shared prosperity across our continent.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned regional integration. How does Morocco aim to strengthen intra-African trade through this forum?
**Omar Hejira:** Intra-African trade is crucial for our economic future. By bringing together key stakeholders, including ministers, trade representatives, and private sector leaders, the forum creates an opportunity to discuss strategies for increasing trade and investment flows within Africa. Strengthening these ties will not only enhance our collective economic resilience but also create qualified job opportunities and stimulate sustainable growth.
**Interviewer:** The forum concluded with the announcement of a second edition in Marrakech. What can we expect from next year’s event?
**Omar Hejira:** The second edition will build on the foundations laid this year. Our goal is to expand discussions to encompass more topics, such as financing mechanisms and best practices for market penetration. We will also implement key recommendations, including the establishment of a Ministry-Zlecaf Task Force to ensure ongoing support for the operationalization of the ZLECAF and to enhance cooperation with various African stakeholders.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you see Morocco’s role evolving as a strategic hub in Africa?
**Omar Hejira:** Morocco is well-positioned to become a central player in African economic integration. We have unique geographical and economic advantages that can facilitate trade and investment. By embracing our role as a strategic hub, we can lead efforts in South-South cooperation, connecting African nations and opening new markets. Together, we can advance mutual growth and create a vibrant, competitive African economy.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Hejira, for your insights and for your commitment to African cooperation.
**Omar Hejira:** Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for Africa, and I look forward to working together for our shared future.
