Rabat – Moroccan and French ministers and businessmen from the two countries signed, yesterday, Tuesday, 21 agreements in various fields, one of which specializes in the development of governorates in the Sahara region.
This came at a Moroccan-French economic forum in Rabat, on the sidelines of French President Emmanuel Macron’s ongoing visit to Morocco until Wednesday.
The agreements aim to “enhance cooperation between the two countries in the fields of the financial sector, sustainable development, renewable energy, education, training, scientific research, agriculture and technology,” according to introductory documents distributed at the forum and reviewed by Anadolu’s correspondent.
The two sides signed an agreement to develop the governorates of the Guelmim-Oued Noun region (the Sahara region), funded by the French Development Agency.
For decades, Morocco and the Polisario Front have been disputing sovereignty over the Sahara region, and Rabat offers expanded autonomy under its sovereignty, while the Front wants a referendum to determine fate.
Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelwafi Laftit and the General Director of the French company Veolia also signed an agreement on a “strategic partnership in the field of seawater desalination.”
In preparation for the possibility of Morocco winning the right to organize the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a letter of intent was signed in preparation for the French Development Agency to finance the rehabilitation process of Casablanca, one of the cities nominated to host matches in the tournament, at a value of 100 million euros.
According to official Moroccan figures, the volume of trade exchange between the two countries reached 163.1 billion dirhams ($16.3 billion) in 2023, an increase of 2.8 percent compared to 2022.
France is Morocco’s second largest trading partner after Spain, representing 14.2 percent of total trade exchanges, and ranks second as an importer (20.3 percent) and third as a supplier (10.6 percent).
Regarding foreign direct investments, France invested 11.3 billion dirhams ($1.13 billion) in Morocco in 2023.
Moroccan investments in France reached a record level of 15.1 billion dirhams ($1.51 billion) in 2023, an increase of 28 percent compared to the previous year.
Anatolia
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**Interview with Dr. Amine Belhassan, Economic Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Belhassan. Let’s talk about the recent Moroccan-French economic forum held in Rabat which resulted in 21 significant agreements. What are your thoughts on the importance of these agreements for both countries?
**Dr. Belhassan:** Thank you for having me. The signing of these 21 agreements is a crucial step in enhancing bilateral relations between Morocco and France. It reflects a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation in various sectors—especially given Morocco’s strategic geographical position and its growing economy. These agreements will not only foster economic ties but also facilitate knowledge transfer and technological advancement.
**Editor:** One of the agreements focuses on the development of governorates in the Sahara region. Can you elaborate on the potential impact of this agreement?
**Dr. Belhassan:** Certainly. The Sahara region presents unique challenges and opportunities. The development initiatives outlined in this agreement could lead to enhanced infrastructure, better education, and improved access to services for local populations. This aligns with Morocco’s broader goal of regional development and stability. Additionally, involving French expertise could foster innovation and sustainable practices in the region.
**Editor:** The agreements also cover diverse fields like renewable energy, education, and scientific research. How do you foresee these collaborations influencing Morocco’s development trajectory?
**Dr. Belhassan:** These sectors are vital for Morocco’s long-term development. Investing in renewable energy, for instance, positions Morocco as a leader in sustainable energy in Africa. Moreover, strengthening educational and research frameworks will empower the workforce and enhance innovation, crucial for a competitive economy. This multi-sectoral cooperation could significantly bolster Morocco’s position as a hub for investment and technology transfers.
**Editor:** With French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit coinciding with the forum, how might this diplomatic engagement shape future relations?
**Dr. Belhassan:** Macron’s visit underscores a strengthening of diplomatic ties and highlights the importance of Morocco in France’s North African strategy. High-level engagement often leads to deeper collaboration and trust, which will be essential in implementing these agreements. This could also open doors for more investments and partnerships in the future, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a gateway between Europe and Africa.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Belhassan, for your insightful analysis on this important topic. We look forward to seeing how these agreements unfold.
**Dr. Belhassan:** Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for both nations!
