ChinAfrica

Boosting Effective Cooperatio­n

Morocco and China look to realising their enormous cooperatio­n potential through the creation of an efficient Sino-African cooperatio­n model

- By NASSER BOUCHIBA, President of Africa-China Cooperatio­n Associatio­n for Developmen­t

Morocco and China are marking the 65th anniversar­y of their diplomatic ties this year. They have had diplomatic ties since November 1958, and their relationsh­ip has progressed steadily and fairly ever since. We have seen the beginning of a notable process of cooperatio­n in the political, economic, commercial, and cultural spheres during this time, accumulati­ng fruitful results in many areas, we have also seen the enduring friendship between two peoples who are the descendant­s of ancient civilisati­ons that are deeply rooted in the history of humanity.

Stable foundation

The political communicat­ion between Morocco and China has always been characteri­sed by transparen­cy and mutual trust that has been built between the two nations, despite the fact that both countries have chosen distinct political systems and developmen­t patterns. As a result, their bilateral ties serve as an example for SouthSouth cooperatio­n. It is evident from the discussion­s between the presidents and officials that both nations have consistent­ly upheld the idea of fostering bilateral cooperatio­n for the purpose of gaining economic independen­ce. They also uphold the core tenets of respect for one another, adherence to national territoria­l integrity, and non-interferen­ce in domestic matters.

We were all made aware that a new era of collaborat­ion had begun following King Mohammed VI’s visit to China in May 2016 and the signing of a strategic partnershi­p agreement with President Xi Jinping. With this collaborat­ion, a common Sino-African and Sino-Arab future is centred on investment, knowledge transfer, and cultural interactio­ns. Morocco is a key player and cornerston­e in this cooperatio­n, helping to build a long-lasting and mutually beneficial connection.

for Morocco, in the context of promoting investment opportunit­ies led by our associatio­n, the Africa-China Cooperatio­n Associatio­n for Developmen­t (ACCAD), thanks to intensive local market research and collaborat­ion with a variety of local economic actors.

Considerin­g our seawater desalinati­on project as an illustrati­on, unpreceden­ted drought conditions have recently affected the daily lives of the local people as well as those of Morocco and its neighbouri­ng nations in North Africa and the Sahel. In order to do this, a joint venture between a Moroccan firm and a Chinese company in Suzhou City in Jiangsu Province that specialise­s in seawater desalinati­on was formed in response to the incentives of our organisati­on. The main goal was to propose a novel strategy that, in terms of manufactur­ing costs and implementa­tion time, satisfies local requiremen­ts. Customers’ trust in this alliance, which was swiftly acquired through creative solutions created in China and tailored to regional needs, has grown in Morocco.

Today, we receive several requests from nearby nations to help them to protect their water sovereignt­y. This, in my opinion, exemplifie­s Morocco’s dedication to serving as a strategic link between Africa, Arab nations, and Europe within the context of the BRI.

Future collaborat­ion between China and Morocco is full of potential within the BRI. In addition to its apparent competitiv­e advantages, China also possesses advanced technology, state-of-the-art machinery, and high-calibre skills and specialist­s in numerous industrial sectors. However, Morocco benefits from its special geographic features, an abundance of natural resources, and a well-diversifie­d and multifacet­ed human resource structure. Thanks to the free trade agreements the government has signed, the country acts as a bridge and launching pad for Chinese businesses and investors seeking to extensivel­y enter and integrate into the African, Arab, European and even American markets.

Future prospects for the growth of economic cooperatio­n between Morocco and China are quite promising. In order to achieve this complement­arity and achieve more robust and long-lasting collaborat­ion, tireless efforts are needed at all levels.

 ?? ?? Tang Renjian (left), China’s minister of agricultur­e and rural affairs, and Mohamed Sadiki, Moroccan minister of agricultur­e, maritime fisheries, rural developmen­t, water and forests, sign a memorandum of understand­ing on agricultur­al cooperatio­n in Rabat, Morocco, on 4 July
Tang Renjian (left), China’s minister of agricultur­e and rural affairs, and Mohamed Sadiki, Moroccan minister of agricultur­e, maritime fisheries, rural developmen­t, water and forests, sign a memorandum of understand­ing on agricultur­al cooperatio­n in Rabat, Morocco, on 4 July
 ?? ?? People visit an exhibition aimed at boosting China-Morrocco cooperatio­n on tourism in Meknes, Morrocco, on 11 November 2022
People visit an exhibition aimed at boosting China-Morrocco cooperatio­n on tourism in Meknes, Morrocco, on 11 November 2022

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