The General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) conducted a mission to London on July 11-13, with the aim of further strengthening trade and investment relations between Morocco and the United Kingdom.
The delegation, led by CGEM President Chakib Alj, met with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Morocco, chaired by Heather Wheeler, in the presence of the UK Minister of State for International Trade, Nigel Huddleton, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Nigel Evans, and several other MPs.
At the meeting, the attendees praised the quality of relations between the two countries, particularly in terms of trade, which has reached £3 billion in 2022, an increase of 49.8% compared to 2021, the year in which the Morocco-UK Association Agreement was adopted, the CGEM said in a press release, pointing out that this agreement has proved to be a powerful catalyst for trade and a creator of added value and jobs.
The meeting also discussed the remarkable progress made by Morocco, which is establishing itself as a regional economic powerhouse, a hub for international economic operators, a gateway to Africa, and as a prime tourist destination, according to the same source.
The CGEM delegation, which included Ghita Lahlou, Vice-President of the CGEM and Chairwoman of its International Commission, Abir Lemseffer, Senior Coordinator for Relations with European Institutions, Samia Terhzaz, Deputy Managing Director, and Marwa Tellal, Head of Communications and Public Relations, also met with the Chairwoman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Foreign Affairs.
In the presence of the Morocco's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hakim Hajoui, the delegation held a meeting with the British Minister of State for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mark Spencer, who outlined Morocco's potential to help feed Africa and Europe, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the international geopolitical situation.
The use of new technologies in agriculture and water management and the issue of sustainability were also at the heart of this meeting, during which several opportunities were raised to boost bilateral trade, particularly in agricultural and dairy products, noted the CGEM.
Discussions with Rupert Daniels, Director of Export and Investment at the UK Department for Business and Trade, focused on ways to further promote investment relations in a win-win approach, in sectors such as financial services, textiles, agri-food, tech, education and the creative industries.
"Investment and job creation are the best response to the challenges posed by migration", said the press release, noting that the two parties would be working together to support the growth of SMEs and the Moroccan start-up ecosystem.
The delegation held talks with British entrepreneurs interested in launching major investments in Morocco's Southern provinces.
