Moroccan exporters embark on strategic trade mission to Egypt
The mission, initiated by Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Omar Hejira and led by ASMEX President Hassan Sentissi El Idrissi, is the result of a long-term strategic effort. According to a statement from the Confederation, the initiative—meticulously prepared and driven by ASMEX—demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting Made in Morocco products.
Bringing together 35 business leaders from key export sectors, the mission follows a series of high-level exchanges with Egyptian authorities, which began in April with a visit from the Egyptian ambassador to ASMEX's headquarters. This was followed by the successful «Zoom Egypt» event, which offered participants valuable insights into the Egyptian market and how to access it.
The momentum generated by these efforts, welcomed by business operators and widely reported in the media, reinforces ASMEX's pivotal role in advancing Morocco's export agenda and anticipating the needs of its productive sectors.
Thanks to the ongoing leadership of its president, the Confederation continues to showcase its ability to mobilize, guide, and support Moroccan companies within a strategic partnership framework—far from any improvised approaches.
In this regard, ASMEX emphasizes that the success of any trade mission depends on thorough preparation, the representativeness of the delegation—composed exclusively of exporters in this case—and clearly defined objectives.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
an hour ago
- Morocco World
Morocco Hosts First Agro Export Day in November to Boost Food Industry Exports
Rabat – The National Federation of the Agri-Food Industry (FENAGRI) will hold the first edition of Agro Export Day on November 19, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Casablanca. The event aims to promote Moroccan agro-food exports under the theme: 'Made in Morocco, Desired Worldwide: Exporting Moroccan Agro-Food Quality.' Agro Export Day 2025 is designed to showcase the potential, expertise, and ambitions of Morocco's agro-food sector at regional and international levels, the federation said in a press release. FENAGRI hopes to bring together institutional actors, industry professionals, international buyers, and economic decision-makers to discuss the future of Moroccan food exports, with a focus on building sustainable and competitive food sovereignty. The event aims to position Morocco as a leading agro-export hub, connecting Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, while shedding light on the quality of Moroccan products under the Made in Morocco label. The day will feature high-level discussions, themed panels, B2B meetings, and an exhibition area presenting key local agro-food products, according to the organizers. The morning session will focus on international consumption trends and the most promising Moroccan products for global markets. European distributors, African buyers, successful Moroccan exporters, and agro-food marketing experts will share insights and field experiences to help understand international customer needs. The second session will focus on sustainability, traceability, innovation, and certifications, which are increasingly important for international differentiation. Agri-tech startups, innovative cooperatives, and certification bodies will showcase practices that meet market requirements. The afternoon will be dedicated to business meetings between Moroccan producers and foreign buyers, with the aims of creating opportunities for dialogue, discovery, and concrete commercial partnerships. Organizers noted that participation is free and open to all interested professionals via the event's official website . Tags: agricultureagro exportMorocco
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Morocco World
RAM CEO Abdelhamid Addou Recognized by Forbes for Driving Morocco's Aviation, Tourism
Rabat – Abdelhamid Addou is one of Morocco's most important figures in aviation. Since 2016, he has served as Chairman and CEO of Royal Air Maroc (RAM), the country's national airline. He was recently recognized by Forbes Middle East ranked Addou in its list of the 'Middle East's Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders,' ranking 45th. The magazine spotlighted his work in expanding RAM's international partnerships and increasing its seat capacity to record levels. It also recognized his role in positioning RAM as a bridge between Africa and the rest of the world. Appointed to his position by King Mohammed VI, Addou has led the company through an ambitious expansion plan that aims to modernize its fleet, boost international partnerships, and strengthen its position as a key African and global airline. Born in Rabat on September 26, 1972, Addou graduated from the Mohammadia School of Engineers in 1997 with a degree in civil engineering. His early career was not in aviation but in major multinational companies. From 1997 to 2002, he worked at Procter & Gamble, followed by a marketing position at Coca-Cola. He later moved into the telecommunications sector, joining Méditel (now Orange Morocco) as Director of the Business Division. In 2008, Addou became CEO of the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), where he helped design and launch Morocco's Vision 2020 for tourism, a long-term strategy to make the country one of the top 20 tourist destinations in the world. Before joining RAM, he also served as CEO of Diana Holding, a large Moroccan agri-food group, and of SAEMOG, a tourism and real estate company. Leading Royal Air Maroc When Addou was appointed Chairman and CEO of RAM in February 2016, at the age of 44, it marked a new chapter for the airline. He was seen as a young, energetic leader capable of turning challenges into opportunities. Under his leadership, RAM has pursued a strong growth strategy. By 2019, the airline was flying to 99 destinations across five continents with a fleet of 52 aircraft. In 2023, Addou presented a 2023-2037 strategic plan that aims to grow the fleet to 200 aircraft and increase annual passenger numbers to 31.6 million. And in December that year, RAM operated Africa's first carbon-neutral flight using sustainable aviation fuel, in partnership with Afriquia SMDC, a first for the continent. Addou has overseen one of the largest fleet renewal programs in the airline's history. In 2024, RAM launched a major tender to buy 200 new planes, mainly Boeing models. By June 2025, negotiations were underway for 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, up to 50 Boeing 737s, and a first-ever order for 20 Airbus A220s. Partnerships have been a core part of Addou's strategy. In September 2023, RAM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air Senegal to expand cooperation in West Africa. In March 2025, RAM signed an MoU with China Southern Airlines to develop a codeshare agreement with the goal of improving connectivity between Africa and China. RAM has also celebrated the return of direct flights between Casablanca and Beijing, an important link for both business and tourism. Competing with low-cost airlines Addou has openly acknowledged the challenge posed by low-cost carriers, especially in Europe. He has positioned RAM as a service, and quality-focused airline that offers a stronger network to Africa and Europe, while Gulf carriers dominate routes to Asia. Addou is not only a leader within Morocco but also a respected figure in the international aviation community. He is a member of the Board of Governors of IATA (International Air Transport Association), the Executive Committee of AACO (Arab Air Carriers Organization), the AFRAA (African Airlines Association), and the Oneworld Alliance Governing Board. He has represented Africa in global aviation discussions, during which he emphasized that RAM's growth strategy is based on realistic market data rather than overly optimistic projections. Under Addou's leadership, Royal Air Maroc has achieved several important milestones. In summer 2025, the airline announced a record-breaking program offering 6.6 million seats across more than 95 destinations worldwide. In 2023, it made history by operating the first carbon-neutral flight from Africa, using sustainable aviation fuel in partnership with Afriquia SMDC. The airline has also earned international recognition for its quality of service, holding a prestigious 4-Star Skytrax rating and being named 'Best Airline in Africa' by Global Traveler for two consecutive years. To support its long-term growth strategy, RAM is in advanced negotiations to acquire 200 new aircraft, a move that is expected to significantly expand its fleet and global reach.
Morocco World
21 hours ago
- Morocco World
Forbes Recognizes Adel El Fakir for His Leadership in Morocco's Tourism, Aviation
Rabat – Adel El Fakir, a Moroccan leader in tourism and aviation, has been named one of Forbes Middle East's Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders for 2025. He is currently the Director General of Morocco's National Airports Authority (ONDA) and was previously the head of the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT). Under his leadership, Morocco launched major tourism campaigns, including the award-winning 'Morocco: Kingdom of Light,' and now he is overseeing the expansion and modernization of airports across the country in preparation for events like the 2030 World Cup. El Fakir has a diverse educational background that has shaped his career in business, marketing, and leadership. He earned a Bachelor's in Finance from ISCAE, where he gained hands-on experience and a passion for business and marketing. He then completed a Diplôme d'études supérieures spécialisées (DESS) in marketing at Université Toulouse 1 Capitole, studying alongside Moroccan and French instructors while working full-time, which helped him connect theory with real-world business practice. To broaden his perspective, he pursued an MBA in International Business at École des Ponts ParisTech and École Hassania des Travaux Publics in Casablanca. Later, he completed a Certificate in Corporate Governance at the Institut Marocain des Administrateurs, which gave him deep insight into business ethics, governance, and sustainability. This rich education provided the foundation for his success in both tourism and aviation leadership. Championing the Moroccan tourism brand El Fakir was appointed Director General of the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) in 2018. It was during this tenure that he launched the 'Morocco: Kingdom of Light' campaign in April 2022, targeting 19 to 20 international markets with multimedia advertising across TV, digital platforms, outdoor signage, cinema, and more. The campaign resonated globally, earning the title Best International Promotional Campaign from France's esteemed media TourMaG, and Best Destination Campaign from Spain's leading daily, La Razon. It also clinched the Travel d'Or in France (2023) as the most beloved marketing campaign by the French public. El Fakir's digital ingenuity was further affirmed when the ONMT campaign 'Moments in Morocco' received Expedia's best digital campaign award for the EMEA region in 2019. In recognition of his leadership, media and tourism peers named him Tourism Personality of the Year in 2024 as part of the first edition of the Morocco Tourism Awards. His impact garnered attention from Forbes Middle East, which ranked him 18th in its 2023 Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders in the MENA, a first for a Moroccan leader in the Top 20. Throughout his ONMT leadership, El Fakir orchestrated strategic airline partnerships, steered promotional 'Light Tours' across global capitals, and established the 'Light In Action 2026' plan to sustain Morocco's upward momentum in tourism appeal. A new flight path: leading Morocco's airports In June 2024, King Mohammed VI appointed El Fakir Director General of the National Airports Office (ONDA). During this transition, ONMT's Board of Directors commended his achievements in transforming the tourism office and wished him success in steering ONDA's modernization. 'The Board of Directors thanked M. Adel El Fakir for his work during the last 6 years at the head of the Moroccan National Tourism Office, while praising the positive results and the success of the various programs launched by the Office during his tenure,' ONMT said in a statement. They also expressed confidence in his new responsibilities as CEO of ONDA, where he is now managing strategic projects, restructuring the institution, and modernizing Morocco's airports. Earlier this year, El Fakir unveiled 'Airports 2030,' a bold roadmap aimed at transforming Morocco's airport network. The plan focuses on three main areas: expanding infrastructure, enhancing the passenger experience, and modernizing ONDA's institutional framework. Under the infrastructure expansion pillar, Mohammed V Airport is set to increase its capacity from 14 million to 35 million passengers by 2029, while airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez are also slated for capacity doubling. To improve the passenger experience, the plan focuses on digitization, including automated baggage handling, streamlined access, and seamless journeys from check-in to boarding. Institutional transformation is another key focus, with efforts to modernize ONDA's operational structure and strengthen collaboration with agencies such as the DGSN, Customs, Gendarmerie, and the Ministry of Transport, aiming to embed agility and efficiency across the organization. Tangible milestones under El Fakir's leadership also include the March 2025 start of a new terminal at Mohammed V Airport, which will have a 20-million passenger capacity and a $1.6 billion investment, scheduled for completion in 2029 in anticipation of the 2030 World Cup. In 2024, the ONDA network handled 32.7 million passengers, marking a 21% increase year-on-year, with international traffic rising 20% and domestic traffic surging 30%. He also appointed new directors at Nador El Aroui and Agadir Al Massira airports to manage rapid passenger growth, with Agadir handling 3.1 million passengers (up 36%) and Nador exceeding 1.05 million in 2024. Morocco plans MAD 42 billion ($4.2 billion) in airport investments by 2030, with the aim of positioning Mohammed V as a major intercontinental hub, with projections of 60 million passengers by 2030 and 90 million by 2035. Tags: Adel el fakirForbesONDAONMT
