logo
Ambassador: Morocco Becoming Strategic Hub for Chinese Investment

Ambassador: Morocco Becoming Strategic Hub for Chinese Investment

Morocco World14-02-2025
Doha – Morocco's Ambassador to China, Abdelkader El Ansari, has detailed the country's expanding role as a strategic hub for Chinese investors seeking access to European, American, and African markets, particularly in the flourishing electric vehicle (EV) sector.
In a wide-ranging interview with Chinese economic daily Caixin, El Ansari accentuated Morocco's integrated industrial ecosystem and modern infrastructure.
'Morocco possesses an integrated industrial ecosystem that facilitates the installation of new companies,' he emphasized, highlighting the country's strategic advantages for foreign investment.
El Ansari spotlighted the Tanger Med port's capabilities, asserting that 'vehicles produced locally can reach Europe in less than a day, the United States in a week, and several African countries in just a few days.'
The ambassador outlined Morocco's development trajectory, declaring: 'In 20 to 25 years, Morocco has built an environment conducive to investment through tax incentives, modern infrastructure, and trade openness.'
He pointed out the kingdom's 56 free trade agreements with various countries and regions, facilitating access to international markets.
Addressing the automotive sector's growth, El Ansari revealed that 'more than 250 international companies are integrated into Morocco's automotive supply chain, bringing annual production to nearly 900,000 vehicles, of which 85% are exported to 75 countries. This dynamic places Morocco as the leading producer of passenger cars in Africa.'
Recent Chinese investments in Morocco's EV sector have been substantial. According to El Ansari, major Chinese companies including Yahua Group, Huayou Cobalt, and Gotion High-Tech announced factory projects between 2023 and 2024, representing a cumulative investment of over 33 billion yuan (approximately $4.6 billion).
Chinese presidential visit and EV industry development
The strengthening Morocco-China relationship was further crystallized by Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Morocco in November 2024.
Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan welcomed President Xi at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, where the Chinese leader participated in traditional welcome ceremonies and convened with key officials including Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch.
The visit lined up perfectly with some game-changing moves in Morocco's EV scene. Gotion High-Tech committed $1.3 billion to construct Africa's first EV battery 'gigafactory' near Rabat, while BTR New Material Group and Shinzoom invested $300 million and $690 million respectively in battery component manufacturing.
Experts cited in a South China Morning Post report illuminated Morocco's strategic advantages. David Shinn from George Washington University and François Conradie from Oxford Economics Africa cataloged key factors driving Chinese investment.
They pinpointed Morocco's proximity to European markets, reserves of key battery materials like lithium and phosphate, and green energy production capabilities as major attractions for investors.
However, Chatham House Associate Fellow Ahmed Aboudouh cautioned that 'Morocco's role as a workaround for Chinese EV companies may put it at the heart of great-power competition.'
This comes as the EU has approved tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese EV imports, while the US has increased tariffs from 25% to 100%.
The bilateral relationship continues to flourish, with El Ansari noting that trade exchanges between the two nations surged by 13.9% in 2023, while Chinese direct investments in Morocco advanced by 20.2%.
He also heralded the resumption of direct Beijing-Casablanca flights in January, reducing travel time to less than 14 hours, which he anticipates will further catalyze Sino-Moroccan economic and human exchanges.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Casablanca-Settat Youth Director Sanaa Rida Passes Away
Casablanca-Settat Youth Director Sanaa Rida Passes Away

Morocco World

time8 hours ago

  • Morocco World

Casablanca-Settat Youth Director Sanaa Rida Passes Away

Rabat – Sanaa Rida, the Regional Director at the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Youth Sector in the Casablanca-Settat region, passed away overnight, prompting messages of condolence from across the political, civil, and sports sectors. She also served as a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) in Casablanca's City Council and was Vice President of the Al-Fida District. Rida, who was also a doctoral researcher in the field of sport, was known for her commitment to public service and was involved in many youth and community programs in the region. Colleagues from the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication described her as a dedicated and responsible leader who supported local initiatives and worked to improve youth programs. The Ministry issued a statement expressing its condolences, saying that the minister and all staff members were saddened by the news and offered their sympathies to her family and colleagues. The Ministry also expressed hope that she would be remembered for her service and dedication. 'On this sad occasion, the Minister, on his own behalf and on behalf of all the Ministry's staff, extends his warmest condolences and sincere sympathy to the late Ms. Rida's family, both immediate and extended,' reads the statement. Political and civil society figures also commended her role as a public official, and highlighted her work in both institutional and political spaces. Her passing was also mourned by leading figures in Moroccan sports. Former Olympian and national judo champion Adil Belgaid paid tribute to her on social media, describing her as 'more than a colleague; an exceptional woman, a generous soul, and a true ambassador of human values.' He recalled her past as an African fencing champion, and expressed his prayers for her and her family. Tags: Casablancaministry youthMoroccoyouth

Morocco Tops African Retirement Destinations
Morocco Tops African Retirement Destinations

Morocco World

time8 hours ago

  • Morocco World

Morocco Tops African Retirement Destinations

Rabat — Morocco has earned recognition as one of the world's recommended retirement destinations, according to the Global Retirement Report 2025. Published by Global Citizen Solutions, a consulting firm that specializes in investment immigration advice, the comprehensive study ranks the North African country in 24th place out of 44 countries evaluated. Notably, Morocco achieved an overall score of 81.51 points in Global Citizen Solutions' assessment. Morocco shines among African destinations Morocco further ranked in the top five African destinations for retirees, ahead of Cape Verde, South Africa, South Africa, Zambia, and Namibia. The country stood out for its straightforward entry procedures, with processing times of approximately two months. Applicants need only demonstrate a monthly income of $1,000 to qualify for a retirement visa. It also offers a path to citizenship after five years of residence, though dual nationality faces certain restrictions. This timeframe appeals to retirees who want long-term security in their new home country. Mixed performance across categories The report indicated that while Morocco excels in several areas, it faces challenges in others. The country ranks 37th out of 44 nations for international mobility and access to full citizenship rights. However, Morocco compensates for these weaknesses with strong performances in other crucial areas. The North African country achieves impressive rankings in economics (7th place), quality of life (16th place), and integration (24th place). These solid scores demonstrate its ability to provide a comfortable and affordable lifestyle for foreign retirees. Also, Moroccan retirement programs allow families to stay together. The visa covers spouses and minor children, making the country an attractive option for retirees who want to bring their loved ones along. This family inclusion policy helps Morocco appeal to retirees seeking the right balance between affordability, comfort, and simplified procedures. Citizenship challenges remain The report notes that several countries, including Morocco, Indonesia, and the Philippines, maintain significant restrictions on citizenship access through retirement or passive income visas. These limitations often involve strict conditions, extended residency requirements, and complex administrative procedures. Despite these challenges, Morocco's combination of affordable living costs, favorable tax policies, and welcoming atmosphere continues to attract international retirees looking for their next chapter abroad. Tags: MoroccoretirementRetirement destinationretirement in Morocco

Lead for Pan-Africanism: UM6P Partners in Initiative Seeking to Boost Africa's Growth
Lead for Pan-Africanism: UM6P Partners in Initiative Seeking to Boost Africa's Growth

Morocco World

time10 hours ago

  • Morocco World

Lead for Pan-Africanism: UM6P Partners in Initiative Seeking to Boost Africa's Growth

Rabat – University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) is joining forces with partners like Africa CEO Forum to launch Lead, a new pan-African initiative seeking to boost Africa's economic potential. A joint statement said that the partnership also includes the Arab Bank for Economic Development in AFRICA (BADEA) and Afreximbank. UM6P will host Lead at its Rabat campus to build a network of civil servants that will design and implement public policies that address challenges. 'The initiative responds to a paradox that has defined Africa's development trajectory over the past two decades,' the statement said, asserting Lead's commitment to unlock the continent's potential and close the gaps in public service delivery. The joint statement acknowledged that the translation of Africa's growth into approved governance and citizen welfare has lagged behind that of other regions. UM6P President Hicham El Habti commented on the new initiative, saying Africa lacks the institutional conditions to turn public vision into lasting progress. He reiterated the university's commitment to supporting Lead, which he sees as an opportunity to cultivate the skills, networks, and institutional intelligence to drive Africa's transformation. 'It is about building systems that are responsive, rooted, and future-oriented,' he argued. Driving economic transformation CEO of the Africa CEO Forum Amir Ben Yahmed also commended the new initiative, pointing out that such initiatives have proven to be drivers of socioeconomic transformation, especially in the Global South. These initiatives demonstrate what is possible when 'public policy excellence becomes the foundation for development,' he said. Citing Brazil's universal healthcare system and Indonesia's industrial policy, Yahmed argued that these 'successes show that well-designed governance can be the definite engine of economic transformation.' Meanwhile, UM6P's statement noted that the initiative comes amid a pressing need to meet Africa's policy challenges. It recalled the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA), which presents opportunities for economic integration. But even this potential driver of intra-African integration comes amid persistent challenges, including mature implementation capabilities and policy coordination. The university's statement also recalled a new generation of policy challenges, including forecasts that the continent's population is set to double in 2050. This is in addition to climate change, food insecurity, and the double-edged impacts of the rapid acceleration of AI. Tags: UM6PUM6P initiatives

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store