After a series of tumultuous diplomatic adventures between Morocco and France, commercial relations between the two countries seem to be taking a promising turn. The time has come for unprecedented commercial momentum, marked by significant growth in French exports to Morocco. According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee), exports from France to Morocco reached a new record in February, amounting to 690 million euros. This performance now positions Morocco as a privileged and strategic target for French exports. Towards a renewed economic partnership? It seems to be a first. This record figure of 690 million euros represents an important milestone in bilateral commercial relations between Rabat and Paris. By examining the graph of trade between the two countries from January 2000 to February 2024, it is clear that this performance has never been achieved before. This notable increase in exports testifies to the solidity and growing dynamics of trade between Morocco and France. To put this development into perspective, it is wise to note that in February 2014, French exports to Rabat amounted to 350 million euros. At that time, this figure had already raised hopes for ambitious commercial cooperation between the two countries. Thus, the fact that this record has doubled in the space of ten years reflects not only the growth of trade, but also the even greater potential for a strengthened economic partnership. This upward trend in French exports to Morocco opens the way to a promising and beneficial economic partnership for both countries. The visit of Stéphane Séjourné, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Morocco on February 26 marked a decisive turning point in bilateral relations between the two countries. Séjourné expressed a strong desire to encourage French companies to invest in the southern regions of Morocco, particularly in the Moroccan Sahara, where economic activity is booming thanks to local investments. Upon his arrival in Rabat, the French minister held fruitful discussions with his Moroccan counterpart, Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade. These exchanges made it possible to strengthen mutual trust and explore innovative ways to intensify bilateral cooperation. They particularly focused on strategic sectors such as aeronautics, rail, transport and renewable energies. Despite some diplomatic tensions, commercial relations between France and Morocco have not been affected and have even experienced significant growth. In 2023, trade reached a new peak of 14 billion euros, almost doubling compared to 2015. With more than 1,000 French companies operating on Moroccan soil, Morocco is positioned as France’s leading trading partner in Africa, and France is Morocco’s second trading partner. Furthermore, Franck Riester, the French Minister of Foreign Trade, had constructive discussions with Mohcine Jazouli, Moroccan Minister of Investment, Convergence and Evaluation of Public Policies. The two ministers demonstrated a common determination to consolidate economic ties between their respective countries. They identified common challenges such as economic transition, decarbonization, sustainable mobility and digital transformation, and agreed to establish an ambitious action program to respond to them.
