Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
Published: May 04,2025
By Dr. Hanane Thamik,
The 11th China-Arab Business Conference and the 9th Investment Seminar of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum commenced in Haikou, Hainan Province, China, as part of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, held from April 27 to 29, 2025. Morocco was honored to be selected as the guest of honor for this session, a recognition that reflects its status as a key strategic partner of China and underscores its pivotal role in enhancing economic cooperation between China and Arab states.
Mr. Abdelkader Al Ansari, Morocco’s Ambassador to China
Mr. Abdelkader Al Ansari, Morocco’s Ambassador to China, emphasized that “Morocco’s selection as the guest of honor at the 11th China-Arab Business Conference and the 9th Investment Seminar of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, held in Haikou, Hainan Province, from April 27 to 29, 2025, reflects the positive momentum in Chinese-Moroccan relations. It also highlights the Kingdom’s position as a strategic partner for China in the Arab region and Africa, affirming the mutual trust and commitment of both nations to enhancing economic cooperation within the framework of the strategic partnership signed in May 2016 during His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s visit to Beijing.” The Ambassador added, “Thanks to its distinguished geographic location and major projects such as the Tanger Med Port, Morocco serves as an economic link connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, reinforcing its role as a driver of development in the African continent, especially as one of the first Arab countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative in 2017.”
Ambassador Al Ansari elaborated, “Morocco’s selection as the guest of honor signifies China’s appreciation for the Kingdom’s pivotal role in promoting regional economic integration.” He noted that “the Moroccan pavilion at the conference provides insight into investment opportunities and sectors in Morocco, as well as Moroccan products that can be exported to the Chinese market.”
He further stated, “At the Moroccan pavilion, we presented a comprehensive overview of the Kingdom’s investment opportunities and tourism potential through visual and written media, which attracted a significant number of visitors.” He added, “The proposal by Mr. Ryad Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, to establish a digital Chinese-Arab platform aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises and enhance the exchange of expertise among entrepreneurs, serving as a catalyst for economic cooperation.” He continued, “Morocco has presented genuine investment opportunities in strategic sectors such as the automotive industry, renewable energy, electronics, and agriculture.” He also noted that “the Mohammed VI Technological City in Tangier aims to attract Chinese companies interested in investing in Morocco.” Additionally, he highlighted that “major regional projects, such as the Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline and the initiative to provide Sahel countries with access to the Atlantic Ocean, are likely to attract Chinese investments for their realization.” He affirmed, “Our financial institutions, such as Attijariwafa Bank and Bank of Africa, play a significant role in facilitating trade and investment exchanges with China through partnerships with Chinese banks and innovative financing services.”
Regarding tourism, Ambassador Al Ansari stated, “The launch of two direct air routes between Morocco and China since early 2025 will further facilitate the movement of tourists and businesspeople, enhancing cultural exchange between the two countries. Morocco, with its rich cultural heritage, is an attractive destination for Chinese tourists, especially since Chinese nationals do not require a visa to enter Morocco.”
The Ambassador concluded, “All these initiatives will strengthen trade and economic relations by increasing investments in high-value-added sectors, building bridges of human and cultural communication between the two friendly peoples. The development of Morocco-China relations will also positively impact China’s relations with the African continent, given Morocco’s role as a gateway to Africa.”
Mr. Mehdi Laraki, President of the Morocco-China Business Council
In his address, Mr. Mehdi Laraki, President of the Morocco-China Business Council under the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), expressed Morocco’s pride in being chosen as the guest of honor, considering it “a mark of trust and recognition.” He affirmed that the conference’s theme, which focuses on enhancing trade and industrial cooperation between China and Arab states, aligns with current global economic challenges.
Laraki explained that the CGEM, as the primary representative of the private sector, comprises 37 sectoral federations, 18 thematic committees, and 13 regional offices, making it a dynamic economic force supporting economic diplomacy, particularly in Africa. He highlighted that Morocco, thanks to its economic openness strategy, has become a regional hub in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, food industries, automotive, and green energy.
He also emphasized the momentum gained by Moroccan-Chinese relations since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative in 2017, which has led to major projects in industry, logistics, and infrastructure. He called for strengthening tripartite partnerships between China, Morocco, and Africa, leveraging Morocco’s strategic position and its trade agreements.
Dr. Mohamed Khalil, President of the Morocco-China Friendship and Exchange Association
Dr. Mohamed Khalil, President of the Morocco-China Friendship and Exchange Association, provided a historical analysis of China-Arab relations, noting the role of the Silk Road in connecting cultures and economies. He stressed that the establishment of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in 2004 marked a turning point, transforming it into a platform for multifaceted cooperation. He pointed to the issuance of the 2016 roadmap document, which enhanced cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and investment, as well as the first China-Arab Summit in 2022, which confirmed shared visions for an international order based on international law and multilateral cooperation.
In the context of Morocco, Khalil highlighted the signing of the strategic partnership agreement in 2016 during the royal visit to Beijing and the visa waiver for Chinese nationals, which led to a 15% increase in Chinese tourists and business visitors to Morocco. He also noted that Morocco’s accession to the Belt and Road Initiative in 2017 strengthened its position as an investment destination, particularly with the hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will open new prospects for Chinese investments.
This significant event was highlighted on the “Midday News” program on 2M, where Dr. Mohamed Khalil made a statement on the occasion of Morocco’s selection as the guest of honor at the China-Arab Cooperation Forum’s Entrepreneurs Conference. Khalil emphasized that this recognition reflects the mutual trust between Morocco and China, underscoring Morocco’s pivotal role as an economic and cultural bridge between China, Africa, and the Arab world. He also noted that Morocco’s participation in Hainan enhances investment opportunities, particularly amid the momentum in bilateral relations, and stressed the importance of fostering cooperation in technology and tourism to support sustainable development.
As a university professor and political figure, I believe that Morocco’s selection as the guest of honor at the China-Arab Business Conference reflects its strategic commitment to strengthening its partnership with China, benefiting both nations. Morocco leverages its unique geographic position, advanced infrastructure such as the Tanger Med Port, and its extensive network of free trade agreements to become a logistical and industrial hub supporting China’s ambitions in Africa. In return, China offers Morocco investment opportunities in vital sectors such as renewable energy, technological industries, and infrastructure, fostering sustainable economic development.
Chinese projects in Morocco, such as Tangier Tech City and electric vehicle factories, demonstrate the potential for a “win-win” cooperation. For instance, Chinese investments can support Morocco’s ambition to become a regional hub for the electric vehicle industry, while Chinese companies gain access to African and European markets through Morocco. Furthermore, Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal will open new avenues for Chinese investments in tourism and infrastructure, boosting economic growth and creating job opportunities in Morocco.
From an academic perspective, I aspire for 2025 and beyond to witness a significant enhancement in economic and technological cooperation between Morocco and China, focusing on technology transfer in areas like artificial intelligence and green energy, which will bolster Morocco’s ability to achieve its developmental vision. I also look forward to expanding academic partnerships through the establishment of joint research centers and graduate programs focused on innovation and sustainable development, contributing to the development of a new generation of leaders capable of advancing bilateral relations. On the cultural front, I anticipate a significant increase in cultural exchanges, including the organization of joint cultural festivals and the expansion of tourism programs, which will solidify Morocco’s image as a preferred destination for Chinese visitors while enhancing China’s position as a cultural partner in Morocco. These aspirations will strengthen economic and people-to-people ties, ensuring the sustainability of the partnership for the benefit of both nations.
Economically, Morocco should capitalize on Chinese expertise in advanced technology fields, such as artificial intelligence and green energy, to support its developmental vision. Simultaneously, China can benefit from Morocco’s expertise in the African market, particularly given Morocco’s pioneering role on the continent. This mutual cooperation will contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals of both countries while enhancing regional economic stability.
The author is a Political Member of the Moroccan National Rally of Independents Party and Professor at Renmin University of China
