China, Morocco discuss opportunities under Belt and Road initiative

The relationship between Morocco and China will reinforce global strategic partnership and particularly reinforce multilateral economic initiatives in Africa as part of Chinese project ‘Belt and Road initiative,’ officials from the two countries said. This was reaffirmed by Moroccan foreign affairs and international cooperation minister, Nasser Bourita, while visiting China last week. The visit was aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. It also sought to reinforce multilateral economic initiatives in Africa as it saw signing of Memorandum of Understanding allowing Morocco to adhere to Chinese project ‘Belt and Road initiative.’ The initiative consists of connecting by new infrastructures Asia, Europe and Africa. Under the MOU, Morocco will establish multi-stakeholder partnerships in value-added sectors, such as infrastructure, advanced industries and technologies in addition to strengthening country’s role in achieving growth in Africa given its geographical position and importance of infrastructures such as airports, roads and ports. The two countries committed to contribute to development of Africa. China is considered as third main exporter to Morocco after exports increased in September 2016. The tourist sector has also gained boost following a number of Chinese tourists increasing from 10,000 to 120,000 to Morocco in the past three months. Morocco is the first country to join the One Belt and Road initiative launched in 2013 to connect China and the rest of the world. The Belt and Road Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was proposed by China in 2013, with the aim of building a trade, investment and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes. China is injecting $18.8bn in the Silk Road fund to give more momentum in the initiative. China has also pledged $8bn in aid to developing countries and international organisations along the belt and road for education and humanitarian work.

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China, Morocco discuss opportunities under Belt and Road initiative