The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is looking to expand its global trade network, and Morocco is on its radar for potential free trade agreements, according to Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko.
The union, which includes Belarus, Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, is actively negotiating similar agreements with countries like the UAE, Tunisia, India, and Pakistan.
Petrishenko said that the EAEU already has free trade pacts with China, Vietnam, Serbia, and Singapore, and over 30 countries have shown interest in similar deals.
Economic analyst Abdelkhalek Thami told Hespress Ar that Morocco is well-prepared for such an agreement.
With free trade deals already in place with economic giants like the US and the EU, Morocco could leverage its experience to access EAEU markets.
Thami emphasized the importance of private sector readiness to maximize benefits and avoid past mistakes.
He pointed out key industries that could thrive in the EAEU market, such as fisheries, agriculture, and phosphate-based products.
However, Thami noted that these agreements aren’t just about trade—they also carry political significance. Including Morocco’s southern provinces in such deals would implicitly affirm their status as part of Morocco.
Rachid Sari, a researcher in economic affairs, explained that Russia, a key player in the EAEU, is pursuing long-term trade partnerships as part of a strategy to shift away from Western economic dependence.
This comes in the wake of strained relations with the West following the Ukraine conflict.
“Despite sanctions and exclusion from systems like SWIFT, Russia has maintained notable growth,” said Sari.
He added that Morocco’s strategic location and robust infrastructure make it an ideal partner, serving as a gateway for Russia’s economic ambitions in Africa.
Sari and Tahami both stressed the need for Morocco to approach such agreements cautiously.
“Past trade deals haven’t always been beneficial for Morocco,” Sari warned, urging negotiators to secure terms that ensure mutual benefits.
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