The Moroccan Institute for Strategic Intelligence recommended the need to strengthen bilateral relations between Morocco and the United Kingdom in a new policy paper released on September 9, highlighting emerging opportunities for cooperation between the two nations.
“As a long-standing trading partner of the United Kingdom, Morocco is uniquely positioned to serve as a gateway for British investments into West Africa, a region brimming with opportunities for both kingdoms,” reads the report’s summary.
It emphasized that Morocco’s strategic geographic location and emerging role as a global connector make it a pivotal strategic partner for the UK.
Titled “Morocco: The Cornerstone of Britain’s Post-Brexit Africa Strategy,” this strategic document, authored by Najib Benamour under the guidance of IMIS President Abdelmalek Alaoui and Research Director Ahmed Azirar, with contributions from Rayan Sahnoune and Victor Pauvert, presented a new roadmap to strengthen economic and trade relations between the UK and Morocco in the post-Brexit era.
The document underscored that West Africa is central to the UK’s Global Britain strategy. Despite financing risks noted by experts, including those at the Bank of France, the region’s abundant energy resources and investment opportunities remain highly attractive.
In this context, the report suggested that Morocco, with its robust economy, stable institutions, and open market, is exceptionally well-positioned to foster enhanced cooperation between the UK and Africa.
The 37-page report also explored the historical trajectory of the bilateral relationship between the UK and Morocco, highlighting the significant boost provided by the 2021 UK-Morocco Association Agreement.
Since its implementation in January 2021, this accord has transformed economic ties between the two nations, with bilateral trade surging to £2 billion in 2022, according to IMIS.
The same source noted that this enduring and ever-evolving partnership is now ready to seize new opportunities presented by the UK’s Global Britain strategy.
The policy paper asserted that the UK-Morocco Association Agreement laid the foundation for this new bilateral partnership.
Modeled closely on the Morocco-EU trade deal, it outlined a roadmap for future trade liberalization in key sectors, including agriculture, with bilateral discussions on this sector initiated in 2023.
The document presented 10 key recommendations for maximizing the potential of this renewed partnership.
These include harmonizing trade rules, progressively eliminating tariffs and customs barriers, and increasing investment in strategic sectors such as business services and renewable energy.
The report also advocates for the development of special economic zones (ZES), diversification of trade routes, and increased investment in Morocco’s southern provinces. Additionally, it encourages enhanced cooperation in health, education, military, and security.
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