Morocco’s Ambassador to China Abdelkader El Ansari has highlighted the positive dynamics of China-Morocco relations and its role as a vector for development on the African continent.
In an interview with China Radio International (CRI), El Ansari stressed that Africa “constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of Moroccan foreign policy,” adding that China also places the African continent at the heart of its priorities in terms of international relations, development cooperation and economic partnership.
In this respect, the diplomat pointed out that the objectives of Rabat and Beijing “converge towards greater involvement in policies devoted to the development of the African continent.” This convergence is particularly evident in the automotive sector, where the two countries have shared ambitions.
He argued that the combination of Chinese technological expertise, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicles, with Morocco’s industrial ecosystem, rich in human skills and raw materials, could pave the way for production destined not only for the Moroccan and African markets, but also for Europe and Latin America.
He also spoke of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) project, noting China’s ambition to conclude a free trade agreement with the continent as a whole, starting with bilateral agreements with African member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO), including Morocco.
Turning to tourism, El Ansari welcomed the resumption of direct flights by Royal Air Maroc (RAM) between Casablanca and Beijing from January 2025. He considered that this link should boost tourism activity, particularly in view of the visa exemption for Chinese tourists introduced in 2016 and the growing interest of Moroccan tourists in China as a cultural destination.
The Casablanca-Beijing air route should also boost trade between the two countries, which is developing rapidly, and facilitate travel for Chinese companies operating in Morocco, he continued.
The ambassador concluded by highlighting the strategic importance of Casablanca as an extended stopover for Chinese travelers to West and Central Africa.
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