On November 12, 2024, Abdelkader El Ansari, Ambassador of Morocco to China, visited Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China(RDCY). He delivered a keynote speech on "Morocco-China Partnership: Assets and Opportunities" at “RDCY Forum for Area Studies, Ambassador Series”. Zheng Xinye, Vice President of Renmin University of China and Executive Director of RDCY, delivered a speech. Wang Wen, Dean of the RDCY, hosted the forum.

In his opening remarks, Vice President Zheng Xinye stated that in today's world, we are witnessing unprecedented development, changes, and challenges. This period presents both challenges and boundless opportunities for all countries. He expressed his hope that through the "RDCY Forum for Area Studies, Ambassador Series," understanding and cooperation between China and other countries can be deepened, further promoting China's high-level opening up to the world and contributing more wisdom to solving regional and global issues. The friendship between China and Morocco is of great importance, especially the mutual communication and learning among young people. Vice President Zheng encouraged scholars, teachers, and students from both countries to enhance communication, learn from each other, and become the main force in future exchanges between the two countries.

Ambassador Ansari provided a comprehensive introduction to Morocco in his opening speech. He mentioned that Morocco is located in the northwest of Africa, facing Spain across the sea to the north and easily accessible to other European countries, bordered by Algeria to the east, Mauritania to the south, and facing the Atlantic Ocean to the west. As the gateway from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, Morocco holds significant strategic importance from a geopolitical perspective. With a stable political structure and excellent governance, Morocco has maintained political stability despite international crises and economic challenges. Despite experiencing the economic crisis in 2008 and 2009 and other complex challenges, Morocco's economy has demonstrated great resilience. In less than two decades, Morocco's GDP has tripled in size, and inflation has remained below 2% for the past ten years.

Ambassador Ansari mentioned that China and Morocco have enjoyed close economic and trade ties since the 14th century. By the 18th century, Morocco began importing green tea from China, and now it is the world's largest importer of Chinese green tea, with tea having become a national beverage in Morocco. China and Morocco established diplomatic relations in 1958. The late Hassan II, the father of the current King of Morocco, was one of the heads of state who called for supporting China's admission to the United Nations at the UN General Assembly in 1960. Furthermore, Morocco signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2017, and in 2022, Morocco became the first North African country to sign an accord with China facilitating joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Ambassador Ansari also mentioned that Morocco aligns well with Chinese investors and companies seeking overseas investment opportunities in seven major sectors: infrastructure, agriculture, industry, renewable energy, tourism and air transport, digital, and FIFA World Cup 2030. For example, in terms of infrastructure, Morocco has built Africa's first transshipment port in Tangier, located in the north of Morocco, facing the Mediterranean and connecting to the Atlantic. It is one of the closest ports to Europe, allowing access to European and American markets within 1-10 days. In agriculture, Morocco has significant agricultural exports and high-value industries, which are highly conducive to local agricultural development, and the country offers many preferential policies for investors. In the industrial sector, Morocco has established many factories over the past 15 years, developing its industry across various sectors, including the automotive industry, over a period of 5 to 10 years. Regarding renewable energy, Morocco is highly focused on this area, and many Chinese companies have already started investing in Morocco, particularly in the solar energy sector. The ambassador hopes to see more large enterprises invest in Morocco. In tourism, Morocco plans to build more tourist facilities, hotels, as well as leisure and entertainment venues, all of which require more investment. In terms of digital development, Morocco has launched the "Digital Morocco 2030" plan, hoping to enhance cooperation with China in digital development, including digital infrastructure.

In the Q&A session, Ambassador Ansari engaged in a lively interaction with the audience. When asked about the potential for cooperation between China and Morocco in the field of new energy automobiles, Ambassador Ansari pointed out that China's entire new energy automobile industry is unique, and many Chinese electric vehicle companies are also looking to the global market. Morocco has abundant natural resources, especially minerals needed for batteries such as copper and phosphates. Morocco has excellent cooperation with many automotive companies and looks forward to working hand-in-hand with China in the international market. In response to a question about judicial assistance between Morocco and China, Ambassador Ansari noted that the relationship between the two countries is deepening, and many agreements have been signed in the judicial field. The judicial framework is constantly being improved, helping us to better promote cooperation in the judicial sector.

Wang Wen concluded that the Forum showcased the cooperation achievements between Morocco and China and provided new insights for deepening the partnership under the Belt and Road Initiative. Through Ambassador Ansari's introduction, we have seen a Morocco that has a historically friendly relationship with China, a highly resilient economy, and immense investment opportunities. Moreover, thanks to its unique geographical location and geopolitical advantages, Morocco maintains excellent relations with various countries worldwide based on the principles of friendliness and balance. It is believed that the ambassador's speech will enable more Chinese people to have a profound and comprehensive understanding of Morocco.

Radouane CHAOUKI, the Deputy Chief of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in China, and Al Mustapha SGUENFLE, Maghreb Arab Press East Asia Hub Director, accompanied the visit.