The search for synergies in terms of strategic investments was the watchword of the Morocco-Portugal economic meeting, organized in Rabat by the Portuguese agency for investment and foreign trade, in collaboration with the CGEM. Under the theme “Morocco-Portugal: Building the future in partnership”, the event brought together decision-makers and operators around the opportunities generated in infrastructure, tourism and telecommunications, in preparation for the 2030 World Cup.
The European economy shatters, weakened by the setbacks of a German industry losing competitiveness, the end of access to Russian gas -formerly so cheap -, the shortage of skilled labor, and the return of ‘A Donald Trump that promises to play the spoilsports.
To overcome these vulnerability, Europe, as an economic, is looking for growth relays beyond its borders. The rapprochement with Latin America, via Mercosur, which still seemed unimaginable recently, is now in the starting blocks. In the same vein, Brussels sealed, in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, partnerships with Norway, Azerbaijan or Qatar in order to secure its energy supply.
Land of opportunities
But from one state to another, the strategies differ. France, for example, opts for the relocation of its industry, with companies transferring their production to countries at lower cost. A policy, which from the point of view of many observers, leads to a shift in know-how and a loss of industrial jobs.
Portugal, for its part, favors a significantly different approach. With the advent of the 2030 World Cup, the country gradually reorients itself towards its Lus -speaking partners in Africa, and considers Morocco as a privileged field to exploit the strategic opportunities offered by the 2030 World Cup. From its know-how in Africa via Morocco, while retaining its local industry and jobs in Portugal.
“We are counting a lot on Moroccan expertise to better sell our services, not only in Morocco, but also in African countries where the kingdom is well established,” says Rui Cordovil, economic advisor of the Portugal Embassy in Morocco , on the sidelines of the meeting organized last Thursday, by the Portuguese agency for investment and foreign trade, in partnership with the CGEM, under the theme “Morocco-Portugal: Build the future in partnership”.
The Portuguese delegation, prospecting in Morocco, is led by João Rui Ferreira, Portuguese Secretary of State for the Economy. It has several private operators in the infrastructure and construction, mobility, transport, telecommunications and tourism sectors.
Still limited exchanges
With exchanges valued at 32 billion dirhams, economic relations between Morocco and Portugal remain modest.
“It’s little. When there is almost nothing, everything remains to be built. There is room, of course, in Morocco but also in Portugal and, beyond, in the African and European depth, for our Moroccan companies already present today, ”observes Karim Amor, president of the 13th region of the General Confederation of Enterprises in Morocco (CGEM).
This observation reflects the significant margins of progression that remain between the two countries. Portugal can boast of the presence of more than 200 companies on Moroccan soil, testifying to a solid economic establishment. But the ambitions do not stop there.
“We want us, we have been able to have this possibility of setting up in Portugal, to open much larger perspectives on Europe. Myself, I plan to set up in 2025 an artificial intelligence unit and quantum calculation in Portugal, in partnership with a local company, “adds Amor, highlighting the opportunity of reciprocity in this bilateral cooperation.
This economic dynamic is not new. Between 2019 and 2023, Portuguese exports to Morocco increased by 36%, making the Kingdom the 13th destination for Portuguese products.
For its part, Portugal has become the 10th supplier of the kingdom with 2.8% of Moroccan imports. These figures reflect an increasing interdependence between the two economies, although imbalances remain.
“In a global context marked by economic tensions and increasing restrictions, the two countries aspire to play a bridge role between Europe and Africa. Collaboration within the framework of the European Union and the African Union stands out as a strategic path to strengthen mutual prosperity and promote principles of sustainability and free trade, “explains Rafael Alves Rocha, Director General of the Employers’ Confederation of Portugal.
-Beyond trade, it is the structuring projects that feed bilateral cooperation. The 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will organize jointly with Portugal and Spain, symbolizes this convergence. The event goes beyond the simple sports competition since it is intended above all a lever to stimulate investments in the major infrastructure projects to come.
In the construction sector, collaboration should be based on additional expertise. Morocco, engaged in major investments in its road, rail and port infrastructure, offers a framework conducive to strategic partnerships.
Portugal, with its expertise in urban regeneration and social housing, is able to respond to this dynamic by offering lasting solutions, especially in the use of ecological materials. Advanced in renewable energies also open up prospects for collaborations around environmental infrastructure.
“This alliance goes beyond trade and embodies a common vision of sustainable development and innovation. By building bridges between Europe and Africa, Morocco and Portugal lay the foundations for exemplary collaboration, aimed at going beyond traditional borders to establish a strategic and ambitious partnership, ”underlines Paulo Rios, member of the Council of ‘Administration of the Portuguese agency for investment and foreign trade.
This cooperation, carried by a shared history and a geographic proximity, goes far beyond trade. It reflects a desire of the two countries to set itself up as key players in Euro-African relations, by taking advantage of their respective assets to build a lasting partnership.
Morocco aspires to become a destination “best cost, best value”
Since the implementation of its industrial strategy, Morocco has initially forged a reputation as a competitive industrial platform, positioning itself as a “low cost” destination in the region.
This vision, although pragmatic, was part of a logic of capturing foreign investments by focusing on attractive production costs and an advantageous geographic proximity to Europe.
However, this ambition has evolved over the years, as the Minister of Industry has repeatedly mentioned: “the objective is to become a destination” Best Cost, Best Value “”.
In other words, it is now a question of combining competitiveness and added value, by integrating quality, innovation and sustainability requirements in all industrial value chains. This repositioning marks a turning point in the industrial ambition of the kingdom.
Morocco is no longer content to be a competitive platform in terms of costs; It now aims to become a regional reference in terms of quality and innovation. A trajectory that does not leave indifferent strategic partners like Portugal, eager to invest in economies that are both dynamic and structured.
Ayoub Ibnouldssih / Eco inspirations
