Roundtable in Rabat celebrates 25 years of strengthened Sino-Moroccan relations

Morocco and China marked 25 years of deepened bilateral relations during a roundtable discussion held in Rabat.

The event, organized by Dar Attaouhidi and hosted at Librairie les Étoiles, brought together key figures such as Chinese Ambassador Li Changlin, Moroccan sinologist Nasser Bouchiba, and Confucius Institute Director Karima El Yatribi, with Med Bachir Znagui moderating the dialogue.

Morocco became the second African country to officially recognize the People’s Republic of China on November 1, 1958, shortly after gaining independence. Both nations, having experienced colonialism, share principles centered on multilateralism, non-interference, and respect for territorial integrity.

Since 2021, China has emerged as Morocco’s third-largest commercial partner and primary supplier. This growth is a result of policies initiated after the Cold War and initiatives launched during King Mohammed VI’s reign.

Ambassador Li discussed recent developments in industrial and political cooperation, recalling President Xi Jinping's visit to Casablanca last November, where he met Crown Prince Moulay Hassan to discuss bilateral cooperation.

“Today, the Chinese and Moroccan people understand each other better than ever, especially regarding their comparative advantages,” Li stated. He noted that while many Moroccan entrepreneurs operate in China, others remain hesitant, and the Chinese Embassy plans to organize business visits for Moroccans.

In terms of tourism, a Chinese restaurant in Tangier will host a reality TV show aimed at boosting Moroccan tourism, with expectations that Chinese visitors to Morocco will exceed 200,000 this year.

On trade, China will implement a zero-percent customs tariff for 53 African countries, including Morocco, allowing Moroccan products duty-free entry into Chinese markets. The ambassador also addressed the Western Sahara dispute, stating that discussions occur in diplomatic circles, yet the topic rarely surfaces in China.

Morocco is the first African country to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with a joint implementation convention signed in 2022. The Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City has become a hub for Chinese investments, focusing on sectors like automotive, renewable energy, and infrastructure.

Cultural exchanges have intensified through increased air connections and the operation of three Confucius Institutes in Morocco, promoting Chinese culture and dialogue.

Ambassador Li summarized the current state of Sino-Moroccan relations, highlighting promising prospects for future cooperation. He concluded that following King Mohammed VI’s historic visit, a new chapter has begun in diversifying the partnership between China and Morocco.