Rabat - US Ambassador to Morocco Dwight L. Bush addressed an audience of the American Chamber of Commerce in Morocco (AmCham Morocco), its business partners, Moroccan ministers, and other distinguished persons in an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of AmCham Morocco. He took this May 13, 2016 to call attention to the decades of economic cooperation between the two nations and the progress that they have made together. The speech took a very positive tone, highlighting the benefits of a history of close relations.
Rabat – US Ambassador to Morocco Dwight L. Bush addressed an audience of the American Chamber of Commerce in Morocco (AmCham Morocco), its business partners, Moroccan ministers, and other distinguished persons in an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of AmCham Morocco. He took this May 13, 2016 to call attention to the decades of economic cooperation between the two nations and the progress that they have made together. The speech took a very positive tone, highlighting the benefits of a history of close relations.
Ambassador Bush reflected over past decades of improvements, contrasting 1966’s developments to modern achievements. “The economy was primarily agricultural-based, and there were economic issues of budget deficits and slow per capita growth. Yet…economic infrastructure – transportation, communications, electric energy – were all at an advanced stage for 1966.” He further complimented the resilience and boldness of the Moroccan people, attributing their current success to their forward-thinking nature and willingness to work with foreign nations.
The speech ended on an uplifting look into the future, encouraging a continuation of international cooperation. “I am confident that we will meet these challenges head on and continue in the spirit of friendship that has made both our countries more prosperous.”
To understand the significance of this commemorative event, it is necessary to observe AmCham Morocco and its history in Morocco. AmCham Morocco is a non-profit Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) which seeks to promote the business interests of both American and Moroccan companies. While it was formed under the US Chamber of Commerce in 1966, it does not directly serve the US government’s interests, instead prioritizing member businesses. These are not strictly limited to American and Moroccan companies, although these organizations comprise the bulk of AmCham Morocco’s membership.
There are currently 300 members: 55% Moroccan, 40% American, and 5% from other nations, representing organizations as diverse as Al Akhawayn University and Visa International (American Chamber of Commerce Morocco). AmCham Morocco operates entirely independent of governmental support and is led by a board of corporate leaders.
This represents the commitment of both nations to mutual cooperation through coordinated free enterprise, granting autonomy to businesses within the national framework. This dedication to economic cooperation dates back far longer than 50 years; its origins lie in a letter from first American president George Washington to then-Sultan Mohammad Ibn Abdullah in 1789. Washington promises to “promote every measure that may conduce to the friendship and harmony which so happily subsist between your Empire and [the United States]…”
He further details the United States’ then-meagre economic wealth, but anticipates dramatic growth and an opportunity to become a more significant financial partner to Morocco. His words describe a partnership which would last for over 200 years, and despite challenges, remains strong.
This speech, delivered by US Ambassador Bush to representatives of both the American and Moroccan governments, including business leaders from these nations, represents the a respect for the two countries’ economic partnership. They recognize its historical significance, and encourage the fruitful relationship to continue for years to come.
