Portugal Opens First North Africa Trade Chamber Delegation in Morocco’s Tangier

Rabat – The regional delegation of the Portuguese’ Trade, Industry, and Services Chamber (CCISPM) officially opened in Morocco’s Tangier, the first of its kind in north Africa on March 30.

Morocco’s Omar El Kadaoui is at the helm of the new chamber, which was officially inaugurated on March 30, according to a press release from the CCISPM.

The Tangier delegation is the first of its kind in the north Africa region. After the opening of the delegation, the CCISPM aims to open two more by 2023, the trade body said.

“We are convinced that Tangier is the ideal location to inaugurate our first CCISPM in the country [and north Africa ],” Jose Maria Teixeira, president of the CCISPM said. “This view was further consolidated today [March 30] after seeing how many guests are here to celebrate the opening of the chamber.”

Speaking at the event, Portugal’s ambassador to Morocco Bernardo Futcher Pereira highlighted the strong bilateral ties joining Morocco and Portugal, pointing to the increased flow of tourism between the two countries prior to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The two countries can return to their prime, and allow citizens to seize the myriad of opportunities that proximity between Morocco and Portugal offer,” Futcher Pereira said.

“Relations between the two countries have all it takes to florish over the coming years. The opening of the CCISPM in Morocco’s Tangier is of critical importance to achieve these goals,” he added.

High-profile officials from Portugal and Morocco attended the ceremony including President and member of the CCISPM, Bernardo Futcher Pereira, Portugal’s Ambassador to Morocco, and Marta Silva Lopes, Portugal’s General Council in Rabat.

The ceremony attendees also included Abdellatif Bernossi, Honorary Portuguese Council in Tanger.

Moroccan officials were also present at the event. The list of attendees included Adil Dfouf, Vice President of the Tangier Mayery, and Tahar Hanine, the region’s General Secretary among others.

Tangier has transformed over the past few years to a vibrant manufacturing zone. The city is now a regional hub for global leading automobile and aeronautical manufacturers.

“We have numerous ventures we intend to implement to serve companies member of the CCISPM, and boost Morocco Portugal trade relations,” El Kadaoui said at the event.