Rabat – At the annual Gala of the American Chamber of Commerce in Morocco (AmCham), leaders from both nations reaffirmed their commitment to further growing economic ties and expanding trade.
The event in Casablanca, held to celebrate two decades of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Morocco and the United States, highlighted achievements while calling for a fresh evaluation to ensure balanced trade.
Ryad Mezzour, Morocco’s Industry and Trade Minister, emphasized that while the volume of trade has grown significantly—by 2.5 to 3 times—since the agreement’s inception, Moroccan imports from the US still exceed exports.
“There are vast opportunities for American companies to grow their presence, not only in Morocco but across Europe and Africa,” Mezzour noted, urging for a more balanced trading relationship.
Younes Sekkouri, Morocco’s Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, echoed this sentiment, stressing the partnership’s success in fostering job creation and entrepreneurship.
Sekkouri pointed to joint projects, including the establishment of 15 vocational training schools that have helped thousands of young Moroccans enter the job market—80-85% of whom found employment after training.
US Ambassador to Morocco Puneet Talwar highlighted the strength of the economic partnership, attributing Morocco’s stability, modern infrastructure, and strategic location as key assets for American investors.
Rabia El Alama, AmCham’s General Manager, spoke of the historic foundation of the Morocco-U.S. partnership, which dates back to the 1786 friendship treaty, underscoring the mutual respect and shared values that continue to drive economic collaboration today.
