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Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in partnership with the Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (ASMEX), organized on Tuesday the inaugural Business Forum for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Casablanca.
Held under the theme “Intra-African Trade: Perspectives and Opportunities,” the event convened leaders and trade experts from across Africa to discuss strategies for advancing regional trade integration.
Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Ryad Mezzour opened the event, marking an important step toward realizing the potential of the AfCFTA, which aims to create one of the world’s largest free trade areas, the organizers said in a statement.
Speaking to Morocco World News during the event, Hassan Sentissi El Idrissi, president of ASMEX, highlighted the forum as a vital platform to advance Africa’s economic integration.
He stressed the need to encourage Moroccan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the growing African market, which he said still presents challenges for smaller exporters despite the presence of larger, resource-rich firms.
Sentissi added that while negotiations among African countries remain in the early stages, Morocco’s commitment to intra-African trade remains strong. “We are now launching this initiative to promote it and encourage all Moroccans to start exporting.”
He pointed out that SMEs in Morocco often face barriers in exports and imports, and that this initiative would aim to bridge those gaps.
Meanwhile, Omar Hejira, Morocco’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, described the forum as a significant moment for Morocco and a continuation of policies that have emphasized Africa as a focal point for investment.
He added that gathering leaders from 12 African countries signals the start of a new era for free trade across the continent.
Trade among African countries currently accounts for only 15% of the continent’s exchange revenue, far below the more than 60% seen in other regional trade coalitions, Hejira noted.
“Everything discussed in the opening session indicates a new beginning, as the African market is crucial for our country and for Moroccan exporters,” he told MWN, adding that. Africa’s 1.3 billion consumers are key to Morocco’s trade strategy, representing half of the 2.6 billion consumers reached through Morocco’s 100+ free trade agreements worldwide.
The forum featured thematic roundtable discussions on topics including South-South cooperation, investment and financing challenges, and sectoral opportunities. Attendees explored ways to strengthen commercial development within Africa and identify strategies to overcome existing barriers and increase competitiveness.
It culminated in recommendations to optimize the free trade area for a more integrated and prosperous Africa. Attendees and participants continued discussions during a business lunch and networking sessions.
