Morocco’s Secretary of State in charge of Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira, urged on Wednesday in New Delhi to broaden trade between Morocco and Asian countries – particularly India – and to develop mutually beneficial cooperation within a strengthened, forward-looking partnership.
Speaking at an economic forum on “Business Opportunities in India and West Asia,” Hejira recalled the momentum in Morocco-India relations since King Mohammed VI’s 2015 state visit to New Delhi, which he described as “a decisive milestone in the strategic partnership between our two countries.”
He said Morocco attaches particular importance to deepening its economic and industrial ties with India, stressing the need to expand trade volumes in a way that is more balanced and diversified. “We are keen to move further in key sectors such as agriculture and agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, chemicals, transport, and logistics,” Hejira explained.
For the North African country, India is more than just a trading partner. “Morocco is a gateway for India into both Africa and Europe – this advances our shared goals of sustainable development and South-South integration,” he added.
As a concrete example, Hejira welcomed Tuesday’s inauguration of Tata Advanced Systems Maroc (TASM) in Berrechid – India’s first overseas defense manufacturing facility – which will produce WhAP 8×8 armored vehicles. “This illustrates the depth of confidence between our nations and signals the strategic direction of our partnership,” he remarked.
India as a priority destination
Hejira is leading a high-level Moroccan delegation of business operators from various sectors and industry federations. He explained that the visit “reflects the Royal directives” encouraging Morocco to diversify its markets, particularly toward Asia. It also falls under the new government program for foreign trade (2025-2027), which designates India as a priority destination.
On a global scale, Hejira said Morocco continues to build relations founded on a “win-win” approach, describing the country as a major platform for trade and investment.
He noted that with Arab countries, Morocco is doubling down on economic ties through frameworks such as the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Agadir Agreement. “Trade with Arab states has doubled in just five years, rising from $4 billion in 2020 to more than $8 billion in 2024,” he underlined.
Hejira stressed Morocco’s commitment to balanced and fruitful partnerships worldwide. “We are convinced that dialogue, economic cooperation, and knowledge-sharing are the most effective ways to tackle shared challenges – whether food and energy security, climate change, or adapting to rapid technological shifts,” he said.
Morocco’s industries span automotive, aerospace, and phosphates
He also highlighted that Morocco benefits from 12 free trade agreements covering Africa, the European Union, the Arab world, the United States, and other partners – together representing nearly 3 billion consumers.
These gains, he said, are the result of “a clear Royal vision” to encourage investment, accelerate industrialization, and scale up renewable energy. This strategy has elevated Morocco to a global leader in multiple sectors, including automotive, phosphates, aerospace, textiles, leather, and agri-fisheries.
Hejira reaffirmed Morocco’s determination to “pursue openness with all partners, strengthen economic diplomacy, and promote the universal values of solidarity and cooperation, in the service of nations and in building a more just, balanced, and inclusive world.”
For his part, Morocco’s ambassador to New Delhi and Dean of the Arab Ambassadors’ Council in India, Mohamed Maliki, emphasized the importance of the forum in reinforcing business opportunities between India and Arab states.
“This event provides a chance to take stock of what has been achieved and to identify the further steps needed to meet our shared goals,” he said. Maliki pointed to the upcoming Arab-India Forum as another opportunity to expand cooperation and deepen economic ties.
Maliki also welcomed the launch of Tata’s Berrechid facility, describing it as “an illustration of the highest level of trust between nations.”
The forum, organized by the Millennium India International Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (MIICCIA) in partnership with the Indo-Arab Chamber of Commerce, brought together Arab and Indian ambassadors, institutional leaders, business operators, think tank representatives, and media to explore new investment and partnership opportunities.
MWN with MAP
