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Morocco and France are capable of launching fruitful dynamics underpinned by strategic alliances, said Arnaud Montebourg, former French Minister of Economy, Industrial Renewal, and Digital Affairs, on Tuesday in Casablanca.
“Our two countries have many things to build together. To unite is powerful, and it creates irresistible dynamics,” said the former minister, speaking at a debate on the theme “From Made in France to Made in Morocco: Experience Sharing by the Advocate of Industrial Sovereignty and Inspirations for National Industry.”
Expressing that he was “very impressed” by Morocco’s achievements and successes across multiple fields, Montebourg observed that Morocco and France share “a very strong common foundation: history and the present,” as well as a long-standing tradition of cooperation and mutual understanding that allows them to move forward together.
In this regard, he stressed the importance of pursuing a “winning North-South strategy” and pooling resources and strengths to “jointly defend our respective sovereignties.”
“By bringing together our means, our scientific and technological resources, our public and private capital, as well as our diplomacy, we can secure strong positions on the global stage,” he said.
Alliances, he added, are the best way to “ensure our shared survival” in a world being reshaped, stressing the need to explore agreements in sectors such as industry, agriculture, and technology.
Montebourg described the event as an opportunity to discuss with economic actors the conditions under which France and Morocco should unite. He welcomed the rapprochement between the two countries at the geopolitical level, particularly France’s decision to support Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.
For his part, Abdellatif Maâzouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, said that economic sovereignty is a crucial issue today in a world witnessing a resurgence of protectionism.
“Morocco is not following this logic. It pursues economic sovereignty, but within a framework that remains open to the world. This strategy has borne fruit for our country, especially in research and in creating highly value-added jobs,” he stated.
In this respect, Maâzouz pointed to the critical role of North-South cooperation in enabling countries to progress together and defend their economic sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Claudia Gaudiau-Francisco, President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Morocco, noted the importance of strengthening cooperation between Moroccan and French regions. She also emphasized the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises to Morocco’s economic fabric.
She referred to initiatives undertaken by the Chamber to support Moroccan micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, expressing admiration for the potential of young Moroccan entrepreneurs who are leading innovative projects that deserve backing and support.
The debate was organized at the initiative of ESL-Rivington Middle East and North Africa, part of the ADIT Group, and was attended by several Moroccan and French economic stakeholders.
MWN with MAP
