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Doha – Morocco is positioning itself as a strategic hub for Indian defense manufacturers looking to expand their footprint in Africa and Europe, as was demonstrated during a recent India-Morocco defense industry seminar in Rabat.
“Morocco and India enjoy excellent bilateral relations based on mutual respect, and have every potential to pursue their positive momentum in various fields, including defense,” stated Abdellatif Loudiyi, Morocco’s Minister Delegate to the Head of the Government in charge of national defense administration, during the December 9-10 seminar.
The minister reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to providing favorable conditions for Indian defense companies, promising “state-of-the-art environment, zero bureaucracy, and profitability.”
His direct message to potential investors was clear: “We want you in Morocco; we will support you,” The Hindu reports.
“It capitalizes on the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to strengthen national production capacities while promoting international collaborations,” Loudiyi said, highlighting the alignment between both countries’ industrial strategies.
The seminar, jointly organized by both countries’ defense ministries, the Indian Embassy in Morocco, and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, comes at a significant time as the Tata Group prepares to establish India’s first defense manufacturing facility in Morocco. This development marks a major milestone in bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations.
“The partnership between ADN and TASM is part of a broader drive to develop Morocco’s defense industry, with the aim of gradually building strategic autonomy,” Loudiyi observed, discussing the Tata Group partnership.
The minister added that this strategic defense industry project “placed Morocco at the center of attention as a defense development hub.”
Loudiyi highlighted how this strategic partnership with Tata focuses on the local production of the WhAP 8×8 ground combat vehicle, noting that it “opens up promising prospects for investors interested in the defense and high-tech sectors.”
The project, scheduled for completion within 36 months, will begin with a 35% local integration rate, expected to increase to 50%, creating 90 direct and 250 indirect jobs.
Morocco’s appeal as an investment destination is enhanced by its extensive network of Free Trade Agreements with 90 countries across Africa and Europe.
“In addition, Morocco’s influence in Africa and the Middle East, its maritime and air connectivity, and its modern infrastructure are proven assets that make it a regional and even global export platform for investors,” Loudiyi emphasized
The minister said that strengthening Morocco’s defense industry to accelerate the country’s industrialization is in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI, who also serves as the chief commander of the Royal Armed Forces.
The nation has also implemented a new legal framework for defense industry activities, focusing on creating an attractive investment climate and establishing an industrial ecosystem around the defense sector.
The country’s defense modernization efforts are part of a broader strategy, with Morocco allocating 5% of its GDP to its defense budget.
Recent years have seen significant defense procurement activities, with the Royal Armed Forces increasing their arms expenditure from $235 million in 2021 to $352 million in 2022.
Bilateral trade between India and Morocco reached approximately $4.1 billion in 2023, with India primarily exporting refined petroleum, vehicles, and various chemicals. India remains the largest buyer of phosphate from Morocco.
The recent seminar included presentations on Morocco’s investor-friendly climate and industrial zones, with the Indian delegation visiting the Atlantic Free Zone to better understand the country’s industrial landscape.
“The seminar offered opportunities for joint ventures, technology sharing, and procurement potential for Indian defense companies in Morocco,” officials noted, as reported by The Hindu.
They added that one key objective was “to understand Morocco’s specific defense requirements, particularly in armored personnel carriers and other critical assets, and provide tailored solutions through Indian defense manufacturing expertise to support their vision for defense modernization.”
The growing partnership builds on foundations laid during Loudiyi’s 2018 visit to India, which resulted in key agreements on cyber security, peaceful uses of outer space, and defense cooperation.
Read also: Morocco and India To Join Forces to Drive Growth in Africa
