Rabat – Morocco and Switzerland are exploring new avenues to strengthen their economic cooperation and increase integration between the two countries’ productive sectors.
This commitment was highlighted during a meeting in Bern on Monday between Ryad Mezzour, Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, and Guy Parmelin, Swiss Federal Councillor for Economic Affairs, Education, and Research.
Parmelin commended the positive results of the economic collaboration between the two countries, underlining the steady growth of bilateral trade and promising opportunities for further development.
In 2022, trade between the two countries reached 778 million Swiss francs, representing an 18.9% increase compared to 2021. Swiss exports to Morocco grew by 19.3%, while Moroccan exports to Switzerland increased by 18.6%.
He also emphasized the balance and diversity of trade exchanges, reflecting the strength of the Moroccan economy.
Mezzour, on the other hand, emphasized the existing integration between the economic structures of the two countries, particularly in terms of innovation and competitiveness.
He called for a further strengthening of this complementarity, especially in innovation, to increase the added value of Moroccan production.
The textile sector was identified as a potential driver for intensified economic cooperation, leveraging the close ties between stakeholders in both countries. Significant Cooperation Potential.
Morocco and Switzerland have significant potential for cooperation, bolstered by a solid legal framework.
A bilateral agreement on the promotion and protection of investments has been in effect since 2005, and a framework agreement on technical, financial, and humanitarian cooperation was signed in 2013.
The meeting between Mezzour and Parmelin reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to strengthen the integration and competitiveness of their economies.
Collaboration in key areas such as innovation, research and development, and access to global markets will be crucial to maximizing the potential of this bilateral relationship.
Mezzour’s visit to Switzerland is part of a dynamic of strengthened cooperation between the two countries.
