Rabat — Morocco and Brazil are building a partnership that will create a more integrated, sustainable, and prosperous future for both countries.
Morocco’s Investment Minister Karim Zidane made this commitment at the LIDE Forum in Marrakech on Wednesday, where business leaders from both countries gathered to explore new cooperation opportunities.
“Morocco and Brazil share more than ancient history — we have a common vision of the future. We see progress through investment and cooperation through trust,” Zidane said at the high-level economic meeting.
The forum brought together over 100 business executives and institutional leaders from both countries.
Building on historical ties
Speaking at the forum, the minister referenced the historical connection between Morocco and Brazil as the foundation for an exemplary South-South cooperation, adding that both countries should capitalize on this to strengthen their partnership through concrete projects and focus on tangible action.
Trade between the two countries has tripled over the past two decades, reaching more than $2.5 billion in 2023, Zidane noted, adding that this growth signals encouraging momentum in the two countries’ bilateral economic relations.
Meanwhile, the minister noted that cross-investment levels remain below their potential, revealing largely untapped opportunities.
“This economic forum holds special importance because it aims to inject new energy into a relationship based on mutual respect, complementarity, and shared ambition,” Zidane said, noting that it is time for bilateral economic partnership between the two countries to “reach a new level.”
Morocco as a strategic hub
Speaking of the North African country’s strategic position, Zidane specified that, under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, Morocco has established itself as a credible economic player, a regional hub, and a natural bridge between continents.
This positioning, he said, rests on several key strengths. Morocco enjoys a recognized political, institutional, and economic stability, world-class logistics infrastructure, and a young, skilled, and entrepreneurial workforce.
He also added that Morocco’s momentum is due to its preferential access to a market of more than 2.5 billion consumers through over 50 free trade agreements.
“Morocco is not just a gateway to Africa — it’s a strategic crossroads between Europe, the Arab world, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Americas,” Zidane noted.
New economic opportunities
Organized by LIDE Group, the forum saw the participation of former Brazilian President Michel Temer, along with ministers, diplomats, and economic leaders, aiming to foster bilateral cooperation and open new business opportunities between Morocco and Brazil.
The forum panels covered diverse themes, ranging from agribusiness, aeronautics, energy transition, commerce, tourism, technology, and services, key sectors where both countries can leverage their strengths and create mutually beneficial partnerships.
The gathering demonstrates the two countries’ willingness and commitment to moving beyond traditional diplomatic ties toward concrete, prosperous economic collaboration.
