Join on WhatsApp 
Join on Telegram Rabat – The second edition of Rabat Networking Days, held on January 11 and 12 and organized by Morocco World News (MWN), propelled students from the Al Akhawayn University of Ifrane (AUI) on an expedition of discovering opportunities, engaging with esteemed institutions and fostering constructive dialogue.
This transformative two-day event aims to narrow the gap between academia and industry, launching Al Akhawayn University’s emerging talents into the heart of Rabat’s dynamic communications and international relations sectors.
Shri Rajesh Vaishnaw, Ambassador of India to Morocco
Far from being a simple networking opportunity, the second edition encourages young talents to delve into the intricacies of the profound and diverse relationship between India and Morocco.
With its roots in centuries of cultural exchange and historical ties, this connection has flourished in recent years into a vibrant partnership spanning various areas such as trade, education, and cultural cooperation.
Adnane Bennis, CEO and Co-founder of Morocco World News
India’s diplomatic beacon in Morocco
Amidst an enchanting green garden, the Embassy of India took center stage, illuminating the diplomatic bonds that bind the two nations. Ambassador Shri Rajesh Vaishnaw, a seasoned diplomat with an extensive career, welcomed Al Akhawayn University students with enthusiasm.
The seasoned diplomat, who was earlier India’s High Commissioner to Malta and has also held senior positions in India’s embassies in Sweden, Poland, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, not only emphasized the friendly relations between India and Morocco but delved into the depth of these ties, tracing their roots to the landmark visit of King Mohammed VI to India in 2015.
Deborah Bartlett, Chief Employability and Enterpreneurship Officer at AUI
“Today, bilateral trade has crossed almost USD $4 billion. Many Indian companies have invested in Morocco, bringing the latest technology and creating local employment,” Ambassador Vaishnaw revealed in an engaging discussion.
Exports from India registered a growth of over 105% in the last two years. Morocco is a top destination for new products from India such as mobile phones, petroleum products and textile.
Rabat Networking Days
Other major Indian exports to Morocco include auto parts, electronics, engineering goods, chemicals and specialty chemicals, plastics and spices.
However, the ambassador went beyond the economic realm, highlighting the importance of people-to-people connections.
Rabat Networking Days
“From India, we are offering scholarships to Moroccan students to study in Indian universities and colleges,” he said. “We also send young Moroccan professionals to India for short-term courses as part of South-South partnership and capacity-building programs.”
Historical foundations and economic collaboration
The historical significance of King Mohammed VI’s first visit to India in 2001 set the stage for intensified relations. Subsequent meetings, including one with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2015, further solidified the bond, leading to around 25 ministerial visits and the signing of over 40 MoUs/Agreements.
Rabat Networking Days
Bilateral trade, a barometer of economic cooperation, witnessed remarkable growth, crossing 4 billion USD in 2022.
This upward trajectory reflects the diversified nature of the bilateral partnership, with Morocco emerging as a crucial destination for Indian products, from mobile phones to petroleum products and honey.
Rabat Networking Days
In addition to investing considerably in Morocco, Indian companies, including IMACID (a Birla-Tata joint Venture with OCP-Office Cherifien de Phosphates, Morocco), Sunpharma, CIPLA, and Tata Motors, have actively contributed to the North African country’s economic landscape.
Their presence spans various sectors, encompassing pharmaceuticals, automobiles, infrastructure development, and more.
Rabat Networking Days
Cultural bonds and exchange programs
Beyond the economic sphere, cultural exchange has played a pivotal role in fostering mutual understanding. The popularity of Hindi films in Morocco and regular telecasts of Indian feature films on Moroccan TV underscore the cultural resonance.
In the last few years, artists representing the diverse facets of Indian classical music and dance have visited Morocco.
Rabat Networking Days
Most recently, Kathak and Sitar cultural groups from India participated in Fez Festival of Sufi Culture in October, 2022.
The collaboration extends beyond traditional realms, with Moroccan nationals actively participating in Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) courses.
Rabat Networking Days
Special programs on subjects like deep learning, cyber security, and water resource management demonstrate the commitment to capacity-building and knowledge exchange.
Embassy as a Nexus of Opportunities
At the Rabat Networking Days, the Embassy of India served as more than just a diplomatic outpost. It became a nexus of opportunities for Moroccan students, offering insights into exchange programs, scholarships, and business prospects.
The Indian ambassador showcased his passion for fostering youth engagement and educational exchanges. “We are working towards further increasing this exchange between young people in the two countries,” he said.
Rabat Networking Days
As well as illuminating the close ties between India and Morocco, the Rabat Networking Days served as a testament to the enduring friendship and collaborative spirit that define the relationship between these two nations.
Meanwhile, with its commitment to nurturing educational and cultural exchanges, the Indian Embassy in Rabat stands as a symbol of the strong and dynamic partnership between India and Morocco, paving the way for a shared future of growth and prosperity.
