UK-Morocco Business Dialogue: CGEM’s Kadiri on what sectors Morocco must focus on to harness international investment

In a bid to showcase Morocco's trade and investment opportunities, the UK-Morocco Business Dialogue has emerged as a platform for the North African country to attract international investment. Mohamed Laaziz Kadiri, the Head of the Economic Diplomacy Committee at CGEM, shed light on the organization's role in promoting business development in Morocco and its efforts to foster collaboration with UK entrepreneurs. CGEM, a 72-year-old organization with 90,000 members representing all sectors in Morocco, accounts for 65% of the country's GDP and employs over 5 million individuals. Kadiri highlighted the success of the business dialogue, attracting over 300 UK entrepreneurs and 160 Moroccan companies, signifying a growing interest in investing in Morocco. He emphasized Morocco's position as a key player in African investment, setting the stage for collaborations with European, UK, and American partners to drive economic growth and development on the continent. The dialogue aimed to identify key sectors for collaboration, particularly focusing on energy, finance, and education industries from the UK. Additionally, Kadiri mentioned plans to organize a business dialogue in Morocco to showcase the country's infrastructure and investment opportunities, showcasing Morocco as a safe and lucrative investment destination. The transformation of the Moroccan economy, growing at 4% in the last decade, was attributed to King Mohammed VI's vision of elevating Morocco's economic status. The country has aligned its economy with international standards, investing in infrastructure and fostering a business-friendly environment for both national and international investors. Kadiri emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the private sector as the driving force behind economic development. While acknowledging the progress made, Kadiri highlighted the ongoing challenges that Morocco faces in creating a conducive business environment. Collaboration with the government is essential in addressing these challenges and ensuring a seamless experience for investors looking to do business in Morocco. Morocco's strategic location positions it as a gateway to Africa, playing a pivotal role in driving investments across the continent. Kadiri emphasized Morocco's role as the leading investor in Africa, positioning the country as a promoter of economic development on the continent. With a focus on attracting investors to drive impactful and substantial investments, Morocco aims to spearhead economic growth in Africa. The UK-Morocco Business Dialogue serves as a testament to Morocco's commitment to fostering international partnerships and attracting investments to accelerate economic development. As the country continues to prioritize economic reforms and infrastructure development, Morocco's emergence as a prominent investment hub is poised to shape the economic landscape of the region.