UK-Morocco Business Dialogue: Conor Burns on where the UK sees business opportunities in Morocco

As the Brexit transition period looms ever closer, the United Kingdom is eyeing new business opportunities outside of the European Union. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, International Trade Minister Conor Burns expressed the UK's commitment to expanding trade relationships with countries such as Morocco, which he describes as a pivotal gateway to the African marketplace. Burns highlighted the synergies between the UK and Morocco, citing their shared commitment to renewable energy and proximity as key factors driving collaboration. Morocco, an emerging economic powerhouse in North Africa, has seen significant growth in its economy over the last decade, with a steady 4% growth rate. The country's ambitious renewable energy targets align closely with the UK's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, presenting ample opportunities for collaboration in the green energy sector. During the UK-Morocco Business Dialogue in London, Burns emphasized the need to increase awareness and promote collaboration between Moroccan and UK businesses. Despite the existing trade volume of 2.3 billion, Burns believes there is still untapped potential for growth in bilateral trade relations. He outlined the importance of building stronger business ties and fostering a deeper understanding of each other's markets to unlock new opportunities for mutual benefit. The focus on green energy investment emerged as a key area of interest for British firms looking to enter the Moroccan market. Burns highlighted a recent visit to the Nor facility, the largest renewable plant in the world, where he observed impressive plans for expansion. He expressed a desire to see British renewable technology play a significant role in Morocco's green energy sector, signaling a growing interest in sustainable investments. Looking ahead, Burns envisions a future of increased trading growth between the UK and Morocco, with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and enhanced collaboration. While refraining from making specific growth projections, Burns stressed the importance of steadily increasing trade volumes year on year and fostering a robust exchange of knowledge and expertise between businesses in both countries. In conclusion, the UK's push for stronger business ties with Morocco signifies a strategic shift towards diversifying its trade relationships post-Brexit. By leveraging Morocco's economic growth and shared objectives in renewable energy, the UK aims to establish itself as a key trading partner in the African marketplace. The ongoing dialogue between the two countries sets the stage for a promising future of enhanced collaboration and mutually beneficial business ventures.