In an interview with the Chinese News Agency – Xinhua, on the occasion of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Mr. El Ansari stressed that Morocco aims to consolidate its position as a regional and international hub for the manufacturing of electric cars, through cooperation with Chinese companies that are pioneers in this field.
In this regard, he indicated that Morocco has raw materials and skills, as well as the necessary assets to attract more foreign investments in the electric automobile industry, noting that agreements were recently signed between Moroccan and Chinese companies for the manufacture of batteries, which represent the cornerstone of the electric vehicle industry.
The Kingdom offers an attractive investment climate, thanks to its modern infrastructure and tax and customs advantages, he continued.
Sino-Moroccan relations are experiencing significant development at all levels, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation and cultural exchange, Mr. El Ansari observed, noting that the strategic partnership between the two countries, strengthened by the signing of the strategic partnership agreement in 2016, aims to achieve comprehensive development in the service of both countries.
Regarding the Belt and Road Initiative, he noted that Morocco, which enjoys a privileged geostrategic position as a gateway to Africa, a bridge to Europe and a gateway to the American continent, was among the first countries to sign a memorandum of understanding on this subject.
The Kingdom aims to carry out a significant number of projects within the framework of this initiative, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors, in line with local development programs and aimed at strengthening trade and economic relations between China and African countries, he said.
Mr. El Ansari explained, in this sense, that the joint projects between the two countries will facilitate the movement of goods and people, and the transfer of technology, in order to consolidate economic development in Morocco and other African countries.
Regarding FOCAC, the ambassador considered that this space aims to strengthen cooperation in the areas of economic and social development, peace and security, noting that visions and strategies are put in place in order to consolidate stability and promote sustainable development in the African continent.
On the other hand, Mr. El Ansari stressed that the preparations undertaken by Morocco with a view to hosting the 2030 World Cup, with Spain and Portugal, constitute an ideal opportunity to further develop the infrastructure, adding that the Moroccan government aims to involve Chinese companies in the realization of a number of projects related to this sporting event.
The ambassador also expressed his wish to see Chinese companies contribute to the realization of projects relating to housing, energy and transport, with a view to strengthening Morocco’s capacities to organize such a major international event under the best auspices and generate positive and concrete economic and social benefits.
As for cultural exchange, the ambassador affirmed that the links in this area consolidate mutual understanding and strengthen the ancestral relations between the two countries, noting that the travels of Ibn Battuta in China in the 14th century and the Moroccan tea known worldwide and imported from China, are proof of this, given that the Kingdom is the leading importer of Chinese green tea.
The Moroccan diplomat recalled that the Kingdom was among the first African countries to establish diplomatic relations with China since the 1950s, which have developed particularly in recent years, highlighting the strong growth in the number of Chinese tourists following the visa exemption applied in 2016.
Furthermore, he highlighted the enthusiasm of young Moroccans for learning the Chinese language, thanks to the development of economic relations and the interest shown by these young people in working in the tourism sector due to the expected growth of Chinese tourism in Morocco, in addition to the desire of young Chinese to learn the Arabic language.
The number of Moroccan students in China is constantly increasing, especially in technical and technological sectors, which strengthens bilateral cooperation in the field of education and scientific research, he said.
2024-09-06 04:15:33