Casablanca – The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also called One Belt One Road in China and occasionally referred to as the New Silk Road, is a worldwide infrastructure strategy launched by the Chinese government in 2013. Its goal is to invest in and collaborate with over 150 countries and international organizations. The BRI encompasses six land-based corridors that integrate urban development through networks of roads, railways, energy systems, and digital infrastructure, along with the Maritime Silk Road, which focuses on the enhancement of port facilities.

Under this framework, Morocco has emerged as a strategic partner for China, especially within the African continent. The country’s geographic location as a gateway to Africa and its access to European markets have made it an essential player in the BRI. This collaboration has led to several high-profile projects, including the development of the Mohammed VI Tangier-Tech City, a model of Sino-Moroccan cooperation. This “smart city” is designed to attract Chinese companies focused on next-generation, high-tech sectors such as automotive, electronics, and robotics.

Ambassador Abdelkader El Ansari highlighted the potential for further synergies between Moroccan and Chinese companies, particularly in the electric vehicle sector. With Morocco’s favorable business climate and its growing role as a leading automotive exporter, the country is poised to become a key player in the global electric vehicle market. As El Ansari emphasized, Morocco has the essential resources—raw materials, technology, and a skilled workforce—needed to support electric vehicle production, while also benefiting from access to other key markets.

The recent $1.3 billion investment deal between the Moroccan government and the Chinese-European electric vehicle battery group, Gotion High-Tech, is a prime example of the growing economic ties between the two nations. The investment aims to build a massive gigafactory in Kenitra, further solidifying Morocco’s position as a key hub for electric vehicle production.

Beyond trade and investment, the growing relationship between Morocco and China has tangible results in other sectors, including infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education, and tourism. China has become Morocco’s largest trading partner in Asia and its third-largest globally, with opportunities continuing to expand. Notably, Morocco’s decision in 2016 to waive visa requirements for Chinese nationals has turned the country into a preferred destination for Chinese tourists. Visitor numbers have surged, from around 15,000 in 2016 to 200,000 just three years later, and Morocco is aiming for 500,000 Chinese visitors within the next few years.

The expanding cooperation, underpinned by the BRI, holds significant promise for both countries as they look to deepen ties and achieve mutual economic growth in the coming years.