Casablanca – In a significant move to bolster economic cooperation between Morocco and France, Bpifrance and Attijariwafa Bank have renewed their partnership, which has been in place for over a decade. This agreement, signed during a high-profile business forum organized by the Movement of French Enterprises (Medef) and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), aims to enhance exchanges and partnerships between French and Moroccan businesses, particularly in strategic sectors.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Youssef Rouissi, Deputy General Manager of Attijariwafa Bank, and Isabelle Bébéar, Director of International and European Affairs at Bpifrance, in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron. This renewal underscores the commitment of both institutions to foster a vibrant economic landscape that benefits SMEs and mid-sized companies across both nations.
A focus on growth
The partnership has already proven to be fruitful, with over 1,700 Moroccan companies integrating into the Attijari Business Link community. This has resulted in more than 12,000 connections among economic operators from France, Morocco, and other African nations in the past year alone. Rouissi highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “The renewal of this partnership aligns with our ambitions to offer our clients local and international business perspectives.”
The partnership will continue to build on its existing initiatives, particularly through the EuroQuity platform, which facilitates connections between investors and businesses seeking funding. Launched in 2015, this online service will see its reach expanded, allowing Attijariwafa Bank to link Moroccan enterprises with international investors, thus driving growth in various sectors.
Key areas of collaboration
The renewed partnership will focus on several strategic areas:
1. Co-financing and project guarantees: Bpifrance and Attijariwafa Bank will work together to co-finance projects, especially in vital sectors like industry and energy. This initiative aims to ensure that Moroccan and French companies can undertake projects that are crucial for their growth and sustainability.
2. Support for energy transition: Recognizing the importance of sustainability, both banks are committed to helping businesses transition to more environmentally friendly practices. They will develop joint initiatives aimed at facilitating this shift for SMEs and mid-sized companies.
3. Promoting economic and technological exchanges: By organizing events such as BIG and Inspire & Connect, the partnership will foster collaborations between businesses from both countries. These gatherings will serve as platforms for sharing knowledge, exploring new technologies, and enhancing economic ties.
A vision for the future
Isabelle Bébéar emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “With Attijariwafa Bank, we have established an exceptional partnership that strengthens the relationships between the French, Moroccan, and African business communities.” This sentiment reflects a shared vision of leveraging expertise to support entrepreneurs on both sides of the Mediterranean.
As Bpifrance and Attijariwafa Bank move forward with their renewed partnership, the economic implications are substantial. By fostering greater collaboration, supporting sustainable practices, and enhancing access to international markets, both banks are not only strengthening their own futures but also contributing to the broader economic development of Morocco and France.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the partnership between Bpifrance and Attijariwafa Bank stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration in driving growth and innovation.
