Morocco's Strategic Engagement at BRICS 2024: Exploring New Horizons for Industrial and Economic Collaboration
This article discusses Morocco's strategic engagement at the BRICS 2024 forum, where the country explored new opportunities for industrial and economic collaboration with member nations. Highlighting the participation of Minister of Industry and Commerce Ryad Mezzour, the article outlines key discussions on partnerships in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure. It emphasizes Morocco's commitment to enhancing its role in the global economy and strengthening ties with emerging markets.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
The BRICS 2024 Forum, held in Xiamen, China, on September 10-11, marked a pivotal moment for Morocco as it participated alongside 31 other states under the theme "Partnership for the New Industrial Revolution." Represented by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ryad Mezzour, Morocco seized the opportunity to showcase its industrial achievements and explore collaborative prospects with BRICS nations.
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Strengthening Economic and Industrial Ties
Minister Mezzour emphasized the forum's significance in bolstering economic and industrial links between Morocco and BRICS member nations. This participation follows Morocco's decision to abstain from the BRICS summit in South Africa in August 2023 due to the presence of the Polisario. The next BRICS summit is scheduled for October 22-24, 2024, in Kazan, Russia, where Morocco aims to forge specific collaborations with BRICS countries in various sectors.
Key Areas for Collaboration
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Agriculture and Food Security
- Existing Cooperation: Morocco has already signed a cooperation protocol with China in agriculture, aiming to enhance food security and boost the sector's contribution to Morocco's GDP.
- Expansion Opportunities: Morocco could extend similar partnerships with other BRICS countries to improve agricultural techniques and diversify production.
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Industry and New Technologies
- Showcasing Achievements: At the BRICS 2024 Forum, Morocco highlighted its industrial accomplishments.
- Potential Benefits: Collaborations with countries like China and India could facilitate technology transfer and expertise in renewable energy and digital transformation.
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Fisheries Cooperation
- Existing Agreement: Morocco has an established maritime fishing cooperation agreement with Russia.
- Sustainable Development: This partnership could expand to include sustainable initiatives and marine resource management.
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Infrastructure and Logistics
- Leveraging Experience: Morocco could benefit from China's expertise in infrastructure, including port and rail projects, enhancing trade and exchanges with BRICS nations.
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Education and Culture
- Cultural Exchange: Morocco could develop cultural and educational exchange programs with countries like India, fostering cooperation in education, research, and innovation.
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Diverse Economic Partnerships
- Strategic Alliances: By diversifying strategic alliances, Morocco could establish bilateral agreements with several BRICS countries, strengthening its geopolitical and economic position in the Arab-African region and beyond.
Table: Potential Impacts of Morocco-China Agricultural Cooperation
| Impact Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Food Security Enhancement | The 2016 protocol aims to boost agricultural production and GDP contribution. |
| Technology Transfer | Advanced agricultural technologies and expertise from China to modernize agriculture. |
| Export Development | Expanding Moroccan agricultural exports to China's growing market. |
| Investment Attraction | Chinese investments in Moroccan agricultural projects, creating jobs and capital. |
| Strengthening Africa's Role | Morocco's phosphate reserves position it as a key player in African agricultural development. |
Conclusion
Morocco's participation in the BRICS 2024 Forum underscores its commitment to expanding industrial and economic collaborations with major global players. By engaging in strategic partnerships across diverse sectors, Morocco aims to integrate into broader global value chains, enhance its economic growth, and solidify its geopolitical standing. The agricultural cooperation agreements with China exemplify Morocco's strategic diversification efforts, offering opportunities to modernize agriculture, boost exports, attract investments, and reinforce its role in Africa. These initiatives are poised to drive Morocco's economic transformation and strengthen its position on the global stage.
