There is a good dynamic of the trade exchange between our two countries, which has tripled during the last few years, says General Director of the Moroccan Agency for the Development of Investments and Exports Ali Seddiki, speaking for CorD Magazine
However, he continues, “having said that, there is room for further opportunities, given the trade agreements Morocco has with more than 50 countries, including West African countries and the U.S., and Serbia’s close relations with the countries of the Balkans and within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union.
In your opinion as director general of the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency, what are the appropriate ways to further promote economic relations between Morocco and Serbia?
Defining a joint roadmap, creating networking opportunities between business communities and economic institutions, supporting better knowledge of each countries’ sectors, competitive assets and business environment are ways to push economic relations to an enhanced level. Trade fairs, virtual or physical B2B and B2G meetings, conferences, and jointly prepared visits are appropriate tools to create the necessary connections to foster the emergence of opportunities between our two countries.
Such initiatives already take place with the support of AMDIE whenever possible, like the conferences jointly organised by the chambers of commerce of the Casablanca Settat Region in Morocco and Vojvodina Province in Serbia, but we want to do more.
With a view to the concluding of an MoU between AMDIE and the Serbian Development Agency, what is the impact of this mechanism on the strengthening of economic ties between the two countries?
Precisely to go a step further, AMDIE and the Serbian Development Agency have discussed an MoU establishing a formal framework for organising events that will improve business ties and mutual knowledge in the interests of increasing mutual trade and investment flows.
The MoU aims to facilitate the participation of representatives of the two countries in conferences, seminars, business forums, symposiums, as well as the organisation of any event or action of common interest; it promotes training sessions and exchanges of experience, as well as business meetings and business visits.
What are the means deployed by AMDIE to attract more Serbian investors? In this regard, does AMDIE plan to organise a Roadshow in Serbia in the near future?
Over the past 22 years, under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has massively invested to make the most of its assets and build a competitive low carbon production platform relying on world class infrastructure and cost-competitive renewable energies, as well as on a qualified and committed talent pool.
Thanks to free trade agreements signed with more than 50 countries, Morocco has established a geostrategic platform that offers access to more than 1.5 billion consumers in the U.S., Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
As a result, exports have doubled within a decade, and Morocco is now considered to be a primary, geo-strategically placed location to invest in and export to the world.
From Serbian investors’ perspective, Morocco is also a gateway to Africa, offering a business- friendly environment. Serbian companies can count on AMDIE to explore new markets.
To further support investments, Morocco is in the process of adopting a new charter for investment. It aims to reinforce Morocco’s incentives for all types of investors and businesses – including small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as larger groups.
Furthermore, AMDIE’s team remains at the disposal of any investor seeking information, connection, support, and follow-up on their project. We see great potential in working together with our Serbian counterpart and look forward to planning a dedicated tour to showcase investment and export opportunities.