By Edward Acquah, GNA Special Correspondent
Rabat, Oct. 30, GNA – Industry leaders from France and Morocco met on Tuesday to explore opportunities for industrial cooperation in renewable energies, digital transformation, and agriculture.
The Morocco-France Entrepreneurial Meeting took place in Rabat as part of the events surrounding French President Emmanuel Macron’s State visit to Morocco.
Participants emphasised the need to strengthen bilateral partnerships in high-value sectors, highlighting that such collaborations could accelerate innovation, enhance agricultural productivity, and boost local value chains.
They noted that such efforts would also create new export opportunities for both Moroccan and French companies.
Mr Mohamed Bachiri, President of Groupe Maroc Industries, said Morocco’s exploits in car production had propelled the country to compete at the European level.
He said Moroccan industries were poised to expand their reach by increasing added value locally, enhancing technology transfer, and expanding investment.
Mr Mohamed Horani, Chief Executive Officer of Hightech Payment Systems (HPS), said Morocco’s model of stability, played a crucial role for businesses to thrive.
He said the cooperation between HPS and its French partners, Horani, demonstrated the scope for collaboration on technologically advanced and sensitive projects, and reinforced the synergy between Morocco and France in the payment technology sector.
Mr Laurent Germain, CEO of Egis Group, highlighted the importance of engineering in French-Moroccan development projects, citing the high-speed line between Kenitra and Tangier as an example.
Following Mr. Macron’s arrival in Morocco on Monday afternoon, the two countries signed several economic agreements that evening aimed at promoting economic development and establishing strategic partnerships for the future.
The first agreement was a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the supply of high-speed train sets and their associated components, followed by a Declaration of Intent focused on financial cooperation in the railway sector.
Another agreement was an assistance contract between Morocco’s National Railways Office (ONCF) and the SYSTRA/EGIS Company, along with an equipment supply contract between ONCF and VOSSLOH COGIFER.
Additionally, Morocco’s government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SAFRAN to establish a maintenance and repair facility for aircraft engines.
Under the agreement, the company plans to invest nearly €130 million in constructing and equipping a workshop for the maintenance and repair (MRO) of LEAP aircraft engines.
Earlier, King Mohammed VI and President Macron signed a Declaration on “the reinforced exceptional partnership” between Morocco and France, aimed at enhancing their ability to tackle shared challenges.
This partnership will focus on deepening and modernizing cooperation to promote economic development, social cohesion, and “strategic autonomy” for both countries.
GNA