Updated: September 4, 2026
Since this agreement was originally announced in 2021, the cooperation has evolved. The original initiative was introduced as the “CBI-Morocco Apparel & Textiles Program: 2021–2026,” aimed at supporting around 35 Moroccan textile companies in expanding into European markets. CBI subsequently developed a related, sustainability-focused initiative under the name “Morocco Apparel,” concentrating on decarbonisation and connecting Moroccan SMEs with European markets that require sustainable production. According to CBI’s official project page, this later initiative was ended in February 2025 following an internal project evaluation. CBI has not stated whether this represents a renaming of the original 35-company programme or a separate, related project — so the current operational status of the original export-support programme should not be assumed from the newer initiative’s closure alone.
The Moroccan Association for Textile Manufacturing (AMITH) signed a strategic agreement in Casablanca with the Netherlands’ Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) to help 35 Moroccan textile companies expand into Central and Northern European markets.
New Programme to Support 35 Moroccan Textile Firms
Under the agreement, Moroccan textile suppliers will gain access to new networking channels connecting them directly with European retailers. According to programme head Juliette Van Iperen, the initiative will assist participating companies in gradually increasing their export presence across Europe over the next five years.
The 35 selected companies will undergo a detailed evaluation process focused on technical capability, market readiness, and adherence to corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards, Moroccan media reported.
Spain and France remain Morocco’s largest traditional trade partners, but this new collaboration is expected to help diversify and expand the country’s reach into additional European markets.
Morocco’s Textile Export Strategy Has Continued to Evolve
Since the original agreement was announced, Morocco’s textile industry has continued to strengthen its international positioning, particularly around nearshoring, sustainability, circularity, agility and closer integration with European supply chains.
In November 2024, AMITH and EURATEX signed a separate memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening Euro-Mediterranean textile cooperation. The agreement focuses on sustainability and circularity standards, regulatory and customs challenges, investment and the implementation of revised Pan-Euro-Mediterranean trade rules.
Cooperation with the Netherlands has also remained on the agenda. In July 2024, AMITH met with the Dutch Ambassador to Morocco and specifically proposed an MoU with CBI as part of efforts to mobilise the Moroccan textile sector through new projects and expert support.
More recently, Morocco has continued pursuing international market diversification. In June 2025, for example, AMITH organised a B2B mission to Türkiye involving 12 Moroccan companies and more than 120 business meetings with international sourcing offices, brands and retailers.
Editor’s Note:
This article was originally published in December 2021 and has been updated in September 2026 with additional information on the development of Morocco’s textile export strategy and the ongoing CBI programme.
For more on Morocco’s EU market access and trade partnerships, see Kohan Textile Journal’s Morocco Textile Trade Hub.
