Omar Hejira Highlights Morocco’s Strategic Role at Turkiye–Africa Business Forum
Morocco’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to advancing a strategic, balanced, and mutually beneficial partnership between Africa and Turkiye, during the opening of the 5th Turkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) in Istanbul.
Hejira emphasized that the Morocco–Turkiye–Africa relationship should be rooted in shared development goals and added value creation, rather than one-sided economic interests. He underlined that Morocco’s south–south cooperation policy has long been a cornerstone of its foreign relations, particularly with African nations.
“Sustainable development in Africa must be built on responsible and beneficial partnerships,” Hejira said, highlighting Morocco’s belief in collaborative growth based on trust and mutual respect.
Expanding Trade and Investment Horizons
The Moroccan official pointed out that Afro–Turkish relations are witnessing steady progress, with trade volumes reaching approximately $33 million. Cooperation spans across vital sectors including trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, and new technologies, with significant potential for expansion.
Hejira also presented Morocco’s Atlantic Vision as a gateway for triangular cooperation between Morocco, Turkiye, and African nations. This initiative, he explained, could open new avenues for collaboration in key industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food security, renewable energy, textiles, automotive manufacturing, and electronics.
“Our ports in Tangier and Nador, and the upcoming Dakhla Atlantic Port, will further strengthen maritime connectivity and logistical efficiency, boosting trade between Turkiye and Africa,” Hejira noted.
Morocco: A Strategic Gateway for Turkish Businesses
Thanks to its modern infrastructure, economic stability, and diverse trade agreements, Morocco positions itself as a preferred gateway for Turkish companies seeking access to African markets.
Hejira and Turkish Deputy Minister of Commerce Mustafa Tuzcu recently agreed to raise bilateral trade above $5 billion, as part of joint efforts to revitalize the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Originally signed in 2004 and implemented in 2006, the Morocco–Turkiye FTA underwent revisions in 2020, introducing a 90% tariff on Turkish textile and clothing imports to protect Moroccan manufacturers and jobs.
With both nations now focused on balancing trade and expanding cooperation, the renewed partnership signals a promising chapter for Afro–Turkish economic integration, driven by Morocco’s growing influence as a regional trade hub.
