Morocco-China: A Decade of Strategic Partnership and a New Economic Ambition Exceeding $10 Billion
Ten years after establishing a strategic partnership between Morocco and China, bilateral relations are entering a new phase. On the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party, China’s ambassador to Morocco, Yu Jinsong, assessed a decade of cooperation marked by a significant increase in trade, investments, and industrial projects.
The year 2026 also coincides with the 68th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Rabat and Beijing, a dual celebration that the diplomat views as a new starting point for deepening a partnership now focused on industry, innovation, and advanced technologies.
Trade and Investments Exceed $10 Billion
Economic cooperation between the two countries is gaining momentum.
According to figures presented by the ambassador, bilateral trade has surpassed the $10 billion mark, with Chinese investment commitments in Morocco also crossing this symbolic threshold.
This growth illustrates the increasing interest of Chinese companies in the Kingdom, which has become a strategic destination thanks to its stability, geographical positioning, and network of free trade agreements with several international markets.
For Beijing, Morocco is now a key hub linking Africa, Europe, and the Arab world.
Tanger Tech: A Symbol of Industrial Cooperation
Among the emblematic projects reflecting this new dynamic is the Tanger Tech Industrial City, considered one of the cornerstones of Sino-Moroccan cooperation.
Over 40 companies have already confirmed their establishment in this industrial zone, which mobilizes an estimated investment of more than $4 billion and is expected to generate over 22,000 direct jobs.
For Chinese diplomacy, this project signifies a transition from an essentially commercial relationship to an industrial cooperation grounded in value creation, local production, and integration into global value chains.
Zero Tariff to Boost Moroccan Exports
China also aims to strengthen access for Moroccan products to its market.
Yu Jinsong calls for the effective implementation of the “zero tariff” policy, intended to facilitate the entry of numerous Moroccan products into the Chinese market.
This measure could provide new opportunities for Moroccan exporters and help diversify the Kingdom’s trade outlets, which remain largely oriented toward the European Union.
A Focused Cooperation on New Technologies
Beyond trade and industry, Beijing seeks to develop a more ambitious partnership in technological sectors.
Areas like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, renewable energies, and advanced technologies are now priorities for Sino-Moroccan cooperation.
The ambassador emphasized that China aims to promote international cooperation based on innovation, knowledge sharing, and strengthening the technological capabilities of partner countries, particularly in emerging economies.
A Shared Long-term Vision
According to Yu Jinsong, the relationship between Rabat and Beijing must now be part of a sustainable partnership approach.
Inspired by the Chinese model of long-term planning, this vision emphasizes structural investments, large-scale industrial projects, and technology and skill transfers.
The goal is to build a cooperation capable of yielding sustainable results in industrialization, job creation, and economic development.
Cooperation Beyond Economic Frameworks
The Chinese diplomat also stressed the political, cultural, and human dimensions of relations between the two countries.
The development of university, cultural, tourism, sports, and scientific exchanges represents another major axis of the partnership, aimed at strengthening ties between Moroccan and Chinese societies.
Through this comprehensive strategy, Beijing aims to consolidate a partnership founded on mutual respect, South-South cooperation, and shared benefits.
Ten years after signing their strategic partnership, Morocco and China seem to be entering a new phase where priorities extend beyond simply increasing trade to include industry creation, advanced technology development, and the Kingdom’s integration into larger global value chains.
