The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mohamed Karmoune, has candidly described the trade relationship between his country and Pakistan as “a little limited and a little shy,” asserting that the business communities of both nations share the responsibility for the stagnant commercial ties despite enjoying excellent political relations.
Speaking at a meeting during a visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) today, the Moroccan Envoy remarked, “I am not blaming only the business community of Pakistan; I am equally blaming the business community of Morocco. This is a shared challenge that we must collectively address.” He emphasized that commerce must evolve into one of the most significant pillars of the bilateral relationship.
The ambassador identified immense opportunities for cooperation across multiple sectors, including solar energy, wind energy, green technologies, and tourism. He highlighted Morocco”s robust tourism performance, informing attendees that the kingdom had welcomed 18 million tourists by the end of November 2024 and continues to invest heavily in the sector.
Looking ahead, he noted that Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, an event expected to draw a global influx of visitors. “We look forward to receiving more Pakistanis visiting Morocco, not only for the World Cup, but also for business-to-business engagements,” he added.
Mr. Karmoune urged Pakistan”s commercial sector to seize the opportunity to explore Moroccan markets. ‘We have a visionary leader, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has been guiding Morocco’s development at all levels. We need you, the business community of Pakistan, to explore opportunities in the Kingdom of Morocco, enhance your presence, and strengthen our economic partnership,’ he stated.
Honorary Consul General of Morocco in Karachi, Mirza Ishtiaq Baig, reported that bilateral trade has reached US$800 million. He expressed optimism that with sustained collective efforts, the volume could soon surpass the US$1 billion mark. He also noted that promotional activities in Morocco, such as an annual Biryani Festival and fashion shows, have yielded encouraging results for Pakistani products.
Mr. Baig emphasized Morocco’s strategic position as a gateway to larger markets, observing that Africa’s 1.5 billion population remains an under-explored continent for Pakistani exporters. He pointed out that Morocco”s free trade agreements with Europe, 54 African nations, and Trkiye offer an exceptional opportunity for Pakistani businesses to gain access to these regions.
In his welcoming address, KCCI President Rehan Hanif underscored the complementary strategic importance of both nations, with Morocco serving as a link between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, while Pakistan acts as an economic hub for South Asia.
Mr. Hanif outlined a wide range of sectors with untapped potential, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, information technology, agriculture, renewable energy, and logistics. He suggested the development of joint ventures that could combine Pakistan’s manufacturing capabilities with Morocco”s extensive market access.
The KCCI President affirmed the Chamber”s support for Pakistan’s ‘Look Africa’ policy, viewing Morocco as an ideal entry point for exporters and investors. “We would also welcome initiatives such as business-to-business engagements, exchange of trade delegations, sector-specific visits, and the signing of MoUs to deepen cooperation between both countries,” he concluded, pledging the Chamber’s full collaboration with the Moroccan Embassy.