Morocco is stepping into a new strategic phase with ASEAN, the powerful Southeast Asian bloc whose combined economies approach 4 trillion dollars. After nearly a decade of steady diplomatic ties, the two sides have agreed on a roadmap for 2024–2028, marking a deeper economic and sectoral engagement.
Morocco’s involvement with ASEAN began with its accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2016. In September 2023, the relationship moved forward with Morocco gaining sectoral dialogue partner status. The recent visit of ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn to Rabat in June 2025 confirmed this shift. Alongside Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour, Hourn laid out new priorities spanning energy, smart cities, tourism, technology, agriculture, and electric mobility.
Trade volume between Morocco and ASEAN countries reached 1.55 billion dollars in 2024, yet both parties believe this figure falls short of the real potential. The Southeast Asian bloc is looking for new gateways into African and European markets, and Morocco—geostrategically positioned and commercially well-connected—stands out as a natural bridge.
This strategic realignment is also shaped by a shifting global landscape. Rising trade tensions with major powers, notably following U.S. tariffs during the Trump administration, have encouraged ASEAN to diversify its partnerships. While Trump did not directly influence Morocco’s engagement, the broader disruption of global trade patterns has made alliances with stable, well-positioned countries like Morocco increasingly attractive.
The 2024–2028 roadmap outlines practical cooperation in high-value industries. Investment flows, technology transfer, and institutional cooperation are expected to follow. Morocco aims to use this momentum to scale up domestic production, create new growth sectors, and strengthen its industrial base.
For ASEAN, the deal opens a new front toward Africa and Europe, with Morocco acting as a regional anchor. For Rabat, it’s a leap into a market of nearly 4 trillion dollars—an alliance that could reshape its economic diplomacy for years to come.
