Morocco’s leading business association, the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), has praised the newly concluded agreement between Morocco and the European Union, calling it a pivotal moment in strengthening economic ties between the two partners. For CGEM, the deal represents not just a trade milestone, but also a significant step in recognizing the strategic importance of Morocco’s southern regions.
The organization expressed its full support for the agreement, which secures continued access to the European market—Morocco’s largest export destination. CGEM emphasized that this new framework, initiated under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, deepens Morocco’s Euro-Mediterranean partnership and reinforces the southern provinces’ role as emerging hubs for international investment.
Businesses operating in these regions will maintain preferential conditions for exporting goods to Europe, particularly agricultural and seafood products. In a global environment marked by growing competition, CGEM sees this as a crucial advantage. The agreement further validates the sustained development efforts in the Moroccan Sahara, where agri-food, industrial, and energy sectors continue to gain momentum.
The deal is expected to drive local value creation and support the development of new supply chains, especially in the field of renewable energy—an area where Morocco has built considerable expertise. It also opens the door to larger-scale investments that could generate long-term jobs and deepen regional economic integration.
Trade between Morocco and the EU already exceeds 640 billion dirhams annually. Of that, exports from the southern provinces alone top 200,000 tons of goods each year, valued at over 6.4 billion dirhams. Roughly 140,000 jobs—both direct and indirect—are tied to these activities, underlining the economic significance of the partnership.
CGEM has signaled its intention to play an active role in implementing the agreement, leveraging its institutional channels in Brussels and offering support to both Moroccan and foreign businesses. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to turning this partnership into a driver of inclusive growth and long-term prosperity, contributing to the broader goals of Morocco’s national economy.
