Qatari-Moroccan Business Meeting Discusses Enhancing Mutual Investments

Doha, January 23 (QNA) - The Qatar-Morocco Business Meeting, which was held Tuesday at the headquarters of the Qatar Chamber (QC), discussed enhancing mutual investments, particularly in the agriculture, food, cosmetics, and painting sectors.
   Chaired on the Qatari side by First Vice-Chairman of QC Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al Kuwari, and on the Moroccan side by Vice-President of the Moroccan Exporters Association (MEA), Sonia Mezzour, the meeting addressed mechanisms to motivate business owners from the two countries to establish mutual and joint projects beneficial for both economies.
   Al Kuwari said that Qatar and Morocco enjoy fraternal relations and close cooperation in all fields, particularly in economic and commercial aspects. He noted a shared desire from both sides to expand these relations to broader vistas and increase cooperation at the private sector level.
   He pointed out that the efforts undertaken by the Qatari-Moroccan joint higher committee constitute one of the most prominent manifestations of economic cooperation between the two countries and an example of the interest and keenness of the two countries towards developing and strengthening their cooperative relations.
   Al Kuwari also mentioned that the two countries' trade volume reached QR 931 million in 2023, reflecting a 10 percent increase compared to QR 844 million in 2022. Aluminum and plastic products represent the largest portion of Moroccan imports from Qatar, while Morocco exports food products and clothing to Qatar.
   He noted the presence of many Moroccan companies operating in Qatar, either with full Moroccan capital or in partnership with local entities, across various sectors such as hospitality, trading, contracting, cosmetics, fashion, and business solutions.
   He also highlighted the abundance of high-quality and efficient Moroccan products in the Qatari market, along with a sizable Moroccan community contributing to Qatar's ongoing growth in various positions and job roles. There are many Qatari investments in Morocco, emphasizing its attractiveness as a destination for Qatari investors.
   The QC First Vice-Chairman called on Moroccan companies to enhance cooperation with their Qatari counterparts by establishing active partnerships and commercial alliances. He urged them to leverage the advanced infrastructure in Qatar and the investment incentives provided for foreign investors.
   He emphasized the QC's support for enhancing cooperation between the Qatari private sector and its Moroccan counterpart, assuring that it encourages Qatari investors to explore the Moroccan market and the investment opportunities available there and establish joint projects with Moroccan companies.
   Furthermore, he stressed the significance of activating the Qatari-Moroccan joint business council, noting that it plays a vital role in developing trade between both countries and strengthening cooperation between the private sectors on both sides.
   On her side, Mezzour stated that the delegation's visit to Qatar aims to promote Moroccan products and encourage Qatari investors to invest in Morocco, which offers plenty of opportunities in various sectors. She noted that the delegation comprises representatives from 15 companies working in foodstuffs, cosmetics, building materials, decoration, and others. These companies want to export to the Qatari market and enter partnerships and business alliances with Qatari companies.
   Mezzour indicated that the MEA has a platform for halal food and cosmetic products, inviting Qatari businessmen to explore it.
   She further extended an invitation to Qatari investors to visit Morocco, encouraging them to learn more about investment opportunities and meet with their Moroccan counterparts to review prospects for cooperation and partnership.
   Elaborating on the MEA's goals, she said it was established 40 years ago and includes a large number of companies, with their exports representing 80 percent of the total exports of the country. She assured that the association aims to support companies willing to export, encourage Moroccan industries, and facilitate business expansion.
   For her part, Loubna Al Qoh from the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Exports Development (AMDIE) mentioned that the meeting contributes to developing cooperation between the Moroccan and Qatari private sectors. She pointed to the directives of the wise leadership in both nations aiming to enhance cooperation relations and increase trade volume to correspond with the two countries' distinguished relations.
   Al Qoh also noted that Qatar is considered a gateway for Morocco to Asia, while Morocco serves as a gateway for Qatar to Africa. (QNA)