UK MP commends Moroccan King’s vision for stability & democracy

Chairperson of UK-Morocco Parliamentary Friendship Group Heather Wheeler has commended King Mohammed VI’s vision for strengthening stability, democracy and building a strong inclusive economy.
This Royal vision will make Morocco UK’s “strategic partner in Africa,” said on Tuesday in Rabat the Conservative MP following her meeting with Moroccan Foreign minister Nasser Bourita.

She also praised the strength of Moroccan banking system and the future opportunities created in the Kingdom under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

Mrs. Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) is one the advocates of the Xlinks renewable energy interlink project with Morocco. This $ 22 bln project is expected to generate 10.5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable power in Morocco exclusively for the UK market. It aims to deliver 26 terawatt hours per year — enough for more than seven million homes — by 2030.

The UK Government is interested in the Xlinks project which will enhance the UK’s energy security as this ambitious project will enable the country meet up to 8% of its electricity demand with renewable energy, reducing consumer bills and adding to security of supply in the process.

Following its exit from the European Union, UK signed with Morocco trade agreement to ensure continuity of trade exchanges, services, and economic cooperation ties.

To promote UK and Moroccan trade, UK export finance agency (UKEF) had announced in 2022 a £4 billion funding for overseas buyers of UK goods and services to strengthen the trade relationship between the UK and Morocco.

The North African Kingdom offers a range of opportunities for UK businesses, such as potential projects in energy transition, water desalination, and infrastructure, including rail, roads, ports and airports to boost the domestic economy through new transport links.

In 2021, UK exports to Morocco were up +62.9% to reach a value of £1.2bn , while UK imports from the North African Kingdom rose +50.5% to £1.5bn.