Moroccan business leaders welcome renewal of Morocco-EU agricultural trade agreement

The General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), which represents the private sector, has welcomed the conclusion of a new trade agreement between Morocco and the European Union covering farming products, including those from the Southern Provinces.

CGEM hailed the deal as a major step forward in deepening economic cooperation and sustaining the momentum of Moroccan exports to Europe.

It described the agreement as a diplomatic milestone achieved under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, reaffirming the strategic role of Morocco’s Southern Provinces.

The deal is expected to enhance the region’s appeal as a prime destination for European and international investment, CGEM said in a statement.

The agreement establishes a favorable framework for investment, job creation, and value-added production, serving as a catalyst for the economic development of the Southern Provinces, which are rich in potential across various sectors.

Moroccan business leaders welcomed the continued preferential access of agricultural and fisheries products from the Moroccan Sahara to the European market. The agreement also highlights strategic sectors such as renewable energy, recognizing the expertise and competitiveness of companies operating in the region.

Morocco remains the EU’s top trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade exceeding 640 billion dirhams (60 billion euros) annually. The Southern Provinces alone account for over 200,000 tons of exports to Europe each year, valued at 6.41 billion dirhams (590 million euros), supporting nearly 140,000 jobs.

The CGEM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting this momentum through its engagement with EU institutions and its backing of both Moroccan and foreign companies operating in or with Morocco, aiming to turn the agreement into a driver of shared economic growth and integration.