Initiated jointly by Start-Up Nation Central and Consensus Public Relations, this Forum is a unique event bringing together Moroccan and Israeli leaders, private and public sectors, around the theme of technological innovation in the fields of agribusiness, water, logistics, energy and sustainable development.
The inaugural ceremony was marked by the conclusion of 13 memoranda of understanding (MoU) relating to the development of innovative solutions, which were signed by the Moroccan and Israeli parties to strengthen business to business (B2B) activities between economic and commercial operators of both countries and those that unite government entities.
The primary objective of this event would be to build a solid foundation for business opportunities between Morocco and the State of Israel, to enable companies from both countries to add value to these sectors, as well as to explore the potential for creating technological jobs in the Kingdom.
For Avi Hasson, CEO of Start-Up Nation Central, Morocco offers a framework conducive to innovation, thanks to the vision of HM King Mohammed VI, which has enabled the development of a New Development Model placing transformation at the heart of its concerns.
"Today we feel the desire to collaborate together for the benefit of both our countries to further transform our economies and address the common challenges that lie ahead," he said, highlighting the potential that Morocco has through its innovation ecosystem.
"We want to seal strong links between Moroccan and Israeli companies, because innovation requires first of all a broad and solid collaboration allowing interconnectivity between the different ecosystems," said Hasson, adding that the cooperation links should be established at all levels of the public and private sectors of both countries.
In addition, Hasson noted the willingness of Moroccan participants to exchange, learn and share, calling for the pursuit of this favorable vision and its realization through the work of the forum that will establish the foundations for joint action.
"This is a step that enshrines the ongoing efforts of innovation diplomacy through which we aspire to address the common challenges of both countries, leveraging our mutual know-how and technology to deepen our bilateral relations," he said.
For his part, the Head of the Liaison Office of Israel in Morocco, David Govrin, described the event as unique and historic that demonstrates the quality of relations between the two countries, recalling that "this is the largest bilateral conference we have ever had in Morocco".
This is a manifestation of the development of bilateral relations in all their aspects, especially in innovation, as the best way to face the challenges of our days, he said, adding that this forum is called upon to involve the private sector in the efforts made by both governments.
The importance and strength of Moroccan-Israeli relations are not only based on economic interests, but also on culture and shared values, he concluded.
The event was marked by the pre-recorded speech of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and by the participation of HM the King's Advisor, André Azoulay, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Ghita Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour and Minister of Transport and Logistics, Mohamed Abdeljalil.
It will run until May 25, with workshops, business sessions, business to business (B2B) and networking meetings. Start-Up Nation Central is a non-profit organization that promotes the Israeli innovation ecosystem worldwide.