These stakeholders of the Kingdom's economic diplomacy are a central link in strengthening economic and trade cooperation between Morocco and other African countries, he explained at a meeting held by the CGEM with the presidents of these business councils.

These bodies work to defend the economic interests of Moroccan companies and encourage partnerships, becoming effective relays to foster, guide and advise Moroccan economic operators who wish to develop their business in Africa, Jazouli added. Africa is also a relay of growth for Moroccan companies that have reached a critical size on the Moroccan market, he stated.

According to the Moroccan official, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will create bridges between regions to boost the competitiveness of African companies that will have access to new markets.

The AfCFTA is an essential tool to rethink Morocco's economic relations of Morocco with its African partners in the future, the minister delegate underlined.

For his part, Chakib Alj, President of the CGEM, assured that economic diplomacy is an essential lever for recovery, both at national and continental levels, noting that the role of business councils is all the more important today in light of the global economic crisis induced by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

"The Moroccan private sector must mobilize more to invest in the continent and accompany this dynamic and the post-Covid recovery," Alj said.

The meeting is part of CGEM's roadmap which includes several ambitious projects aimed at strengthening support for Moroccan companies in their ventures and expansion in Africa.