Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid al-Qasabi held talks with his Moroccan counterpart Ryad Mezzour in Rabat on Monday.
They signed two memorandums of understandings on mutual accreditation of Halal certificates for local products, and a draft technical cooperation program between Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization and the Moroccan Institute for Standardization (IMANOR).
Mezzour said his country aims to strengthen trade and industrial relations with Saudi Arabia and advance both countries’ capacities.
He added that a working group discussed cooperation opportunities to benefit from the Moroccan and Saudi industrial platforms and the opportunities they provide, especially the defense industry, aviation and rail transport, promoting joint investments, and engaging in a “win-win” perspective.
Rabat sent through diplomatic channels a draft MoU in these fields and is expecting comments from the Saudi side to be signed as soon as possible, Mezzour noted.
Regarding trade exchange and access to common markets, he explained that the opportunities provided by the free trade agreements inked with Morocco provide access to the markets of more than 100 countries, with 2.3 billion consumers.
He stressed that Morocco could provide a gateway for Saudi products towards Europe, the United Kingdom and Africa.
Qasabi, for his part, said that the Kingdom is seeking to form “close and sustainable” institutional relations with Morocco to build a better economy.
He explained that the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has led to many unprecedented transformations and allowed Riyadh to develop work procedures and structures.
He further assured his counterpart that his country is willing to share its expertise with Morocco.
He expressed regret that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries does not meet the aspirations of their leaders and peoples.
The Saudi official was in Rabat at the head of a 90-member delegation that includes business owners and government officials.
He hoped the visit would achieve both countries’ determination to increase investments and great opportunities.
