HIBAPRESS
Industrial and commercial cooperation between Morocco and Senegal and ways to enhance it were the focus of discussions held by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, on Monday in Rabat, with his Senegalese counterpart, Serigne Guèye Diop.
These discussions, which fall within the framework of the 15th session of the Moroccan-Senegalese Joint High Commission for Partnership, enabled both sides to agree on a new roadmap that includes several areas of partnership, especially standardization, industrial zones, and capacity building.
In a press statement, Diop highlighted the historical depth of relations between Senegal and Morocco, explaining that the talks focused on the main axes of industrial cooperation, in a context marked by Senegal's entry into a new phase related to the development of the oil and gas sectors, as well as the creation of food industries zones and special economic zones.
The Senegalese Minister also expressed his country's desire to benefit from Morocco's experience, especially in the areas of industrial infrastructure, accompanying companies, qualification, training and coaching, noting that there are expected agreements in these areas.
He pointed out that the discussions also included strengthening cooperation in the field of small and medium enterprises, recalling that these enterprises represent 97 percent of the Senegalese economic fabric. To this end, the Senegalese Minister added, it is expected that agreements will be concluded between the agencies in charge of small and medium enterprises in both countries, as well as between the institutions in charge of qualification.
On the other hand, the discussions addressed the tax policies applied to industrial zones and investments, as well as the development of bilateral trade, with a particular focus on converted and manufactured products.
Diop also touched on Senegal's interest in the Moroccan experience in the field of phosphate, noting that field visits will be carried out, especially to the Office Chérifien des Phosphates group, in order to benefit from the Moroccan model in valuing this resource.
In conclusion, he expressed the Senegalese delegation's satisfaction with the prospects for cooperation, announcing that invitations will soon be sent to Moroccan officials to continue the discussions and implement the agreed agreements on the ground.
For his part, Mezzour highlighted that this dynamic falls within the framework of activating the high royal directives, recalling the importance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI's Atlantic vision aimed at strengthening cooperation and integration between African countries.
He also affirmed the joint will of the two countries to promote training, develop competencies and industrial integration, according to a logic of South-South integration and cooperation, in line with the major structural projects of the African continent.
The convening of the 15th session of the Moroccan-Senegalese Joint High Commission for Partnership provides an opportunity to enhance sectoral cooperation between the two countries, by establishing structured projects in sectors of particular interest, including agriculture, energy, trade, digital economy and others.
