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A special feature produced by: Synergy Media Specialists Morocco © 123RF.COM/CARLOS EDGAR SOARES NETO © 123RF.COM/CARLOS f synergymediaspecialists www.synergymediaspecialists.com Momentum in Morocco AMDIE: Driving economic The gateway to Africa growth A member of the African he recently established Union, Morocco is today Agence Marocaine de working closely with orga- Developpement des In- nizations across the conti- Tvestissements et des Exporta- nent. Investors are referring tions/Moroccan Investment to Morocco as “the gateway and Export Development to Africa” as the country is Agency (AMDIE) is driving well-positioned to provide Morocco’s economic growth. companies with access to AMDIE is responsible for Africa’s 1.5 billion potential promoting Morocco as a consumers. foreign investment destina- The Moroccan economy is tion, supporting Moroccan also driving growth across exporters and assisting Mo- the region. Innovations in roccan companies investing technology and infrastruc- abroad. ture, political stability and

Automotive products are currently Morocco’s No.1 export. © AMDIE

nomic doorstep, Morocco is tant, stability is a must.” can economy and AMDIE is dition to private investment.” Regional opportunities success as a nation is based fast-becoming the best re- “Our political system re- committed to ensuring that “Japanese investment Moving forward, AMDIE on the country’s stability gional investment destina- mains stable in what has Japanese investment contin- banks and fund management plans to provide investors and the king’s vision. tion,” said Hicham Boudraa, been described as a turbu- ues to flow into Morocco. companies continue to visit with a better understanding “Our political stability and acting CEO of AMDIE. lent region of the world,” said “In the coming years we Morocco and we are confi- of Morocco by promoting our king’s long-term vision Boudraa. “The King of Mo- will focus on further devel- dent that these visits will lead the 12 regions of Morocco have empowered Morocco His Majesty the King, Mohammed VI, King of Morocco © AMDIE The Japan connection The agency is the result of the government’s growth Japan recognizes Morocco’s the 2017 merger of Maroc strategy have enabled Mo- potential. While South Af- MOROCCO BY REGION CAPITAL Export, the Moroccan In- rocco to become a strong rica is home to the highest vestment and Development regional economy. With no number of Japanese compa- Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Tangier Agency (AMDI) and the Of- customs duties placed on nies of any African country, fice des Foires et Expositions Moroccan registered en- Morocco comes a close sec- Oriental Oujda de Casablanca/Casablanca terprises doing business in ond. Today the largest pri- Exhibition Centre (OFEC). neighboring countries, in- vate employer in Morocco is Fes-Meknes Fes Operating out of Morocco’s ternational businesses from a Japanese company. capital, Rabat, AMDIE is Europe, North America and “A strong value-offering is Rabat-Sale-Kenitra Rabat driven to fulfil its mission Japan are investing in Mo- required to attract Japanese Beni Mellal-Khenifra Beni Mellal of creating economic oppor- rocco. investors as they no longer tunities in Morocco and the “Intrinsically connected to simply relocate their busi- Casablanca-Settat Casablanca region. Africa and on Europe’s eco- nesses to reduce operating costs,” said Boudraa. “When Marrakech-Safi Marrakech considering a new market, sixgrowthdrivers Japanese investors need to Draa-Tafilalet Errachidia see the values that country’s Souss-Massa Agadir society holds dear in order AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS are currently Morocco’s for them to consider manag- Guelmim-Oued Noun Guelmim No. 1 export. ing and operating their busi- ness from there.” Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra Laayoune PHOSPHATES are the country’s second-largest export, “AMDIE showcases the val-

Local companies and multinationals will play a role in the expansion of the Moroccan economy. © AMDIE with two-thirds of global reserves located in Morocco. ues which Moroccans hold Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab Dakhla dear to convince our Japanese TEXTILES are becoming a leading export commodity partners to select Morocco as rocco Mohammed VI is re- oping the country’s dynamic to tangible results,” Boudraa individually. The agency on its journey to becoming once again as companies in India and China relocate tex- a place to do business. Today sponsible for this and despite industries,” said Boudraa. said. “Japanese firms are will deliver tailored infor- a successful and vibrant tile and fabric production to Morocco. there is a dynamic relation- different governments hold- “For example, we will sup- interested in large energy mation on each region’s economy,” said Boudraa. ship between Morocco and ing power over the years, he port the automotive industry and infrastructure projects proximity to markets, trans- “We are looking for foreign THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR is experiencing Japan in many areas and the has stayed true to his vision which is founded on a firm as they have the technical port and logistics, manpow- direct investment partners growth with many local companies and multinationals Japan-Morocco partnership for the future of Morocco.” ecosystem comprising indus- know-how required to bring er availably and associated and real growth-drivers who can contribute to the future expanding their activities in Morocco. is becoming even stronger.” trial parks such as the ones these projects online. Once a costs. The agency is working Future-ready industrial found in Kenitra and Tangier Japanese construction com- of our great country by ini- closely with the Japan Ex- growth in the north of the country. pany invests in Morocco, Continuing to create tiating projects to create AEROSPACE is Morocco’s best prospect industry with ternal Trade Organization, Local companies and mul- The burgeoning aerospace suppliers will follow and business momentum business momentum across diverse opportunities including supply inputs, finished Japan International Coop- tinationals will play a role in industry will also continue relationships can then blos- It is important investors Morocco.”  aircraft, maintenance and airport infrastructure. The eration Agency and the Em- the expansion of the Moroc- to receive our support in ad- som.” recognize that Morocco’s www.amdie.gov.ma Moroccan government is placing great emphasis on de- bassy of Japan in Morocco veloping the country’s aerospace industry. The industry to promote the country’s is seeing annual double-digit growth and more than 120 competitive advantages. Mo- technology-driven aerospace manufacturing companies rocco’s minister of industry Intrinsically have been established. visits Japan every year to at- connected tend high-level meetings and AGRIBUSINESS promote important sectors to Africa and While investment is needed, this industry remains im- within the Moroccan econ- on Europe’s portant for Morocco. omy that are ripe for invest- economic ment. “It is estimated that by the middle of this centu- “We understand that the doorstep, ry, Africa will provide approximately 60 percent of Japanese analyze every deci- Morocco is fast- the world’s food needs,” said AMDIE Acting CEO sion they make and that im- becoming the Hicham Boudraa. “Agricultural development is a prior- portant decisions can take ity for Morocco as we have favorable weather, ideal soil time,” said Boudraa. “Once best regional conditions, knowledge, technology and land availabil- a decision has been made, investment Japanese executives stand by ity. While we currently sell raw produce to Europe and their decision and things can destination.” then purchase finished goods, there is huge potential for then move quickly. Economic transformation. If the production of finished goods can stability is a key consider- be moved to Africa, profits can be directed to businesses HICHAM BOUDRAA ation for Japanese investors; Acting CEO across the continent.” while factors such as logis- AMDIE © AMDIE tics and financing are impor- © AMDIE Tanger Med Port, the largest port on the Mediterranean and in Africa by capacity.

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1st Foreign Direct Investment destination in Africa Ernst & Young Survey, 2018

st 1 Country in Africa 1st Financial center in Africa 3rd Place to invest in Africa for infrastructure quality Global Financial Centres Rand Merchant Bank, 2018 WEF, 2018 Index, 2018

17th Country worldwide in 2nd Best country for Doing 3rd Top destination in the 2nd Worldwide liner/shipping connectivity Business in the MENA entire Arab World for FDI, Climate Change Performance UNCTAD, 2018 Region, 2019 FDI Intelligence, 2018 Index, 2019

MOROCCAN INVESTMENT AND EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

www.amdie.gov.ma

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Morocco www.synergymediaspecialists.com Morocco and Japan – Working together to drive economic growth he second day of The 40 percent of investment di- strengthening Japan-Morocco seventh Tokyo Interna- rected toward the country’s bilateral relations through of- tional Conference on automotive ecosystem. ficial development assistance TAfrican Development (TICAD “According to our recent sur- loans, grants and technical 7) is taking place today in Yo- veys conducted with Japanese assistance. Since 1974, JICA’s kohama. Led by the Japanese companies here in Morocco, Morocco Office has supported government and co-sponsored there are two factors attracting numerous projects across the by the United Nations, the Japanese companies to Mo- country. United Nations Develop- rocco,” said Yoichiro Ishibashi, “We have prioritized the ar- ment Programme, the African managing director of the Japa- eas in which we offer assis- Union Commission and the nese External Trade Organiza- tance to Morocco,” explained World Bank, TICAD was ini- tion (JETRO) Morocco. Asahiko Karashima, chief tiated by Japan in 1993 to con- “Firstly, ‘market size and representative of the JICA tribute to development initia- growth potential’ is a key factor Morocco Office. “We are tives on the African continent. with 87.5 percent of Japanese strengthening the competi- Private sector involvement in companies considering Mo- tiveness and sustainability of © SMS TICAD has increased and this rocco and neighboring coun- the economy by supporting year’s conference is welcom- Takuji Hanatani, Japanese tries as key growth markets. numerous projects in agricul- ing more than 4,500 attendees, Ambassador to Morocco Secondly, Morocco’s ‘political ture, fisheries, industrial infra- including African and Japa- and social’ stability makes the structure and water resource nese heads of state, govern- and the Moroccan royal fami- country one of the safest coun- security. We aim to reduce the ments and nongovernmental ly. In recent years, several royal tries in North Africa.” social and regional disparities organization representatives visits have further strength- Tax incentives, free trade through education and region- and business leaders. Today, ened our friendship. The most zones, a concentration of al development and promote Morocco is playing an increas- recent was by Her Royal High- ‘partner companies,’ effective ‘South-South cooperation’ by ingly important role in Japan- ness Princess Lalla Hasna who government programs, strong encouraging Morocco to assist Africa relations. visited Japan last year and was infrastructure and the coun- with the development of Fran- “Morocco is one of Japan’s welcomed by Japan’s current try’s favorable geographic lo- cophone African countries. most important partners in Emperor Naruhito.” cation make Morocco a pre- Recently we have been proac- Africa with diplomatic rela- Business and trade between ferred investment destination. tively implementing projects tions dating back to 1956, the the two countries has flour- The country has also signed that make use of the technol- year Morocco gained its inde- ished in recent years. Since free trade agreements with ogy and expertise of Japanese pendence,” said Japanese Am- 2014, the number of Japanese many countries including private companies for the bassador to Morocco Takuji companies in Morocco has the U.S. (in 2006) and the Eu- economic development of Mo- Hanatani. “The foundation of almost doubled to around 70; ropean Union (in 2000). The rocco.”  the relationship was built on Japanese investment in Moroc- Japan International Coopera- www.jica.go.jp/morocco/english/index.html the close friendship between co’s industrial sector continues tion Agency (JICA) Morocco www.jetro.go.jp/en/jetro/worldwide/africa.html the Japanese imperial family to increase with approximately Office is actively involved in www.ma.emb-japan.go.jp Leading Moroccan insurer offers over a century of expertise 018 was a milestone year services and product offerings. isting business relationships for Sanad Assurances as Today, the company offers with companies already reap- the company celebrated personal, automotive, housing ing the rewards of investing in 2its 100th anniversary. Through and facultative (reinsurance) in the country. its wealth of experience and addition to industrial and ad- “The automotive, energy customer-centric values, the vanced risk services. and aeronautical sectors are company has achieved 40 per- With his background in me- flourishing in Morocco and cent growth in the last five chanical engineering, Laamar- Japanese multinationals are years. ti is able to build close rela- starting to take notice,” said Today, Sanad Assurances tionships with the company’s Laamarti. is one of the top five insur- corporate clients, especially in “Thanks to our long-term ance companies in Morocco the industrial sector. approach we have already es- and continues to meet the de- “Many members of our up- tablished strong partnerships mands of clients and partners per management have back- with leading Japanese compa- across the country. grounds in engineering and nies active in Morocco, and we

“We are very proud of our © SANAD with our close industry ties, look forward to building more recent achievements and cel- we have taken a leading posi- new friendships and exciting ebrating our centennial last Abdelilah Laamarti, Director tion and set ourselves apart partnerships.”  year was a big step for us as General of Sanad Assurances from the competition,” said www.sanad.ma a company,” said Abdelilah Laamarti. Laamarti, director general of munication skills to under- “An increasing amount of Sanad Assurances. stand the needs of our clients foreign direct investment is “Our success is founded across a range of sectors.” reaching Morocco. Sanad As- on our highly skilled team of Initially established to serve surances is continuing to build people who have the technical the maritime industry, Sanad new partnerships with multi- know-how and strong com- Assurances has diversified its nationals while nurturing ex-

Casablanca Finance City: Africa’s leading business and financial center

asablanca Finance City egories: financial companies, mium ‘Doing Business’ per- (CFC) was created with regional headquarters of mul- sonalized support is available the goal of becoming tinational companies, service to our members so as to allow Ca business catalyst in Africa. providers and holding compa- them to devote their focus to- Thanks to Morocco’s privi- nies. wards their core business de- leged geographical position at Now recognized as one of the velopment. CFC is proud to the crossroads of continents, world’s most promising finan- contribute to Africa’s econom- CFC is able to capitalize on cial centers, CFC has also built ic dynamism by accompany- the country’s strategic as- a strong network of interna- ing world-leading companies. sets such as political stability, tional partners, comprised of We cater to our community, world-class infrastructure, ex- 12 international financial cen- while committing to promote cellent connectivity to Africa ters and 18 African investment our members’ expertise and

and solid economic funda- © CFC promotion agencies, which are enabling fruitful business syn- mentals. Another asset is the part of the “South-South part- ergies through our networking country’s diplomatic and eco- Said Ibrahimi, CEO of Casablanca nerships”. platform,” said Said Ibrahimi, nomic strategy geared towards Finance City “We offer our members an at- CEO of Casablanca Finance the south, which, altogether, tractive value proposition in a City.  enables CFC to offer its mem- potential, facilitating deal flow modern business environment www.casablancafinancecity.com bers a unique framework and and access to an excellent local with streamlined processes a base camp from which to talent pool in Casablanca. including administrative fast- develop their businesses effec- CFC’s business community tracks, facilitation of people tively. includes more than 180 mem- and capital flow and a fully op- CFC has attracted major eco- bers, with a footprint in 46 erational international media- nomic players looking for an African countries. They are tion and arbitration center in entry point to Africa’s business active across four major cat- Casablanca. In parallel, a pre- A key player in the transformation of Morocco uccessfully establishing a As a quality-driven compa- grow,” said Chafic. “Many business more often than ny able to meet international companies in Morocco are not requires a strong lo- standards, Advanced Vision driving innovation across the Scal partner. A member of the Morocco has attracted Japa- region and moving forward, prestigious Saudi CPC Group, nese interest. Advanced Vision Morocco Advanced Vision Morocco, “We know Japanese com- will support the development has been serving clients across panies appreciate quality ser- of Morocco and clients in the country since 2014. vices and solutions and we are neighboring markets.”  Advanced Vision Morocco able to meet their demands,” www.visionmorocco.com offers clients high-quality said Chafic. “We have built [email protected] electrical, mechanical, infra- plants for Furukawa and structure and renewable ener- JTEKT and are currently con-

gy solutions. Having complet- VISION MOROCCO © ADVANCED structing Yazaki Corp.’s plant ed numerous projects across in Tangier. We are building the country, the company is Houssam Chafic, General on our reputation by focusing actively contributing to the Manager of Advanced Vision on delivering quality services transformation of the King- Morocco rather than focusing purely on dom of Morocco and Africa as profit margins.” well. has been transformed and to- Chafic is proud of Morocco’s “King Mohammed VI is an day Morocco has a dynamic contribution to the continued exceptional leader,” said Hous- economy. The people love the development of the African sam Chafic, general manager king, the business community continent. of Advanced Vision Morocco. appreciates him and we like “It is crucial for economies “Un der his rule the country him.” across Africa to diversify and