Rabat— A high-level Libyan economic delegation visited Morocco as part of ongoing efforts by the two countries to strengthen economic and trade relations, and resolve obstacles that have hindered the development of these relations for many years.
The candid discussions in Rabat focused on mechanisms to support economic partnership between the two sides, streamline trade procedures, and increase the volume of goods and services exchanged in a way that serves the interests of both countries, according to a statement by the Libyan Ministry of Economy.
The Libyan delegation was led by Ms. Shather Al-Sayd, Adviser to the Minister of Economy and Trade and Director of the International Cooperation Office, and the Moroccan delegation, was led by Mr. Mahdi Al-Sanousi, Adviser to the Minister of Industry and Trade, who both stressed that it was important to cement economic ties between the two sides.
Ms. Al-Sayd underlined the need to update and activate previous agreements, and at the meantime establish a direct maritime commercial route between Libya and Morocco as an initial step, in addition to opening a direct air route to facilitate the movement of businesspeople and investors, especially in terms of visa procedures, said the statement.
On his part, Mr. Al-Sanousi reiterated Morocco’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Libya including the updating and activating bi-lateral agreements. He stressed that the meeting reflects a serious Moroccan desire to cooperate and they look forward to more meetings in the near future in order to achieve tangible results that serve both sides.
Ms. Al-Sayd submitted a draft memorandum of understanding for review by the Moroccan side ahead of finalizing and signing the document. This is expected to take place during an upcoming visit by the Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade Mohamed Huwaij to Morocco, who will take part in the Second Business Forum on the African Continental Free Trade Area, scheduled for December.
The Libyan delegation also visited the headquarters of the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services where its President Mr. Hassan Barkani welcomed them.
Ms. Al-Sayd noted that Libya’s geographic location enables it to serve as a transit trade hub in partnership with Morocco, pointing out that the year 2023 recorded the highest level of trade exchange between the two countries. She noted that Libyan products represent promising opportunities in the Moroccan market, particularly dates, which comprise more than 300 varieties and produce over 150,000 tons annually.
The Libyan delegation made it clear that the challenges faced by exporters are mainly those of banking nature and affect both the Moroccan and Libyan traders, such as the lack of guarantees. This exposes Libyan exporters to the risks associated with direct transfers, sometimes leading to problems such as non-payment of remaining dues after the goods have been delivered.
In this context, Mr. Hassan Barkani affirmed that the problems affecting Libyan exporters would be addressed through the Chamber’s Mediation and Arbitration Center, ensuring the swift recovery of their rights and avoiding lengthy legal proceedings.
