China and Morocco Deepen Strategic Partnership: Chinese Researchers Highlight Morocco's Growing Role in Green Industry and Trade

BEIJING, July 20, 2026 — China and Morocco are reinforcing their strategic partnership as both countries seek to expand cooperation in green manufacturing, trade, industrial investment, and sustainable development. During a high-level meeting held at the China Foreign Affairs University, Chinese researchers and a delegation of Moroccan media discussed the next phase of China–Morocco economic and diplomatic cooperation.

The discussions reflected the growing importance of Morocco as China's strategic gateway to Africa and Europe, particularly as Chinese companies continue to expand their international manufacturing footprint.

Morocco Positioned as a Key Hub for Chinese Investment

The event brought together the Research Center for Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity and representatives from several leading Moroccan media organizations, including Maroc Diplomatique. Participants explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations through industrial cooperation, trade expansion, media exchanges, and diplomatic dialogue.

Opening the conference, Ambassador Huang Yazhong highlighted the long-standing friendship between China and Morocco. He noted that Morocco was among the first African and Arab countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and recalled King Hassan II's support for China's return to the United Nations. He also emphasized the significance of King Mohammed VI's 2016 state visit to China, during which both nations officially established a China–Morocco Strategic Partnership.

According to Ambassador Huang, media organizations play a vital role in strengthening mutual understanding and promoting closer ties between the two countries.

China Sees Morocco as a Green Manufacturing Platform

One of the key messages from the conference came from researcher Bai Jie, who outlined China's long-term vision for cooperation with Morocco.

She described Morocco as an ideal location for developing green manufacturing industries serving both European and African markets. Thanks to its strategic geographic location, modern infrastructure, free trade agreements, and expanding industrial ecosystem, Morocco is becoming increasingly attractive for Chinese manufacturers relocating or expanding overseas.

Chinese officials indicated that Morocco is expected to become one of China's priority partners in the international deployment of industrial supply chains, particularly in sectors linked to renewable energy, electric vehicles, battery production, and advanced manufacturing.

China–Morocco Trade Continues to Grow

China also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral trade by facilitating greater market access for Moroccan products.

Particular attention was given to Morocco's globally competitive phosphate industry, an essential component of fertilizer production and the global agricultural supply chain. Chinese officials announced measures aimed at reducing customs barriers, creating new opportunities for Moroccan exporters seeking access to China's market of more than 1.4 billion consumers, including over 400 million middle-income consumers.

The figures demonstrate the accelerating economic relationship between the two countries.

During the first half of 2026, China–Morocco trade reached 25.47 billion yuan, representing a 16.9% increase compared with the same period in 2025, underscoring the rapid expansion of bilateral commerce.

China Reaffirms Support for Dialogue and Stability

The conference also addressed broader diplomatic cooperation.

He Gang, Deputy Director of the Secretariat of the Research Center, reiterated China's position on international disputes, emphasizing dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful solutions in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

He stated that China respects Morocco's legitimate concerns regarding national security and sovereignty while supporting efforts aimed at maintaining regional stability and promoting constructive international cooperation.

Why Morocco Matters in China's Global Strategy

As global supply chains continue to evolve, Morocco is emerging as one of China's most important strategic partners in North Africa.

Its proximity to Europe, extensive trade agreements, modern ports such as Tangier Med, growing renewable energy sector, and expanding automotive and battery industries have positioned the country as a preferred destination for Chinese industrial investment.

For Morocco, deeper cooperation with China offers opportunities to accelerate industrial development, attract high-value foreign investment, create skilled jobs, and strengthen its position as a manufacturing hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

A Partnership Entering a New Phase

The Beijing meeting highlighted the shared ambition of both nations to elevate the China–Morocco Strategic Partnership through increased investment, stronger trade relations, industrial cooperation, technological innovation, and closer people-to-people exchanges.

As Chinese investment in Morocco continues to grow, the relationship is increasingly becoming a model of economic cooperation between China, Africa, and the wider Mediterranean region.