China has agreed to provide Morocco an economic and technical assistance worth over $14.5 million destined to finance public projects to be decided by the two partner countries. Chinese investments in Morocco have soared following King Mohammed VI’s visit to China in 2016 during which the two countries agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership. Last year, Morocco and China had agreed to set up an academic institute, which will conduct studies on the “Belt and Road” initiative. Morocco was the first African nation to join the initiative in 2013, seeking to connect Asian, European and African countries more closely. Thanks to its modern infrastructures, close ties with African economies and its advanced ports and free zones, Morocco offers a strategic export hub for Chinese businesses willing to expand in Africa.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 20, 2019 15:33 UTC