Morocco and Madagascar are embarking on a renewed phase of economic cooperation.
In a recent meeting in Rabat, Omar Hajjar, Morocco’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, hosted Jouhari Huylla Rajobson, the Ambassador of Madagascar, to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and industrial relations. A key agenda item was Madagascar’s participation in the upcoming AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) Continental Forum in Marrakech.
During the meeting, Ambassador Rajobson received an official invitation from David Herizo Ralampofiringa, Madagascar’s Minister of Industrialization and Trade, for the forum. This continental gathering aims to accelerate African trade convergence and promote intra-African investment.
Morocco seeks to leverage its historical and diplomatic ties with Madagascar to foster more dynamic South-South cooperation. Key sectors targeted for this enhanced partnership include agribusiness, renewable energy, textiles, and vocational training. The invitation to the AfCFTA Forum is part of a broader strategy to integrate Madagascar into new continental value chains, aligning with the growing trend of intra-African trade.
Both officials agreed to continue bilateral consultations to establish a suitable legal and institutional framework for this revitalized partnership. This includes the potential conclusion of agreements on investment protection, avoidance of double taxation, and technical assistance. The overarching goal is to create an environment that encourages robust trade and co-production initiatives between Moroccan and Malagasy economic operators.
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