Doing Business in Morocco

Morocco is the closest African country to Europe separated from the Spanish market and its 60 million tourists by a mere 9 miles through the straits of Gibraltar (a stone through from Tangiers).

Despite its association agreement and its formal application to join the European Community, Morocco is a North African country, an Arab and Islamic state. If Arabic and English are the common business languages in the Middle East, French is a must for doing business in Morocco. Arabic is the official language followed in terms of usage by Berber dialects, Spanish in the North and South . The use of English is on the increase in manufacturing and exporting companies, the Hotel industry, universities and private schools.

Compared to its North African neighbours, Morocco has a more diversified economy with tremendous untapped potential and prospects for business in a number of fields (Agribusiness, fisheries, mining exploration, tourism, export oriented manufacturing, infrastructure development).

France is still Morocco's main client and supplier. However, instead of going through a French or Belgian French speaking agent, British companies are now flying direct from UK airports to Tangiers, Casablanca, Marrakech (the beloved city of Sir Winston Churchill) or Agadir ( Morocco's French Riviera and second largest economic region after Rabat/Casablanca).
As an investor, your Moroccan hosts and partners will invest in supplying the necessary framework for communication. They will either speak English or provide an interpreter.

However if your aim is pure export of goods or services to Morocco ( you may already have dealings with France), you're advised to prepare yourself and be accompanied by a private or public export/consultant/interpreter who could guide you into the market both before, during and most importantly after the market visits.

The public sector projects are important but the private sector is very active in commercial and industrial activities. In the clothing sector alone, over 50 British manufacturers are operating from Morocco for re-exports to UK, Europe and world markets.

Kacem Debar speaks Arabic, French and English From 1982-1985 he was Economic Counsellor (Export Promoter) at the Moroccan Embassy in London. At present he is a Markeing and Business Consultant specialising in two way trade investments between the UK/France/Morocco and North Africa and other Arab and French speaking countries.