In 2018, Morocco’s government statics confirmed that trade between the North African country and China increased from $1.7 billion to $5.4 billion USD. A recent 3-day business fair in Casablanca showed Chinese investment continues to be on the rise. The December 2019 fair saw over 150 Chinese exhibitors representing renewable energy, construction, agriculture, and the tea industry. In 2018, the Chinese Association of Moroccan Tea Professionals reported that Morocco is the largest importer of green tea in the world. Moroccan people consume more than 2 kg of tea per capita and import 77,600 tons per year.
At the fair, MIE Group CEO David Wang spoke. He expressed excitement about the Sino-Moroccan support for the Belt and Road Initiative. “Morocco is an important hub for trade between China and Africa.”
Chinese investors have been particularly optimistic about visiting Morocco since King Mohammed VI’s 2016 visit to China. During this time, contracts amounting to millions of dollars were signed and shortly after, visa waivers and a trade zone were created in Fez.