The Dubai Chamber discusses consolidating trade relations with Morocco

Discussions revolved around increasing agricultural imports from Morocco, as Mr. Hassan Attou, the Commercial Director of the Moroccan - French Chamber highlighted that the Moroccan trade depends to a large extent on agricultural exports, as it represents 20-30% of the gross national income, whilst 90% of it is being exported to Europe due to the short distances. Mr. Attou mentioned that he would like to see more Moroccan agricultural goods exported to Dubai, and therefore enquired about ways to achieve that goal.

From his side, Mr. Al Banna clarified that many agricultural products imported by Dubai are Moroccan, although they are not directly imported from Morocco due to main transportation difficulties. He added that due to the shortages in direct cargo operations between Dubai and Morocco, most perishable goods are imported from closer destinations such as Lebanon, Iran, Egypt and Jordan, where goods are transported at a much lower cost and in larger quantities by land.

The Deputy Director General mentioned that one of largest projects of expansion for the airport and Cargo Village is underway. This project is to establish a large centre to import flowers to the region, with the aim to cut distances and costs for the UAE and the neighbouring countries exporting flowers from Holland. Mr. Al Banna suggested that Moroccan companies specializing in this field could benefit from the project, hence increasing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Mr. Al Banna assured his guests that the Dubai Chamber is ready to fully cooperate with and support Moroccan businessmen and prospective investors wishing to deal with their counterparts in Dubai, by establishing communication channels between the two sides, and providing them with the necessary information.