Morocco: Free trade deal with China needs years of technical study, says minister

Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, has emphasized that establishing a free trade agreement with China necessitates years of in-depth technical studies. This cautious approach suggests a lengthy process before any formal negotiations can commence.

Mezzour stated that his ministry is currently conducting comprehensive technical assessments. He indicated that the complexity and scope of these studies mean they could potentially span several years. This timeline underscores Morocco's deliberate strategy in exploring potential trade pacts with major global economies.

This stance follows comments made by the Moroccan minister in June, when he spoke with Bloomberg about the country's interest in pursuing a free trade agreement with China. The current emphasis on thorough technical evaluation highlights Morocco's commitment to understanding the full implications of such a significant economic partnership before committing to formal discussions.