China and Morocco: A Decade of Strategic Partnership Bearing Fruit

A decade after President Xi Jinping and King Mohammed VI formally established the China-Morocco Strategic Partnership; the two countries have built one of Africa's most consequential bilateral relationships. What began as a diplomatic framework has matured into a broad alliance spanning infrastructure development, investment flows, and cultural exchange.

A notable moment came in November 2024, when President Xi held warm exchanges with Crown Prince of Morocco during a technical stopover in Casablanca, a gesture that injected fresh momentum into the relationship and reaffirmed the strategic direction set by both heads of state.

Trade and Investment at Record Heights

Chinese investment commitments in Morocco have surpassed $10 billion, covering key sectors including industrial parks, automotive components, renewable energy, and textiles. In 2025, bilateral trade broke the $10 billion barrier for the first time — a historic record. Morocco's political stability, strategic geographic location, and attractive business environment have made it a destination of choice for Chinese investors. 

On the ground, this shift is most visible in flagship projects. The Mohammed VI Tanger Tech City has attracted more than 40 companies — the vast majority Chinese firms in cutting-edge sectors such as electric vehicle batteries and high-end manufacturing. 

Belt and Road: From Vision to Concrete Results

Morocco was the first North African country to sign cooperation documents under the Belt and Road Initiative, a pioneering status that has translated into tangible outcomes. China has actively contributed to large-scale infrastructure projects reshaping Morocco's connectivity, most notably the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line and the Rabat-Casablanca highway, reinforcing Morocco's growing role as a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe.

Zero Tariffs: Opening the Chinese Market to Morocco

On February 14, 2026, President Xi announced that China will implement zero-tariff treatment on 100% of product categories for 53 African countries effective May 1, 2026. At a time when commercial protectionism is rising in parts of the world, the move signals a pragmatic stance in support of African development, and is expected to boost Moroccan exports to China, attract greater investment, and stimulate local employment, making the vast Chinese market a genuine development opportunity for the kingdom.

People-to-People Ties

Since the abolition of visa requirements for Chinese tourists in 2016 and the launch of direct flights Casablanca/Beijing and Shanghai/Casablanca in January 2024, exchanges have broadened well beyond tourism to encompass education and culture. Moroccan interest in learning Chinese is intensifying, and a growing number of young Moroccans are choosing to study in China — laying solid foundations for a deeper rapprochement between the two peoples. 

The Road Ahead

This year, both nations celebrate the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership — a milestone that coincides with China's new development phase under the 15th Five-Year Plan and Morocco's 70th anniversary of independence. With solid foundations in place and a broad agenda of cooperation ahead, both countries appear well-positioned to deepen mutual trust, advance pragmatic cooperation, and lay the groundwork for the next decade of their partnership.