Within the framework of strengthening economic and commercial relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and New Zealand, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of the Wilaya of Tangier, Omar Moro, recently welcomed David Strachan, Ambassador of New Zealand to Morocco.

This visit highlights the ongoing commitment of the governments to strengthen Moroccan-New Zealand cooperation, foster dialogue and promote mutual understanding between the two friendly countries. After a long discussion between the two parties, during which issues relating to the economic life of the two countries, the business opportunities offered by Morocco and the high degree of attractiveness of the Kingdom were addressed, the discussion focused particularly on the city's major industrial hub and the interest that New Zealand has in Morocco. The place of Morocco on the economic chessboard continues to grow, despite the difficult global economic context. This is why Mr Moro said he was delighted with this visit, which reflects the importance that New Zealand attaches to the development of its bilateral relations with the Kingdom and the interest aroused by the Northern region in particular. For Moro, "Tangier is a decisive socio-economic platform for the north of the country. This region is, moreover, the second economic hub of the Kingdom after Casablanca. It stands out in terms of clothing, the automotive industry, agriculture, fishing and tourism, which confirms its economic and industrial positioning in the country." He concluded that this visit was an opportunity to capitalise on efforts and give new impetus to bilateral cooperation. For his part, the ambassador replied that this visit was part of the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries and the enrichment of industrial contacts between the two parties.

Despite a strong geographical distance and a narrow market, New Zealand has one of the most open markets in the world. This is thanks to major structural reforms and successful insertion into the global economy. The primary sector continues to play a very important role in the country and represents more than half of exports. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Morocco and New Zealand in 1994, the two countries have forged ties of friendship and cooperation and share a commitment to the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, as well as a desire to promote their economic relations and trade exchanges. The last bilateral political consultations, at the level of the secretaries-general of the ministries of foreign affairs, took place in April 2009.