JNS
The two countries are to sign an economic agreement that will “lay the foundation” for improved bilateral trade.
Israeli Economy and Industry Minister Orna Barbivay will head to Morocco next week for an economic working visit, according to a statement from the ministry. The visit will be the first of its kind since the two countries resumed diplomatic relations in 2020.
During her visit, Barbivay will sign an economic-commercial cooperation agreement that according to the ministry will constitute “an important stage in laying the economic foundation for business relations between the two countries.” She is also scheduled to visit Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech, where she is to meet with ministers, senior government officials and senior members of the business community, according to the statement.
“Morocco is very important for Israel diplomatically, economically and culturally,” said Barbivay. “I am going there to lay the necessary economic infrastructure for productive bilateral trade. Despite the existing commercial ties and the fact that Israeli industry is already in Morocco, the scope of economic cooperation is only partial relative to its potential, the realization of which will significantly contribute to the economic well-being and growth of both countries.”
According to the ministry statement, bilateral trade between the two countries was worth approximately $70 million in 2021, with around $12.2 million in exports and $57.2 million in imports.
The ministry’s Foreign Trade Administration Director Ohad Cohen said the visit was “very significant” for Israeli industry.
“We have identified great potential for bilateral commercial cooperation in digital health and medical equipment, water technology, agriculture, cyber and fintech, food security, green energy, air travel, food technology, smart transportation and more,” said Cohen.
“This is the minister’s first working visit to Morocco and is very significant for Israeli industry and Israeli exports to the Kingdom of Morocco,” he added.
Barbivay will be accompanied on the visit by her husband, Moshe, who was born in Morocco and emigrated to Israel at the age of three. This will be their first visit to the country, according to the statement.
Caption: Israeli Economy and Industry Minister Orna Barbivay speaks at a Yesh Atid party conference in Shefayim, Sept. 22, 2021.
Photo by Gili Yaari/Flash90.
