Morocco – USA: Trade and Investment
Said El Mansour Cherkaoui is based in Northern California, USA, and can be reached at saidcherkaoui@triconsultingkyoto.com
Author and Editor: Said El Mansour Cherkaoui
Université de la Sorbonne, Paris III – Institut des Hautes Etudes de l’Amérique Latine, Paris
Sciences Po, Grenoble
Tate Yoko Research Institute – TRI ·
INVITATION AU VOYAGE – Invitation to the Voyage … Promoting, Inviting, and Encouraging investment in Morocco.
https://www.linkedin.com/…/investangier_mra-day-2023…
https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…/…
Invest in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region: Shape the future of your business globally!
Invitational Introduction by Said El Mansour Cherkaoui – Said Cherkaoui – Said El Mansour Cherkaoui with the poetic path traced by Charles Baudelaire
L’Invitation au voyage. Mon enfant, ma sœur, Songe à la douceur. D’aller là-bas vivre ensemble! Aimer à loisir, Aimer et mourir. Au pays qui te ressemble!
My friend, my peer, my brother, and my sister imagine the opportunities of investment waiting for your dreams in the royal land where the sweetness of ancestral memories and origins you will see, look like you.
Join us in evaluating and participating in building paths, places, and reasons to anchor the returning vessels of the Moroccans visiting their homeland to vibrant and dynamic ports of welcoming and productive investment possibilities.
Don’t miss out – click below to discover the highlights and sail across your investment voyage with #Investangier!
Welcome back home – The Land of the True Believers in their potential to make a difference and realize their dreams.
Attn.: Jalal Benhayoun – Directeur Général / CEO Chez Centre d’Investissement de la Région Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima
Regional Investment Center Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
- https://lnkd.in/gFuj_Sia
- Website: https://lnkd.in/gzmh-E5C
- Phone: +212 53 934 2303
- LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gPwVFKSd
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Investment from China in Morocco: GOTION HIGH-TECH
Mr. Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch chaired today a signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Moroccan State and the Sino-European group GOTION HIGH-TECH to define the contours of their GIGAFACTORY project and its Integrated Ecosystem in Morocco.
For the study of his project, the leader in the electric mobility sector GOTION HIGH-TECH has selected #Morocco, which is establishing itself as the leader of the automotive industry in Africa, thanks to the Leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, God assisted him.
This MoU signed by Mohcine Jazouli and Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency – AMDIE and GOTION HIGH-TECH is a prerequisite for the signing of the investment agreement for the project which would relate to a global amount of investment estimated at 65 billion DH for the creation of more than 25,000 jobs.
In this regard, the Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, Convergence, and the Evaluation of Public Policies indicated that “this Memorandum is a necessary first step, prior to the signing of an investment agreement, which must enable the launch of a Gigafactory capable of consolidating the position of a leading player in the Kingdom’s automotive industry, made possible by the Leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him. »
Mr. Li Zhen, President of GOTION HIGH-TECH also stated that “the group is eager to contribute to the global development of green mobility solutions. Mr. Zhen pointed out that “GOTION is also happy to cooperate with Morocco on this project to contribute to decarbonization and the deployment of innovative energy solutions. With its enchanting landscapes, its inclusive culture, Morocco is a country where people live in peace. The vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI has enabled Morocco to establish good economic relations with many countries around the world. »
#development #project #investment #energy #culture #export #africa #china #automotiveindustry #tech #jobs #leadership #leader #people #morocco #china #saidelmansourcherkaoui
Articles on Morocco – USA Relations by Said El Mansour Cherkaoui
Morocco ★ USA ★ Morocco ★ California
With EBCITD – Said El Mansour Cherkaoui Representing 25 US / Californian Companies at Casablanca – Morocco
His Excellency Mr. Arthur Riley U.S. Ambassador in Morocco – Omar Bouafi Executive at Glocentra – Said El Mansour Cherkaoui who in 2004 is representing 25 U.S. Food Companies at the American Cafe Trade Show organized in Casablanca – Morocco by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Morocco. This Tradeshow was set to facilitate the Signing of the United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement
Trade and Diplomacy: USA and Morocco
Said El Mansour Cherkaoui The U.S.-Moroccan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in 2006, made Morocco the first African country to sign such an agreement with the United States. Such action has renewed the privilege that Morocco had to be the first … Continue reading Trade and Diplomacy: USA and Morocco December 16, 2020
MAFTA – Morocco Free Trade Agreement
Editor: Said El Mansour Cherkaoui, Ph.D. The Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) went into effect on January 1, 2006. Under the agreement most Moroccan goods enter the United States duty free and virtually all will enter free by the time it is fully implemented on January 1, 2023. The Morocco FTA does NOT provide a merchandise processing Continue reading
US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement
Said El Mansour Cherkaoui, January 2, 2018 The Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) went into effect on January 1, 2006. Under the agreement most Moroccan goods enter the United States duty free and virtually all will enter free by the time it is fully implemented on January 1, 2023. The Morocco FTA does NOT provide a merchandise processing fee (MPF) exemption. Value proposition: … Continue reading
With EBCITD – Said El Mansour Cherkaoui Representing 25 US / Californian Companies at Casablanca – Morocco
American Café organized in Casablanca Morocco by the USDA, US State Department and the US Embassy in Morocco
Official Letter by the Executive Director James Garrett mandating Said Cherkaoui to organize California trade mission to Morocco and conduct negotiations with local exporters, importers, executives and officials.
American Café at Casablanca – Morocco attended by Said Cherkaoui representing the EBCITD and 25 US Food companies. This trade show was a facilitator for the upcoming negotiations and the signature of the US – Morocco Free Trade Agreement. I met with Exporters, Importers, Heads of the Largest companies and Decision-Makers at local and regional and National levels.
Morocco and California Trade
Said El Mansour Cherkaoui, December 16, 2020 California exported to Morocco $116.9 million in 2019 and $111 million of worth of goods. Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui Promoting Moroccan-US Trade, Business and Cultural Relationships The key exported product categories were computer and electronic products, agricultural products, chemicals, and non-electrical machinery. Out of those categories, the largest was computer and electronic products, which had a value … Continue reading Morocco and California Trade
★Morocco★USA★Morocco★California★
USA place and position in the global marketplace, Enabling US-Morocco Trade Relations and matching Californian Businesses with their regional and Global counterparts.…Continue reading
United States and California Relations with Morocco
The Moroccan-American friendship up-to-this date [2019] has lasted more than 240 years: The Barbary Treaties 1786-1816 Treaty with Morocco June 28 and July 15, 1786 Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui & CITD in Casablanca [Morocco], Berkeley and Oakland working to expand California – Morocco trade relations Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui Promoting Moroccan-US Trade, Business and Cultural Relationships About Morocco Continue reading
Prospects of the US and Morocco Relation
Said El Mansour Cherkaoui, Executive Editor, October 25, 2020 United States’ Ambassador to Morocco, Mr David Fischer discuss the present and the prospects of the United States of America and Morocco Relation American investment in Morocco continues to flourish. Q&A with the United States’ Ambassador to Morocco, Mr David Fischer United STATES OF AMERICA – Morocco Long Standing FRIENDLY and Exemplary Relation MGR: Morocco and … Continue reading Prospects of the US and Morocco Relation
Morocco and United States Trade Relations
Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui and His Global Interactions and Endeavors Morocco has ratified 71 bilateral investment treaties for the promotion and protection of investments and 60 economic agreements – including with the United States and most EU nations– that aim to eliminate the double taxation of income or gains. Morocco is the only country on the African continent with … Continue reading December 29, 2020
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U.S. Trade and Investment with Morocco Revitalized
Said El Mansour Cherkaoui, 12/25/2020 – Northern California Office The US DFC has made several announcements signifying its efforts to expand into Morocco – including the opening of a new Prosper Africa regional office and an MoU signing with the government to invest $3 billion in Moroccan projects DFC Announces Initiatives to Expand U.S. Investment and Development in Morocco December 22, 2020 Office will bolster … Continue reading U.S. Trade and Investment with Morocco Revitalized
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND KINGDOM OF MOROCCO
Morocco and United States Trade Relations by Said El Mansour Cherkaoui December 29, 2020 U.S. Trade and Investment with Morocco Revitalized by Said El Mansour Cherkaoui December 25, 2020 Morocco and California Trade by Said El Mansour Cherkaoui December 16, 2020 Trade and Diplomacy: USA and Morocco by Said El Mansour Cherkaoui December 16, 2020 United States and California Relations with Morocco by Said El … Juillet 9, 2021 Lire la suite United States of America and Kingdom of Morocco→
Center for International Business and Trade
★ Our Core Values ★ “We are committed to promoting national and global economic systems based on the principles of justice, equity, democracy, participation, transparency, accountability and openness.” International Conference on Development – (UN – Rio de Janeiro, 2002) المركز العالمي للتجارة ★ Centre Mondial pour le Commerce ★ ★ Centro Global de Comercio ★ Based in the San Francisco Bay Area where our partners … Continue reading Center for International Business and Trade
Historical Perspective on Doing Business in North Saharan Africa by Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui
Morocco Background
★ Foreign Investment and Foreign Trade ★ Morocco has ratified 72 investment treaties for the promotion and protection of investments and 62 economic agreements – including with the United States and most EU nations – that aim to eliminate the double taxation of income or gains. Morocco is the only country on the African continent with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, eliminating tariffs on more than 95 percent of qualifying consumer and industrial goods.
Morocco’s Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE) ★ is the national agency responsible for the development and promotion of investments and exports. Following the reform to the law governing the country’s Regional Investment Centers (CRIs) in 2019, each of the 12 regions is empowered to lead its own investment promotion efforts. The CRI websites aggregate relevant information for interested investors and include investment maps, procedures for creating a business, production costs, applicable laws and regulations, and general business climate information, among other investment services.
The International Finance Corporation recognizes Morocco as a top market reformer in the Middle East and North Africa. The nation has emerged as a commercial hub as a result of its economic reforms, investment incentives, competitive costs of production, modern banking processes, strong laws to protect intellectual property, and proximity to major markets. Morocco has a Free Trade Agreement with the United States and an Association Agreement with the European Union (EU). These agreements attract traders looking to enter Morocco, the world’s largest markets (such as the EU and the United States), and the world’s fastest-growing markets (e.g., Africa). The U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement entered into force in January 2006, eliminating duties on more than 95 percent of all goods and services, and U.S. exports have grown dramatically since then.
As the United States was struggling in its battle for independence from Great Britain, Sultan Mohammed III of Morocco was among the first heads of state in the world to grant American ships port access. By royal decree in 1777, Sultan Mohammed III provided the Americans with an economic ally and began what would become the longest unbroken diplomatic relationship in the history of the United States. With the more contemporary 2006 free trade agreement causing an increase in American and Moroccan exports from $481 million to $3.5 billion and $446 million to $1.6 billion
(Source: United States Department of State 2020 and Dylan Patrick: American Foreign Direct Investment in Morocco: How Can We Help? University of Nebraska – Lincoln
China ★1 Jan 2022
Said El Mansour Cherkaoui Articles on USA – Morocco Trade Relations 16 Nov 2021In “California”
Morocco has ratified 72 investment treaties for the promotion and protection of investments and 62 economic agreements, including with the United States and most EU nations, that aim to eliminate the double taxation of income or gains. Morocco is the only country on the African continent with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, eliminating tariffs on more than 95 percent of qualifying consumer and industrial goods.
The Government of Morocco plans to phase out tariffs for some products through 2030. The FTA supports Morocco’s goals to develop as a regional financial and trade hub, providing opportunities for the localization of services and the finishing and re-export of goods to markets in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Since the U.S.-Morocco FTA came into effect bilateral trade in goods has grown nearly five-fold. The U.S. and Moroccan governments work closely to increase trade and investment through high-level consultations, bilateral dialogue, and other forums to inform U.S. businesses of investment opportunities and strengthen business-to-business ties.
Morocco and United States Trade Relations
Morocco is located in Northwestern Africa and is slightly geographically larger than California. The capital of Morocco is Rabat, which is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Morocco has a population of 34.37 million people and a gross domestic product (GDP) of $100.6 billion. Due to its proximity to Europe along the strategic location as a gateway to Africa, Morocco has created strong trade relationships and promotes an open market economy. In 2015, the US had $304 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Morocco.
The United States is the fourth largest importer of Moroccan goods.
In 2016, the US imported roughly $1 billion worth of goods from Morocco. The largest category of imported goods was chemicals, which made up 36.8% or $375 million of the total. Other imports from Morocco included food manufactures, apparel manufacturing products, and transportation equipment. In the same year, the United States exported $1.86 billion worth of goods to Morocco, which was an increase from the previous year. In the same year, the United States exported $1.86 billion worth of goods to Morocco, which was an increase from the previous year .
The main exports to Morocco were transportation equipment (31.6%), agricultural products (15%), and petroleum and coal products (8.7%). Export data pulled from the International Trade Administration (ITA) shows that average US exports to Morocco have more than tripled since the US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA) went into effect just over a decade ago.
President George W. Bush signed the FTA, the first US free trade agreement with an African country, exactly twelve years ago today; and the agreement went into effect on January 1, 2006.
In the three years before the FTA (2003-2005), US exports to Morocco averaged $482 million; in the past three years (2013-2015), they increased 328 percent to $2.1 billion.
At the state level, Texas claims the spot as the top exporter to Morocco, both in 2015 and on average over the past three years, exporting $510 and $710 million worth of goods, respectively. Other top state exporters when looking at three-year averages include Louisiana, West Virginia, Washington, and California in descending order; considering only 2015, Washington, Louisiana, Virginia and California rounded out the top five following Texas.
When looking at sheer growth in exports since before the FTA, other states emerge as winners. Nevada experienced the biggest boost in exports at a nearly 13,000% increase; Idaho’s exports increased by nearly 11,000%; Montana’s by just over 10,000%; New Mexico by nearly 4,500%; and West Virginia by just under 4,000%.
Morocco has been doing everything right to strengthen and diversify its economy,” said former US Ambassador to Morocco Edward M. Gabriel. “Choosing Morocco as the US’s first FTA beneficiary in Africa was a smart move, and I believe the US will continue benefiting from this strong relationship for years to come.
”Here below, you will found presentations on the California – Morocco Trade and the MAFTA – Morocco Free Trade Agreement with the United States including investment opportunities in Morocco.
With an annual Gross Domestic Product growth rate of nearly five percent over the past five years, Morocco’s recent economic history is one of macroeconomic stability and low inflation, despite the challenges of the Arab Spring. In the World Bank’s 2017 Doing Business report, Morocco’s rating improved to 69th in the world.Morocco is conveniently located for investors who are interested in exporting to Europe and Africa. Moreover, the availability of skilled and competitive labor at lower costs, relative to Europe, is a key factor in attracting automakers to Morocco. These automakers are also eligible for tax exemptions for 25 years, provided that most of the production is destined for export.“
The interests of Renault in Morocco remains the control of the Moroccan automobile market, the availability of very-affordable and relatively well-educated workforce and the bridge to Europe and the Gateway to Africa and Middle East that Morocco provide through its strategic geographical location. Additional benefits can be also the unique opportunities that are offered by the operation of Tangier. Renault is currently the dominant company in the Moroccan automotive market. The Dacia and Renault brands, owned and operated by Renault, represent respectively 20% and 17% of the market. Renault is already operating a plant in Casablanca and the increased production of this new plant will allow the company to maintain its market share as the Moroccan automotive industry grows.” (Said El Mansour Cherkaoui)
Morocco Tourism Investment Road Show to the U.S.
WHEN: January 25, 2018 – January 26, 2018 all-day – WHERE: Los Angeles, CA – USA
The Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA)
The Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) went into effect on January 1, 2006. Under the agreement most Moroccan goods enter the United States duty free and virtually all will enter free by the time it is fully implemented on January 1, 2023. The Morocco FTA does NOT provide a merchandise processing fee (MPF) exemption.
Value proposition: Read more on the attractiveness of Morocco for Foreign Direct Investment
Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA)
Information for U.S. Exporters is available through the Department of Commerce at:
http://www.export.gov/FTA/index.asp
The Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) went into effect on January 1, 2006. Under the agreement most Moroccan goods enter the United States duty free and virtually all will enter free by the time it is fully implemented on January 1, 2023. The Morocco FTA does NOT provide a merchandise processing fee (MPF) exemption. To learn more about how to claim preference on these goods, select the following:
Morocco Free Trade Agreement Implementation Instructions
This document provides the most relevant information in HTSUS General Notes 27 and 19 CFR Subpart M.
Data Elements for the Morocco FTA Certificate of Origin – Attachment A
This certification can be used by Moroccan producers and exporters, and US importers, when attesting that their goods meet the requirements of the Morocco FTA.
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) – Morocco FTA General Notes 27
General note, including the General Rules of Origin, Definitions, Value (including Regional Value Content and De Minimis), Sets, Packing and Packaging Materials, Indirect Materials, Record keeping and the all-important Product Specific Rules of Origin
NOTE: On the USITC link, select the “General Notes; General rules of Interpretation; General Statistical Notes,” link, followed by “General Notes 27”.
The following Morocco FTA goods may be subject to a reduced tariff rate quota (TRQ): beef; dairy; dried onions; dried garlic; peanuts; tomato paste, puree and sauce; tobacco; cotton; fabric and apparel.
Click here for an overview of quota. Go to the Commodity Graph Report for current fill levels. Go to the TPL Threshold to Fill List to see almost closed and closed quotas.
Reconciliation
The Reconciliation Prototype is unavailable for post-importation Morocco FTA claims because they are not administered under 19 USC 1520(d) but as Post Entry Amendments (PEAs), Post Summary Corrections (PSCs) or Protests (19 USC 1514, 19 CFR 174).
Morocco is also pursuing its own opening economic strategy, developing its trade relations with regional economic communities in Africa .. More to read at this link: Integration of Africa with Morocco
Additional Resources and Regulations:
Trade in Goods with Morocco
U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Morocco FTA Text – Complete text of the agreement.
UNITED STATES – MOROCCO FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
- Morocco FTA Regulations
- e-CFR website including: Import Requirements, Filing a Claim, Regional Value Content (RVC) Certification, Post-Importation Refunds, Rules of Origin, Origin Verifications, Transshipment, and Penalties.
- USITC Publication 3721
- Includes the modifications to the HTSUS, the Duty Phase-Out Schedule and other important information.
- Morocco FTA Implementation Act—House Report
- House Report 108-627, United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, 108th Congress, 2nd Session
- Presidential Proclamation 7971
- Enacts the Morocco FTA; Published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2005.
- Morocco FTA Summaries and Reports
- Made available by the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
Last published: November 16, 2017
Additional information is available at the US Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration and the Department of Justice in Washington, DC., Marketwired (August 17, 2016) and World Bank, BEA.
Editor: Said El Mansour Cherkaoui, Ph.D.
US Aid to Morocco: Olive and Agricultural Products
In 2004, Congress created the Millennium Challenge Corp., a foreign aid agency headed by the secretary of state, to help developing countries reduce poverty. Since its inception, the agency has authorized grants totaling more than $7 billion to help 23 African and Latin American countries.
In 2007 the agency agreed to give Morocco $697.5 million over five years to improve the country’s employment rate and salaries by investing in its fruit-tree farms, small-scale fisheries and artisan crafts, according to Millennium. Nearly half of that money – $320 million – is earmarked for the Fruit Tree Productivity Project, with 80 percent of the cash going to olives and the rest to improve date, fig and almond production. Dates, figs and almonds are also key California crops.
U.S. aid to Morocco worries California olive farmers
September 18, 2011 | Stacy Finz
Patrick Fine, who oversees such agreements as Millennium’s vice president of compact operations, said he does not believe that the investment in Morocco will harm California producers. … Not meeting demand “I …
Patrick Fine, who oversees such agreements as Millennium’s vice president of compact operations, said he does not believe that the investment in Morocco will harm California producers. The project, he said, is designed to help poor rural families increase their incomes and to help develop a strong ally in an important region in the world.