Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour addressed the recent seizure of up to 134 Moroccan-made cars by Italian authorities, highlighting the significant achievements Morocco has made in the automotive industry over the past few years.
These achievements have led to varying perceptions of Morocco by other countries—either as an industrial partner or a competitor.
Mezzour explained that while some countries view Morocco as a complementary industrial platform that can enhance their own economies, others see it as a competitive threat that could harm their industries.
He emphasized that partnerships with Morocco in the automotive sector do not diminish the industrial strength of any country.
He pointed out past efforts to reassure French authorities that collaboration would strengthen their industries by enhancing competitiveness and building industrial sovereignty, thereby preserving and creating jobs.
The minister highlighted that these vehicles result from an alliance between two companies, adding value to both the brands and the countries they represent.
This message is crucial for countries pursuing policies of industrial sovereignty and aiming to reclaim lost industries. Morocco’s ability to produce these products is a key asset in these discussions.
The automotive sector is now the top export industry in Morocco, reaching 140 billion dirhams last year, compared to negligible exports 15 years ago.
Last year, Morocco’s automotive exports were double those of the OCP Group, a major phosphate exporter.
With a current production capacity of 700,000 cars annually, Morocco aims to increase this to one million cars next year through additional investments.
Mezzour announced an ambitious goal of reaching a production capacity of 1.4 million cars annually within the next four years. This target includes expanding into electric vehicle production, positioning Morocco among the top four or five countries with a complete production chain for electric cars.
The European Union, Morocco’s largest market, has taken a similar approach. The automotive sector in Morocco employs around 260,000 skilled workers and has the potential to triple its exports in the future, solidifying its position as the leading export sector.
Addressing concerns about car prices in Morocco, Mezzour denied that prices are higher compared to Europe, attributing such claims to misconceptions.
He clarified that car prices in Morocco and Europe are similar, as are production costs.
Any perceived price differences in Europe are due to past government subsidies in those countries.
