Morocco belt and road deal could give China gateway to Mediterranean, experts say

Name: Top Chinese diplomat tours East Africa to promote peace, ensure stability for belt and road allies
Uploaded: 2022-01-08T10:00:22.000Z
Duration: 1 min 45 s
Description: Top Chinese diplomat tours East Africa to promote peace, ensure stability for belt and road allies

Projects with China in pipeline as North African country signs Belt and Road Initiative implementation plan

Cooperation to include joint ventures and more Chinese investment, but observers also note Morocco’s importance in linking Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe

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Morocco’s geographical position could work to China’s advantage, experts said. Photo: AP

Zhao Ziwen

Published: 6:00pm, 8 Jan 2022

Morocco has become the first North African country to sign a Belt and Road Initiative implementation plan with China, as Beijing steps up its engagement with Africa.

Observers said it meant China could expand its use of Morocco as a link for trade between Africa and Europe, but would focus less on energy and resources trade than was the case in its dealings with other African nations.

Ning Jizhe, vice-chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, signed the cooperation plan with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on Wednesday.

Five North African countries – Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco – have signed a belt and road memorandum of understanding, but Morocco is the first to commit to the implementation plan, which details specific cooperation and projects with China, including proposed timetables.

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Top Chinese diplomat tours East Africa to promote peace, ensure stability for belt and road allies

The plan includes the two nations creating joint ventures in the energy industry, and more Chinese investment in Morocco’s health, financial and agricultural industries.