India, Morocco sign bilateral deals

A number of MoUs and agreements were signed following a meeting between a Moroccan delegation and Nitin Gadkari, India’s Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation

December 14, 2017

The Indian and Moroccan delegations discussed matters relating to India-Morocco bilateral cooperation in road transport, water resources and the marine sector

The two countries signed and exchanged four MoUs and agreements, includng collaborations between Indian and Moroccan institutes of technical expertise

Following successful trade missions to and from Morocco, backed by supportive policies, bilateral trade rose to US$1.4 billion in 2016 from US$1.3 billion in 2015

One of India’s top imports from Morocco is phosphates, a crucial fertilizer ingredient; meanwhile India’s top exports to Morocco are pharmaceuticals and automobiles

India and Morocco have signed a host of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements covering a cross-section of industries. The deals come after a delegation of the Moroccan Government, led by Abdelkader Amara, the country’s Minister for Equipment, Transport, Logistics and Water called on Shri Nitin Gadkari, India’s Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation in New Delhi on December 14th. The two sides discussed matters relating to India-Morocco bilateral cooperation in road transport, water resources and the marine sector.

The two countries signed and exchanged the following MoUs and agreements – a MoU on cooperation in the field of water resources; an agreement to establish cooperation between the Indian Maritime University (IMU) and the Higher Institute of Maritime Studies (ISEM) of Morocco; a framework agreement for cooperation in training between the National Ports Agency (NPA) of Morocco and the Indian Maritime University (IMU); and a cooperation framework agreement between the Institute of Training in Engines and Road Maintenance of Morocco (IFEER) and Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE).

Beyond diplomatic ties, India and Morocco have been key trading partners for long. Following a series of successful trade delegations to and from Morocco, bilateral trade rose to US$1.4 billion in 2016 from US$1.3 billion in 2015. One of the key factors determining the importance of the relationship is India’s need for phosphates. Moroccan phosphate resources are among the most extensive in the world and this important Moroccan resource is critical for India. Phosphates are used for making fertilizers, and for an agrarian economy like India, this is a vital import. In return, India exports automobiles and pharmaceutical products to Morocco.

Recent Articles

EAM Jaishankar highlights strengthened India-Bahrain ties

December 10, 2024

During his visit to Bahrain, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar …

Read More

India’s economic growth forecast for FY2025 remains steady at 6.8%: S&P

December 9, 2024

India’s economy is set to grow steadily in FY2025, with …

Read More

Norway to ratify India-EFTA free trade pact by 2025

December 9, 2024

During the India-Norway Business Forum in Mumbai, Norway reaffirmed its …

Read More