Morocco and UK aim to double trade ties ahead of 2030 World Cup

Morocco and the United Kingdom are setting ambitious targets to double bilateral trade and deepen economic collaboration, leveraging the momentum from major infrastructure projects and the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup. This strategic push was highlighted during a high-level meeting in Rabat, where Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, and the UK’s Minister of State for International Trade, Chris Bryant, outlined shared priorities.

During the Morocco-United Kingdom Business Forum in Rabat, Bryant, leading a delegation of British government and private sector representatives, underscored the critical role of trade expansion and enhanced partnerships. He emphasized how the 2030 World Cup could serve as a transformative catalyst, boosting infrastructure development, economic attractiveness, and long-term legacy projects that benefit future generations.

Mezzour echoed this vision, describing the 2030 World Cup as more than just a sporting event—it is a strategic driver to modernize Morocco’s transportation networks, healthcare systems, and public amenities across the country, not just in host cities. Beyond the tournament, he added, Morocco is rolling out a sweeping eight-year economic and territorial transformation agenda to position itself as a key player in global value chains.

Addressing British business leaders at the forum, Mezzour invited deeper collaboration, highlighting Morocco’s public procurement opportunities and large-scale transformation projects as gateways for British firms to integrate into global supply chains. He stressed the country’s commitment to fostering partnerships rooted in investment, innovation, and sustainable growth, moving beyond mere technology transfers to build mutually beneficial ventures.

The two-day forum, held in Rabat and Casablanca on June 2 and 3, drew nearly 50 British companies specializing in infrastructure, transportation, security, engineering, design, and professional services.