Morocco Showcases Climate-Focused Trade Strategy at WTO MC14, Expands Global Economic Partnerships
Yaoundé, The Gulf Observer: Morocco actively participated in the Fourteenth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC14), held from March 26 to 29 in Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé, with Secretary of Foreign Trade Omar Hjira representing the Kingdom.
Addressing a high-level meeting of the Trade Ministers’ Alliance for Climate, chaired by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Hjira underscored the importance of aligning global trade policies with environmental priorities.
He highlighted Morocco’s national climate strategy, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45.5 percent by 2030 and increase renewable energy capacity to over 52 percent, reflecting the country’s commitment to transitioning toward a low-carbon economy.
Morocco also advocated for expanding trade in environmental goods and services, reducing tariffs on green products, and promoting the circular economy. These initiatives are designed to attract investment, facilitate the transfer of clean technologies, and reinforce Morocco’s position as a regional leader in climate-conscious economic policy.
Hjira noted that Morocco views its participation in MC14 as a key platform to showcase its leadership in international trade and sustainable development. He emphasized that the global event, which brought together thousands of participants and experts, offered an opportunity to highlight Morocco’s strategic direction under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, particularly in innovation, technology, and global economic integration.
On the sidelines of the conference, Morocco engaged in an extensive series of bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening economic partnerships and expanding trade opportunities. Hjira stated that the event also enabled Morocco to enhance dialogue, exchange expertise with international partners, and reinforce its role as an active player in areas such as supply chains, maritime trade, and digital transformation.
Among the key engagements, Morocco held talks with New Zealand’s Minister of Trade and Investment, with both sides agreeing to boost bilateral trade relations and organize mutual economic missions to explore new opportunities.
According to Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, participation in the conference also opened avenues for support in implementing the country’s Foreign Trade Program for 2025–2027, particularly in digitalization and empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to improve competitiveness and integrate into global value chains.
Morocco also sought to deepen ties across Africa and beyond. Discussions with Ghana’s Minister of Trade laid the groundwork for an upcoming official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, while talks with Somalia’s Minister of Trade and Industry explored future collaboration based on untapped export potential.
In Eastern Europe, a meeting with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration resulted in an agreement to establish a joint technical committee to identify cooperation areas and address trade imbalances between the two countries.
These diplomatic engagements reflect Morocco’s broader strategy of diversifying its economic partnerships and strengthening its role in the global marketplace.
