Moroccan-Chinese relations are witnessing steady growth, driven by a shared strategic vision that focuses on enhancing economic and technological cooperation. The “Digital Silk Road” initiative, which stems from the massive Chinese “Belt and Road” project, is the cornerstone of this partnership, transforming Morocco into a major launching pad for China towards the African continent and the world.This situation has attracted the attention of a number of think tanks and research centers around the world, the most recent of which was the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), an Indian research center that contributes to formulating policies and building political consensus locally and internationally to enhance India’s role in global issues, as it highlighted in a recent report the size and nature of Moroccan-Chinese relations.The report indicated that Morocco has historically maintained close relations with the West, but today it seeks to diversify its partnerships, taking advantage of global geopolitical and economic changes. The signing of the “Belt and Road” initiative implementation plan between the two countries in 2022 was a milestone, making Morocco the first country in the Maghreb region to join this ambitious initiative.Digital Silk Road.. Towards an advanced digital infrastructure to change the face of MoroccoAccording to the ORF report, the “Digital Silk Road” initiative represents a qualitative leap in the development of digital infrastructure in Morocco, as it aims to build advanced communications networks, establish modern data centers, develop e-commerce, and create smart cities based on the latest technologies, as giant Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE participate in the implementation of these projects, providing their expertise and advanced technologies.The “Digital Silk Road”, according to the same source, focuses on bringing advanced information technology infrastructure to countries benefiting from Belt and Road Initiative investments, such as broadband networks, e-commerce centers, and smart cities, as this project is also called the “Information Silk Road”.He pointed out that this initiative will contribute to strengthening the digital economy in Morocco, creating new job opportunities, and attracting foreign investment, and will help improve the quality of public services, such as education, health, and transportation, through the use of modern technology, considering that this project represents a radical change in Morocco’s digital infrastructure, as it seeks to keep pace with global developments in the field of technology.The “Digital Silk Road” will also contribute to strengthening Morocco’s position as a regional center for technology and innovation, making it an attractive destination for global companies operating in this field. It will also help promote financial inclusion by providing modern digital financial services to all segments of society. In addition, it will help improve the efficiency of government administration by using technology to provide services to citizens.Morocco: A strategic location that enhances Chinese influence in AfricaMorocco enjoys a unique strategic geographical location, making it a natural gateway to Africa and Europe. This location, located at the confluence of the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the African continent, makes it a vital link in global trade, a strategic importance that China realizes as it seeks to enhance its influence in the region by investing in Morocco.Through huge investments in major projects, such as the “Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City” and solar energy complexes, the report considered that China is consolidating its economic presence in Morocco, as the “Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City” is a model for partnership between the two countries, as it contributes to attracting Chinese investments and providing job opportunities for Moroccans, and renewable energy projects contribute to achieving Morocco’s goals in the field of sustainable development.These investments allow China to access new markets in Africa and Europe, which enhances its position as a global economic power. They also contribute to strengthening political cooperation between the two countries and building long-term strategic relations, while these investments are also considered a window for China to the European market due to the free trade agreements that link Morocco to the European Union.Challenges and competition.. Balancing interests in a changing worldThe report stressed that despite the great opportunities offered by the partnership with China, Morocco faces challenges related to geopolitical competition. Western powers, such as the European Union and the United States, are competing with China for influence in the region, through similar initiatives such as the European “Global Gateway” and the Italian “Mattei” Plan, a situation that requires Morocco to wisely manage its relations with various parties, and achieve a delicate balance between its economic and political interests.A recent economic report issued by the “Observer Research Foundation” indicates that the volume of Chinese investments in Morocco during the last decade amounted to about $ 9.4 billion. These investments were mainly focused on the renewable energy, infrastructure and transportation sectors, including strategic projects such as the “Noor” solar energy complex and the “Tangier Tech City”, which shows the extent of China’s commitment to Morocco. However, Morocco must ensure that these investments contribute to achieving sustainable development, and do not lead to excessive economic dependence, according to the Indian Foundation’s report.The report stressed that this competition represents an opportunity for Morocco to benefit from all parties and achieve maximum economic and political gains, stressing that Morocco is required to maintain the independence of its decision and balance its interests with various international partners, stressing that maintaining transparency and accountability in all investment projects is of paramount importance to ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals. The institution considered that the partnership between Morocco and China, especially through the “Digital Silk Road” initiative, represents a valuable strategic opportunity to enhance digital infrastructure and develop the Moroccan economy, stressing that
Official visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the People’s Republic of China
