Participants at a high-level business gathering on Tuesday focused the positive aspects of the various economic and trade relations between Finland and Morocco and stressed Moroccos strategic importance as a regional hub between Africa and Europe.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco to Finland and Estonia hosted the business gathering entitled “Morocco–Finland Economic Cooperation: Perspectives and Opportunities,” at a hotel in Helsinki where Finnish economic decision-makers took part among others, said the embassy in a press release on Thursday.
The diplomatic and economic gathering formed part of the renewed momentum in bilateral relations between Rabat and Helsinki, driven by the shared vision of King Mohammed VI and the President of Finland.
This dynamic has been reinforced by recent high-level exchanges, including the visit of Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, which culminated in a joint statement on August 6, 2023, with his Finnish counterpart, Elina Valtonen, and the recent visit to Morocco by the Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio.
It also follows the organization of the first Morocco–Finland Economic Forum in Casablanca, a milestone in deepening strategic partnerships between the two countries.
In his opening speech, Moroccos Ambassador, Mohamed Achgalou, highlighted the “deep and multidimensional transformation of the Moroccan economy under the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.”
He emphasized that over the past 25 years, Morocco has adopted a more resilient, inclusive, and attractive economic model, one capable of withstanding external shocks while strengthening the countrys regional and international positioning.
“The global pandemic, the Al Haouz earthquake, successive droughts, and global geopolitical shifts have not slowed Moroccos economic and development momentum,” said the envoy.
On the contrary, these challenges underscored the countrys adaptability and the relevance of the structural reforms it has implemented: sector diversification, accelerated industrialization, major infrastructure projects, financial inclusion, a modernized business environment, and a transparent, robust financial system.
Today, Morocco enjoys strong recognition from international institutions and credit agencies for its macroeconomic stability and financial governance, he said.
Ambassador Petri Salo, Special Envoy for the Sahel and West Africa at the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, also addressed the gathering, applauding the positive trajectory of Morocco–Finland economic and trade relations.
He stressed Moroccos strategic importance as a regional hub between Africa and Europe, and the promising opportunities offered by its market, particularly in view of major upcoming international events such as the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The evening brought together prominent figures from Finlands economic ecosystem, including parliamentarians, tourism professionals, economic journalists, and representatives from several companies.
The event aimed to lay the foundations for a structured economic partnership based on complementarity, mutual trust, and a shared vision of sustainable development.
Three keynote papers were presented in the gathering where Brahim Benmoussa, Secretary General of Moroccos Ministry of Investment, outlined the pillars of the national economic strategy, investment incentives, and ongoing reforms to enhance territorial convergence and national attractiveness, Hatim El Gharbi, representative of the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) for the Nordic and Baltic countries, showcased Moroccos tourism potential, emphasizing the richness of its offer, the Kingdoms stability, and efforts to improve air connectivity and Omar Korchi, Head of the Banque Centrale Populaires Nordic office, presented financial tools and support mechanisms available to Finnish companies interested in the Moroccan market.