- We've been working to offer the Moroccan officials placements at the Polish administration and to establish a working group carrying out an annual assessment of the cooperation between the two countries – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Waldemar Pawlak said during a meeting with the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Trade, Abdellatif Maâzouz. The talks were held on 6 July 2009 in Warsaw within the framework of the Polish-Moroccan Economic Forum.
Deputy Prime Minister Pawlak noted that there was a clear revival in relations between entrepreneurs from both countries – We've been supporting the activities of our businesses and local-government business organizations that attempt to establish contacts with the Moroccan partners – he stressed. He presented a proposal to establish a working group on the Polish-Moroccan cooperation. – Meetings at the level of deputy ministers would be an opportunity to talk about boosting our economic relations – the head of the Ministry of Economy added.
He noted that the year 2009 was a special opportunity to promote Polish-Moroccan relations, due to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Poland and Morocco. – Our EU membership allows the Polish companies and experts to participate in projects carried out in Morocco with the use of EU funds and European Investment Bank loans – he explained.
Minister Abdellatif Maâzouz also stressed the need to create good conditions for investment in both countries, proposing the creation of the board of Polish and Moroccan entrepreneurs. – During such meetings, the business representatives could directly exchange information on boosting mutual trade relations – he explained.
In the opinion of Deputy Prime Minister Pawlak, significant prospects for cooperation had been in the prospecting of oil and gas in Morocco. – Polish companies are interested in carrying out the exploratory drilling – he said. Poland has gained successful experience and achievements in the oil&gas cooperation in the North African markets, especially in Libya and Egypt.
During the opening of the Polish-Moroccan Economic Forum Deputy Minister Marcin Korolec announced that, as part of support to Polish foreign trade, the Polish Embassy in Rabat would open a Section for Trade and Investment Promotion in Casablanca. – We are open to proposals from the specific sectors of the Moroccan economy that offer the best opportunities for foreign investors. We want to present to the Moroccan partners what Polish exports have to offer – he said.
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Morocco is Poland's major economic partner in the region of Africa and the Middle East. The total value of Polish trade with this country in record year 2008 amounted to 629 million dollars, of which the Polish exports accounted for 345 million dollars and imports – 284 million dollars. The main goods exported to Morocco included: sulphur, semi-finished products of cast-iron or non-alloy steel, motor vehicles, chemicals, generating sets, and shaving razors. Poland's imports from Morocco included primarily phosphate rock, textile materials and products, copper ore, chemicals, citrus fruits, fresh and frozen vegetables, fish.