Britain is eyeing a major Brexit trade and security deal which could open up massive opportunities from the entire African continent in a move which has reportedly been celebrated by Boris Johnson. The former Prime Minister is understood to have told friends that the doubling of trade with Morocco since Brexit even before a new advanced trade deal is signed is an example of the benefits of leaving the EU.
In yet another Brexit boost for Britain next year, Morocco is looking for a trade and security deal with the UK pointing out that it has become “the gateway to Africa” in terms of goods and access.
The major African player is already connecting with Kemi Badenoch’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
The Kingdom of Morocco sees itself as a perfect African trade partner with Brexit Britain because it is one of the most stable countries in the region and, as a monarchy under the reign of its current King Mohammed VI, has parallels with the UK.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, Morocco’s ambassador to the UK Hakim Hajoui quipped that people complaining about the price of produce such as tomatoes coming from the EU post Brexit can get them better and cheaper from his country thanks to Britain being out of the EU.
The country already supplies 45 percent of tomatoes to the UK market, and they are cheaper and more sustainable, not using artificial heating systems like the ones produced in the Netherlands.
“Buy you tomatoes from Morocco!” Ambassador Hajoui said but pointed out that there are many bigger opportunities to be had with his country.
He said: “We can offer much more than fresh tomatoes and raspberries. Take energy for example.
“Morocco has massively invested in green energy and has the potential to contribute to the energy security of its strategic partners.”
There are also the 700,000 cars manufactured in Morocco each year in what is a growing industry.
He went on: “In terms of cooperation, the prospects [of a deal with the UK] are immensely promising, encompassing both business and security sectors.”
Hajoui pointed out that culturally his country is moving more towards the UK and away from its previous colonial power France.
He said: “All this in a context of a shift happening in Morocco in a very natural, organic way among the younger generations, who now speak English fluently, which is very important for business.”
Indeed, the growing ties between the two countries was underlined when Morocco chose the UK not France as an international aid partner following the catastrophic earthquake which hit it earlier this year.
And the significance of a trade deal would go far beyond just his country.
“Morocco is the gateway to Africa for the UK. Looking at trade and business possibilities for the UK, there’s a considerable chance not only in Morocco but also in tapping into Africa, which is poised to be tomorrow’s largest consumer market.
“In that respect, Morocco is the second largest African investor in the continent, with two-thirds of our FDIs going to the continent.”
A deal with Morocco though also brings more than just trade, it boosts security.
As a major regional player in North Africa and the Middle East with the Israel/ Gaza war causing more uncertainty, Morocco is offering security support of food and energy supplies as well as defence and intelligence.
A deal though is likely to be contingent on the UK joining US, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain on helping Morocco with a major domestic issue over control of the disputed Western Sahara.
He area has been one of dispute since 1976 when the self-declared Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic emerged.
Morocco’s claim has been upheld in the international courts and a settlement has been proposed for limited self-governance, but the UK is yet to add its support for the North African ally.
The Ambassador noted: “Over the last few years we have had tremendous support from the US, from European countries, including Spain, Germany but also the Netherlands, Belgium, and others. This is in addition to the dozens of Arab and African countries which have opened consulates in the Sahara as a clear recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara. So how about the UK? That is the question everybody is asking.”
