UK Seeks to Boost Cooperation with World-Cup Co-Host Morocco to Unlock Business Opportunities
The UK announced this week its interest in unlocking business opportunities through boosting ties and cooperation with Morocco, which was confirmed as a co-host of the 2030 World Cup along with Spain and Portugal.
Earlier this week, UK Minister of State for Investment Baroness Gustafsson answered an MP's question on the country's steps to strengthen trade ties with Morocco, stressing that the Department for Business and Trade is 'committed to helping UK businesses export to Morocco.'
This effort comes in line with the UK-Morocco Association Agreement the two countries signed in 2019 post-Brexit.
'Bilateral trade was worth £4.2 billion in 2024, up £0.6 billion in current prices from 2023,' the minister stated, stressing the importance of Morocco as a co-host of the World Cup.
'An example of the opportunities for further UK-Morocco business partnerships comes with Morocco co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, where opportunities are emerging for British businesses,' she concluded.
In a recent interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Chief Executive Officer of UK Export Finance (UKEF) Tim Reid expressed his country's determination to seize the World Cup opportunity and the projects it brings to the country.
'In Morocco, we are focusing on World Cup-related projects as we are keen to be part of this exciting adventure,' he noted, outlining the agency's £5 billion commitment to Moroccan projects, positioning the kingdom as a strategic launching point for British commercial interests throughout Africa.
He stressed how UKEF is determined to contribute to Morocco's projects, whether infrastructure or energy plans.
'Whether you are a government official considering a new infrastructure project or a private company with ambition in energy efficiency, we can help. In return, we ask for a commitment to sourcing at least 20% of the contract value from the UK,' Reid told MWN.
In October 2024, a UK delegation visited Morocco to explore the country's World Cup preparatory campaign as well as to discuss ways to boost ties with the North African country at all levels.
The delegation included 12 British companies, interested in Morocco's projects related to the global tournament. Tags: UK and Moroccoworld cup 2030
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