Latest news with #YoussefAmrani
Morocco World
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Opens New Consulate General in Miami
Doha – Morocco inaugurated a new consulate general in Miami on Monday, establishing a diplomatic presence to serve Moroccan communities across nearly 20 southern US states. The ceremony took place in the presence of American officials, local elected representatives, and members of the Moroccan community. The consular structure aligns with King Mohammed VI's directives to meet the expectations of Moroccans living abroad (MREs) through proximity and efficiency. Morocco's Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, addressed the inauguration ceremony. He stated that opening this consulate demonstrates 'the Kingdom's deep attachment to its community established abroad, and a clear will to accompany them with proximity, efficiency and dignity.' Amrani noted the Miami consulate fits fully within the King's vision for profound reform of public policies toward Moroccans worldwide. Under this approach, he said, the country 'strengthens, maintains and energizes unbreakable links between Moroccans of the world and their motherland.' The ambassador described the structure as serving multiple functions. It will act as 'an administrative relay, a place of listening, and a strong symbol of the link' between Morocco and its citizens. He called it 'an act of confidence toward a remarkable community, an act of faith in a shared future, and renewed proof of the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to their side.' Morocco's Consul General in Miami, Chafika El Habti, outlined the consulate's modern approach designed with a future-oriented modernization logic. The consular services focus primarily on digitalization and electronic administration. 'This is real added value, because the consular district extends from Florida to California, covering about twenty American states,' she explained. She stressed digitalization's importance for Moroccans residing across these states. The consul general described Miami's selection as a 'real breakthrough' for the North African country, citing the economic dynamism and cultural openness of this American metropolis. Miami serves as a 'hub for South America and Latin America,' facilitating cooperation between both sides of the Atlantic. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez also participated in the inauguration, describing the consulate as a bridge connecting Africa, North America, and Latin America – three continents offering enormous economic opportunities. Suarez observed existing direct flights between Miami and Casablanca and a large Moroccan community in the city. He considered it 'completely natural that, if the northeast United States is covered by a consulate in New York, the south should be covered by Miami.' The mayor commended the local Moroccan community as 'very proud of these origins while being attached to Miami and seeing many synergies' between their country of origin and their city of residence. He stated confidence their enthusiasm would foster further progress serving both countries. Hollywood, Florida Mayor Josh Levy celebrated the large Moroccan community in his neighboring city, praising their engagement and entrepreneurial spirit. Levy expressed confidence that the consulate would help develop relationships by multiplying investments and visits. Boynton Beach Mayor Rebecca Shelton viewed the opening as reflecting Morocco's policy of openness. She noted Miami's concentration of American financial sector activity 'clearly opens the way to greater commercial cooperation.' Former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness noted the relevance of opening the consulate 'in a region considered the beating heart of Florida's economy, with 22 million inhabitants.' He pointed to Miami's superior port and airport infrastructure, earning it the nickname 'capital of the Americas.' Moroccans residing in Miami expressed satisfaction about the consulate opening in their region. The area counts thousands of citizens who remain attached to their motherland. They particularly appreciated the digitalization of consular services. The Miami consulate joins existing Moroccan diplomatic missions, including the embassy in Washington and consulates in New York and Los Angeles. Tags: Moroccan consulateMoroccans in The USMorocco US Relations
Ya Biladi
15-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Royal Air Maroc's CEO on competing beyond low-cost carriers and expanding globally
In a recent interview with CNN, the CEO of Morocco's national carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) highlighted the airline's strategic shift to differentiate itself from low-cost carriers and Gulf-based competitors. «We have over 40 competitors in our country, so we had to create a new model and a new market», Abdelhamid Addou said, noting that RAM's strength lies in its south-north connections between Africa and Europe. Asked about competing with giants like Ryanair and EasyJet, he said: «First, we are developing a different market, which is the African market, rather than just the point-to-point». «When you put a first step in an airline like ours, you feel the atmosphere of the country, the culture… so you have a different experience», he explained, insisting that RAM offers a «completely different» product compared to low-cost airline companies. Insightful interview of the CEO of @RAM_Maroc on @CNN, outlining the airline's bold ambitions. With growing demand for air connectivity, RAM is expanding across the South–North and South–West axes, especially in the #US and the #Americas offering passengers a unique flying… — Youssef Amrani (@youamrani) June 14, 2025 On the long-haul front, the CEO pointed to growth toward the Americas: «North America, southern America. That's where we can have a real added value, bringing diasporas together… This is our added value. We are in the centre geographically, and we can capitalise on these diasporas to transport them». He also confirmed plans to retrofit the airline's Boeing 737s with flat beds: «That will help us keep the same experience between the long haul and the short haul». Addressing global supply chain delays, he admitted: «When you have 15 to 18 months late deliveries, then you get frustrated, but we are all facing the same issue». He remained optimistic: «We just received three MAXs (Boeing 737 MAX) this week. We should receive seven other MAXs by the end of December… We want to trust our partners». For the record, RAM is reportedly preparing to place its largest aircraft order ever, purchasing around two dozen Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul routes and as many as 50 Boeing 737s for short-haul operations. It is also in talks to acquire about 20 Airbus A220s for regional travel.
Ya Biladi
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan Polo team triumphs over US in Newport International Series Opener
The Moroccan national polo team achieved a remarkable victory over its American counterpart, winning 14–6 in a match held on June 7, 2025, at the prestigious Newport Polo Club in the United States. This win marks a strong start to the Newport International Polo Series, an international tournament running until September 27, 2025, featuring top global teams including England, Italy, Scotland, and Australia. The opening match was attended by Morocco's Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, who praised the Moroccan team's outstanding performance during a ceremony held in his honor in the state of Rhode Island. Proud to witness Morocco's national polo team secure a resounding 14–6 victory over the U.S. at the opening of the prestigious Newport International Polo Series in #RhodeIsland. A second consecutive win, during which I was honored to highlight how this achievement reflects His… — Youssef Amrani (@youamrani) June 8, 2025 At the end of the match, Ambassador Amrani emphasized the significance of the national team's participation in this international sporting event, highlighting its key role in promoting polo in the Kingdom. He also underscored the importance of sports in fostering mutual understanding and cultural connection between nations. This victory marks Morocco's second consecutive win over the U.S. team, following their recent triumph in the Mohammed VI International Polo Cup three weeks earlier. Morocco's participation in the Newport tournament also celebrates 250 years of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States.
Morocco World
24-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
US Trade Mission to Visit Morocco to Enhance Agri-Food Export Opportunities
Rabat – A major US trade mission is expected to visit Morocco in May this year, to boost cooperation between the two countries in the agri-food export sector. Morocco's ambassador to the US Youssef Amrani announced the news on his X. 'More than 15 U.S. states, along with federal agencies, are leading this mission, which aims to enhance agri-food export opportunities and underscores the shared commitment to deepening trade and investment ties with the Kingdom,' he said . Morocco's government considers agri-food as a key sector that contributes to the country's economy. The sector generates over $17 billion in annual revenue and creates over 161,000 jobs. According to Morocco's industry ministry, the agri-food sector is a key contributor to Morocco's economy, employing 21% of the industrial force. It also contributes 24% of industrial added value, generating 23% of industry turnover. 'The Agri-food industry is a highly diversified sector with activities that meet the needs of Moroccan consumers and provide a wide range of food products,' the ministry said, noting that the sector covers phases from initial processing of agricultural and fishery products to their complete transformation. The sector is also attractive for foreign direct investment, the ministry noted . Morocco and the US share good diplomatic ties, which are also reflected in other sectors like agriculture. Morocco and the US signed the FTA on June 15, 2004. It wasn't until January 1, 2006, that the agreement came into force. Just a year before the agreement's implementation, US trade was valued at around $35 million. Since then, the surplus has risen to $3.4 billion by 2024. US goods exports to Morocco in 2024 reached $5.3 billion in value, representing a 37.3% rise from the previous year. This makes Morocco the 46th largest export market for US goods. Additionally, US imports from Morocco reached $1.9 billion, representing a 12.3% increase from 2023. Tags: free tradeMorocco and US
Morocco World
18-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, US Strengthen Digital Partnership with High-Level AI Discussions
Doha – Moroccan Minister of Digital Transition Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni recently met with a number of senior US officials at the State Department to cement digital partnership between Rabat and Washington, Morocco's Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, announced on Monday. The meeting sought to advance digital cooperation between Rabat and Washington, building on their joint artificial intelligence initiatives launched last year. 'Productive discussions at the U.S. Department of State between Minister Amal El Fallah and Ambassador Steve Lang, Chief of Cyberspace and Digital Policy,' he posted on X. 'We reaffirmed the strong Morocco-US partnership, advancing cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence to foster innovation and shared prosperity for both our nations. Promising perspectives lie ahead,' wrote the Moroccan diplomat. Ambassador Amrani added that Minister El Fallah, who serves as Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, also held 'a productive meeting at the State Department with Ms. Leila Elmergawi, Director for Strategy and Global AI Policy.' During this meeting, they discussed 'Morocco's ambitious AI Roadmap and the Digital Morocco 2030 plan, reaffirming their commitment to advancing AI development and digital transformation for a prosperous future.' These discussions come on the heels of groundbreaking Morocco-US collaborations in AI. In March 2024, both countries shattered barriers by co-presenting the first-ever UN resolution on artificial intelligence. The resolution, titled 'Seizing the Opportunities of Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Systems for Sustainable Development,' gained support from 123 Member States before its adoption. Following this achievement, in June 2024, both countries established the Group of Friends on Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development at the UN headquarters in New York. Read also: US, Morocco Advance Strategic Partnership Under Trump Administration This initiative was launched by Morocco's UN Ambassador Omar Hilale and US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield. It aims to create a platform for international cooperation on AI development, with a particular focus on supporting developing countries. Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged Morocco's contributions during a UN Security Council Meeting on AI last December. 'This summer, the U.S. and Morocco also established a group at the United Nations, open to all member states, where experts from every region are sharing best practices for adopting artificial intelligence,' Blinken said, describing it as 'real progress.' The North African country is making bold strides in AI adoption. In April 2024, a parliamentary opposition group in Morocco's House of Councilors submitted a bill to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country. Presented by the parliamentary group of the Moroccan Labor Union, the bill aims to address the risks and illegal uses of AI technology while proposing the creation of a National Agency for Artificial Intelligence to oversee AI governance. If approved, the agency would be responsible for implementing and monitoring a national AI strategy, fostering AI talent, and ensuring ethical AI use in Morocco. A recent survey by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), as part of the 2023 CCI Global Consumer Sentiment Survey, revealed that 80% of Moroccan consumers are aware of ChatGPT, while 38% actively use the AI tool. This positions Morocco as the second-highest user of ChatGPT globally, after India, and the leader in Africa.
