Strengthening bilateral trade and developing a balanced economic partnership were the focus of the 6th Joint Monitoring Committee for the implementation of the Morocco-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (FTA), held Monday in Ankara. Co-chaired by Omar Hejira, Morocco's Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, and Mustafa Tuzcu, Turkey's Deputy Minister of Trade, the meeting falls under Morocco's 2025–2027 foreign trade agenda and aimed to assess the implementation of the FTA, in effect since January 1, 2006, according to a joint statement issued after the session. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore ways to boost Moroccan exports to Turkey and address trade imbalances. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a «win-win» partnership, ensuring fair and sustainable sharing of benefits. To this end, Morocco and Turkey agreed to review the findings of a technical committee that assessed trade flows, identified challenges faced by economic operators, and proposed mechanisms to boost bilateral cooperation. Concrete steps were also agreed upon, including increasing trade volume, currently around $5 billion, by enhancing integration between their manufacturing sectors, organizing a «Morocco-Turkey Business and Investment Forum» within a year, and holding joint conferences and investment promotion events. Additionally, both countries decided to establish a direct communication channel between their trade ministries to help resolve obstacles, improve trade balance, facilitate the access of Moroccan agricultural products to the Turkish market, and organize direct B2B business meetings. They also agreed to launch joint production projects, particularly in the textile sector, aimed at third markets, and to enhance cooperation in entrepreneurship, consulting, and infrastructure development, leveraging the FTA as a tool for future large-scale projects in Morocco. This 6th session reflects the shared commitment of both nations to strengthening their economic and trade partnership in the spirit of mutual interest and economic complementarity.
