H.E. Ambassador Takashi Shinozuka, ambassador of Japan to Morocco, speaks on the excellent relationship between Morocco and Japan.
Bridges: What notable economic contributions has Japan made to Morocco?
Shinozuka: Our economic cooperation (official development aid) started in the 1960s. Through ¥311.6 billion in loans, ¥37.1 billion in grants and ¥40.2 billion in technical cooperation, a great deal has been accomplished especially in the fields of education, health, infrastructure, water and energy. Recently, we have also cooperated in the area of sustainable energy.
In the last few years, our two countries have developed a win-win business partnership and Japanese firms have created about 40,000 jobs in Morocco. We are proud that the largest foreign job-creation instance in Morocco was realized by a Japanese company.
How can Japan and Morocco continue to strengthen their already close ties?
Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has published a “New Development Model.” This road map aims to transform the country into a development hub within the region by 2035. Japan is very pleased to be working closely with Morocco to make this ambition a reality.
What does 2022 hold for this important bilateral relationship?
We are convinced that the Japan-Morocco relationship will continue to grow stronger next year. 2022 will mark the 90th anniversary since the opening of the Japanese Consulate in Casablanca. Morocco is a country of economic opportunity and we hope many Japanese companies will consider doing business here.
A Vision of Morocco
Masahide Honda, director, Japan External Trade Organization, Rabat: Manufacturers, especially in the fields of automobiles and electronics are expanding their businesses in Morocco. Much of their investments are focused on Morocco’s various free trade zones which have also attracted companies from the service sectors.
Interest, initiatives and investments toward a greener Morocco are growing and the country aims to source more than 50% of its energy from renewable sources, particularly wind, water and solar, by 2030. Investments relating to the production of electric vehicles and related industries are also being made and will be of particular interest to Japanese companies.
Read the full interview together with insights from other business leaders on Morocco-Japan relations here: https://bit.ly/MAJP-bridges