Speaking at the first annual conference on Morocco's business opportunities, Fassi Fihri hailed the sound political and strategic dialogue between the two countries.

   For centuries, the UK has been Morocco's historical partner, said the minister, affirming that this partnership should be further promoted to the benefit of both countries.

   Recalling the political and social reforms instituted by North African country in various sectors, the minister said Morocco is an open country, which signed several free trade agreements (FTAs) with several countries including the United States, the European Union, Turkey and some Arab countries.

   Addressing the same conference, Moroccan Finance and Economy Minister, Salaheddine Mezouar, spoke of the Kingdom's economic potentials and positive performance.

   Despite the unfavorable global economic situation, Morocco's emerging economy offers large investment opportunities and continues to grow steadfastly, said the minister.

   Thanks to the structural reforms and far-sighted strategy, the Moroccan economy, based on diversified macroeconomic foundations, has weathered the difficult international conditions and achieved a 5.3% growth rate between 2005 and 2009, he said.

   For his part, Industry, Commerce and Technology Minister, Ahmed Reda Chami, said Morocco has set the right framework to attract more foreign investments and serve as a regional industrial hub.

   Morocco, which boasts a political stability and Advanced Status with the European Union, is the only country having FTAs with both the EU and the U.S., said Chami.

   Speaking at the London conference, Moroccan Energy Minister, Amina Benkhadra, underlined that Morocco and the UK share similar concerns regarding the environment protection and climate change.

   She highlighted Morocco’s experience and policy in the field of energy and environment protection, saying that Morocco follows with great interest Britain’s efforts in these sectors.

   The Moroccan official invited British companies to take part in Morocco’s energy projects, which aim notably to increase the share of renewable energies in the country’s national power production.

   Taking the floor during the conference, Moroccan ambassador to Great Britain, Chrifa Lalla Joumala Alaoui, said that the participation of four ministers in this event shows the importance Morocco attaches to the development of its relations with the UK.

   This high-level Moroccan delegation reflects the strong will of HM King Mohammed VI to further bolster bilateral relations with Great Britain, said the diplomat, noting that this inaugural conference is part of a series of annual meetings scheduled on Morocco’s investment opportunities.