The business council, which aims to enhance economic cooperation between Mali and Morocco, has been revitalized through a joint effort by the Confederation of Malian Enterprises (CNPM) and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM). The council's revival is expected to promote economic growth and development in both countries. The meeting to discuss the council's revitalization was attended by Sidi Dagnoko, the third vice-president of CNPM, Sory Ibrahima Maïga, the president of the Mali-Morocco Business Council, and Driss Isbayene, the Moroccan ambassador to Mali.
According to Sory Ibrahima Maïga, the revitalization of the business council reflects the shared commitment of CNPM and CGEM to strengthen economic relations between Mali and Morocco. The council will focus on creating concrete opportunities for investment and partnerships, leveraging the historical and cultural ties between the two nations. Maïga emphasized that Mali and Morocco have complementary economies, with Mali possessing significant resources and a growing market, while Morocco has expertise and financial power.
The business council will undertake several key tasks, including organizing economic missions, B2B meetings, and development missions, as well as establishing an interface between embassies, business organizations, and public authorities. The council will also facilitate dispute resolution between companies from both countries, promote information sharing, and conduct economic monitoring. An macroeconomic study identified priority sectors for cooperation, including mining, energy, healthcare, agro-industry, trade, transportation, and logistics.
Sidi Dagnoko, the third vice-president of CNPM, stated that the revitalization of the business council aligns with the organization's mission to create economic opportunities for Malian businesses and entrepreneurs. He noted that CNPM and CGEM have formalized their commitment to revitalizing the council through a signed document. Dagnoko emphasized that the new dynamic aims to place entrepreneurs at the heart of bilateral cooperation, enabling them to identify areas of common interest and develop concrete partnerships.
Moroccan ambassador to Mali, Driss Isbayene, highlighted the historical and privileged nature of relations between Mali and Morocco, which date back several centuries. He noted that economic cooperation has been strengthened through the signing of over 120 cooperation agreements since 1960. Isbayene also mentioned that Morocco is one of the main African investors in Mali, with a presence in various sectors. The recent fourth mixed commission of cooperation between the two countries resulted in the signing of 21 agreements covering areas such as mining, livestock, and infrastructure.
The revitalization of the Mali-Morocco Business Council is seen as an instrument to translate historical and diplomatic relations into concrete economic initiatives, benefiting businesses and populations. The council's revival is expected to promote economic growth, create jobs, and enhance cooperation between the two nations. The meeting also discussed the importance of media coverage in disseminating information about the council's activities to the public and economic operators.
The cooperation between Mali and Morocco has gained momentum with the recent developments, including the withdrawal of Mali's recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) on April 10. This move has contributed to consolidating bilateral relations and creating a favorable context for strengthening economic and commercial partnerships. The business council's revitalization is a significant step towards deepening economic cooperation between Mali and Morocco.
Key points
- The business council will focus on creating concrete opportunities for investment and partnerships between Mali and Morocco.
- The council will undertake several key tasks, including organizing economic missions and facilitating dispute resolution between companies from both countries.
- The revitalization of the business council is expected to promote economic growth, create jobs, and enhance cooperation between Mali and Morocco.
