Morocco-Korea cooperation essential bridge for global trade, says minister

South Korea and Morocco have steadily showed strength despite global trade uncertainties and will emerge even stronger together, said Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour in an interview with The Korea Herald on April 9.

During his visit to Seoul, Mezzour met his South Korean counterpart Ahn Duk-geun to boost industrial cooperation and trade and to initiate talks on an economic partnership agreement. They discussed supply chains, the digital industry and investment opportunities ahead of Morocco hosting the 2030 soccer World Cup. Korea recognized Morocco’s strategic location and youthful population as key assets for future collaboration.

The minister, along with Moroccan Ambassador to Korea Chafik Rachadi, held high-level meetings with leaders from Samsung, Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Industries and LG Energy Solution to forge partnerships in electronics, aerospace and energy, leveraging Morocco’s role as a regional hub.

The talks highlighted a mutual commitment to deepen industrial ties and attract strategic investments supporting innovation and job creation.

South Korea and Morocco have consistently demonstrated resilience in times of global economic uncertainty and will emerge even stronger together, the minister told The Korea Herald.

“A lot of people fear uncertainty, but Korea and Morocco have always proven their strength in difficult times — and we’ll be stronger together,” Mezzour told The Korea Herald.

“The bridge is essential. Korea and Morocco can have a huge impact — not just on the Global South, but a very specific part of it,” said Mezzour, highlighting Morocco’s strategic role in King Mohammed VI’s “Atlantic Vision” to integrate African markets through maritime logistics and boost energy security across the continent.

Korea sees Morocco as a strategic Global South partner, with growing investments driven by its location, resources and broad free trade network. Korean firms, including Hyundai Rotem, are expanding operations and keenly eyeing Morocco as a base for exports to Europe and beyond.

The minister urged the use of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline and Sahel Corridor, which will connect landlocked African nations to the Atlantic via the Dakhla Port —scheduled for completion in 2028.

Morocco is witnessing rising interest from Korean firms, according to Mezzour, who cited Hyundai Rotem’s $1.4 billion railway deal as a milestone.

“We are very proud of this deal, which proves that Morocco is truly keen to integrate Korean technology and products into its ecosystem,” he said.

“These projects will reduce trade costs, boost food security with fertilizer production using Moroccan phosphate and electrify the region,” he underlined.

He also revealed ongoing discussions with Samsung, LG and players in the aerospace, automotive and food industries.

“The appetite of Korean companies is open, and we are very happy to see their strong interest in the Moroccan platform,” he said.

The minister said the country is heavily investing in infrastructure, transport, health care and hospitality ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

According to Mezzour, Morocco is upgrading services and infrastructure not just for the World Cup but also for long-term national growth, to welcome 30 million tourists by 2032, nearly doubling current numbers.

“This opens the door for investment in resorts, ports, transportation and cultural services.”

Separately, the minister also recalled brotherly Morocco-Korean ties.

“Moroccans were here during the Korean War. Two of our compatriots lost their lives here,” he said, noting that Korea’s first African embassy was established in Morocco.

“We have a common heritage — two ancient civilizations with deep cultures — and now we’re writing a new chapter in our economic relationship,” he said.

He also recalled South Korea’s contribution to Morocco’s 1975 Green March, a peaceful demonstration that played a key role in ending Spanish colonial rule.

“During the Green March, 350,000 civilians marched south to peacefully reclaim our territory. Korea responded to King Hassan II’s call and provided essential support —including tanks,” Mezzour said.

“Those tents were supplied by the Daewoo Group. We are very thankful for that support.”

Morocco, he concluded, is “a complete destination” for Koreans — not only for investment, but also for leisure.

“You can ski, golf, surf, dive or explore 3,500 kilometers of beaches. Visit historical cities like Marrakesh, Fes and Rabat, or enjoy the magic of the desert. Morocco has it all.”

Profile:

Ryad Mezzour is the minister of industry and trade of Morocco. He began his career in Switzerland before returning to Morocco in 2003, where he held leadership roles in various companies. Mezzour later served in key government positions such as chief of staff at the Ministry of Industry and vice chairperson of the Green Economy Commission at CGEM, and is a board member of several nonprofits. He is a graduate of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.