Rabat, capital of Morocco. （PHOTO: VCG）

By Staff Reporters

   Morocco and China signed the convention relating to the Joint Implementation Plan of the Belt and Road between the two countries on January 5. Since its launch, Morocco has become the first country in North Africa to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

    This convention, signed by Nasser Bourita, minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, and Ning Jizhe, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), outlines the road map for the two countries to jointly build the BRI, and specifies the cooperation principles, key tasks and coordination mechanisms.

    The two countries will continue to deepen practical cooperation in multiple areas including infrastructure construction, logistics, trade and investment, industries, energy, finance and cultural exchanges. The agreement also covers cooperation in research and development (technology, energy, agriculture, etc.), and technological and technical cooperation, as well as vocational training.

    The Chinese government undertakes, under this agreement, to encourage large Chinese companies to  invest and set up branches in Moroccan territory, including the automotive industry, aeronautics, e-commerce, agricultural industry and textiles.