The Moroccan capital, Rabat, saw launching the first round of negotiations on a draft free trade agreement between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Morocco, which took place during the period November 7-9, 2022.

The delegation of the State of Qatar at the negotiations was chaired by Mr Saleh Abdullah Al-Mana, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Trade Agreements at the Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry, while the Moroccan side was headed by Mr Abdelouahed Rahal, Director General of Trade at the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The negotiations stem from the keenness to enhance prospects for bilateral cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Morocco in all fields, especially in terms of economic affairs, trade, and investment.

During the meeting, the two sides stressed the importance of concluding the agreement, and highlighted the role it would play in furthering common interests, and enhancing the bilateral partnership relations in aims at meeting the two sibling countries’ aspirations.

The first draft of the Qatari-Moroccan Free Trade Agreement included looking into ways to enhance cooperation in the field of trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property, competition, and dispute settlement, taking into account the sensitive sectors.

In conclusion, the minutes of the first round of negotiations were signed, and it was agreed to hold the second round of negotiations for Qatari-Moroccan Free Trade Agreement in the Qatari capital, Doha.