Bangladesh’s economic engagement with Morocco, a rising economy in the African economy, has been on rise as both countries are working on promoting trade and investment, said Moroccan Charge d’ Affaires in Dhaka Bouchaib Ez—zahri

Bouchaib Ez—zahri was speaking at the reception celebrating the 26th anniversary of the accession of King Mohammed VI to the throne of his glorious ancestors.

Cultural Adviser Mostafa Sarwar Farooki was present as the chief guest on the occasion.

Politicians, diplomats, civil and military bureaucrats, members of the civil society, leading businessmen and media personalities attended the reception.

In 2023 alone, Bangladesh imported $407 million worth of phosphatic and chemical fertilizers from Morocco, accounting for 75% of its total fertilizer imports. Over the past five years, exports from Morocco to Bangladesh have grown at an annual rate of over 29%, underscoring the strength and dynamism of our economic ties.

“A recent highlight of our partnership came earlier this month, when we witnessed a major step forward in agricultural cooperation—a sector essential to Bangladesh’s sustainable growth. The agreement signed in Rabat between Morocco’s OCP Group and the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) will ensure the supply of 1.1 million tonnes of non-urea fertilizers over 2025–2026,” Bouchaib Ez—zahri said

Moroccan Charge d’ Affaires said ‘ This is not just a commercial deal; it is a long-term alliance driven by shared commitments to food security, sustainable agriculture, and technological innovation. This partnership also includes training programs, technology transfer, and research collaboration, which will benefit farmers and advance national agricultural strategies. The scale of our collaboration is already evident.”

Bangladesh exported goods worth 22 million US dollars (22347143.33) to Morocco during July-June period of 2024-25 fiscal year, according to data of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh

Bangladesh exported goods worth 18 million US dollars (17936391.21) to Morocco during July-June period of 2023-24 fiscal year, according to data of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s export to Morocco during the July-June period of the 2022-23 stood at 28 million US dollars.

Bouchaib Ez—zahri also said “ Our growing partnership goes well beyond agriculture. It spans multiple areas including infrastructure, education, transport, civil aviation and culture.

The visits to Morocco of Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib and Industries and Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan are important in boosting relations between two counties, he said.

Bouchaib Ez—zahri said " “Education, in particular, remains a cornerstone of our collaboration. Each year, Bangladeshi students benefit from academic scholarships to pursue their studies in various Moroccan universities and institutions. We remain committed to expanding academic exchange programs, research collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives in the years ahead. The strength of our people-to-people ties was also evident during the OIC Youth Summit in Marrakech, and we are excited about future engagements, including the Global Youth Summit in Dhaka, which will further energize our youth and cultural exchanges.

“Moreover, our friendship has been proven in moments of need. In 2017, acting under high royal instructions, Morocco extended humanitarian assistance to support Bangladesh’s efforts during the Rohingya refugee crisis. That gesture remains a lasting symbol of solidarity and shared humanity, he said.

Bouchaib Ez—zahri in his speech said “ Under the wise and visionary leadership of Mohammed VI, Morocco has achieved substantial political, economic, and social progress. His reign is marked by bold reform, modernisation, and a strong sense of compassion, not only toward the Moroccan people but also in Morocco’s relations with the wider world.”

The CDA said “ This dynamic vision has also reinforced Morocco’s standing on the global stage as a credible and reliable partner, guided by a foreign policy rooted in principles of solidarity, and strategic partnership. In this spirit, we are especially proud to mark, next year, the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh—a milestone that expresses our mutual respect and the historical depth of our relations.”

He also said “ Morocco, it is worth recalling, was among the first Arab and African nations to recognize the independence of Bangladesh. Over the decades, our bilateral relations have been built on mutual trust, friendship, and fruitful cooperation, reinforced by our cultural affinity and shared development goals.”

“On behalf of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Moroccan community in

Bangladesh, and in my personal capacity, I extend our most heartfelt congratulations and sincere wishes of health, happiness, and long life to His Majesty King Mohammed VI” he added.