The recent ZLECAf Trade Finance Summit held in Casablanca marked a significant step towards stimulating regional trade across Africa. Organized by the Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (ASMEX) in collaboration with the Attijariwafa Bank's Africa Development Club (CAD), this event attracted over 300 exporting companies, showcasing a commitment to enhancing trade relations on the continent.
Noteworthy figures attended the summit, including Karim Zidane, the Minister Delegate for Investment, Convergence, and Public Policy Evaluation, and Omar Hejira, the Secretary of State for Foreign Trade. Their presence underscores the high-level engagement necessary for fostering economic growth and trade in Africa. Mohamed El Kettani, CEO of Attijariwafa Bank, and ASMEX Secretary General Kawtar Raji also highlighted the importance of this summit in promoting export opportunities for Moroccan businesses.
During the summit, Cynthia Essonam-Gnassingbe, the Director of Private Sector Engagement at the ZLECAf Secretariat, outlined the tangible advancements made within the trade area and the vast opportunities it presents to Moroccan exporters. Achraf Tarsim, Director for Morocco at the African Development Bank (AfDB), emphasized the pivotal role of financial institutions in supporting Moroccan exports and investments throughout Africa, further enhancing the dialogue around regional economic integration.
The summit featured two high-level panels that delved into crucial financing issues related to ZLECAf. The first panel, led by Ismaïl Douiri, Deputy General Manager at Attijariwafa Bank, set the strategic framework for discussions on financing challenges. Participants included key figures such as Nabil Badr, Director of Banking Supervision at Bank Al-Maghrib, and industry leaders from various sectors. The second panel focused on innovative mechanisms and practical measures for securing investments and exports, capturing the audience's attention with insights from financial regulators and industry experts.
In a show of commitment to fostering business growth, three partnership agreements were signed between Attijariwafa Bank and various organizations, including the Foreign Trade Secretariat and ASMEX. These agreements aim to bolster support for companies and encourage investments, with a clear focus on harnessing the economic potential of the ZLECAf.
As the summit concluded, Saloua Karkri Belkeziz, ASMEX's Vice President and Chair of the Africa Commission, praised the accelerated implementation of ZLECAf. She shared a forward-looking vision for Moroccan exporters within the regional context, emphasizing the geographical proximity as a vital growth lever in an increasingly interconnected world.
Established in 1982, ASMEX serves as a vital network for exporters, federations, and associations, as well as public and private institutions involved in foreign trade. Its structured approach, encompassing various thematic commissions and committees, fosters collaboration and co-development to enhance Morocco's exporting sectors. This regional network ensures that ASMEX maintains close ties with businesses across the Kingdom, thereby strengthening its role in promoting international trade.
Meanwhile, the CAD platform, part of Attijariwafa Bank, aims to unite business communities, leaders, and public representatives to catalyze economic opportunities and encourage investments at the continental level. With over 25,000 participants from 42 African countries and 7,000 active members, CAD has facilitated numerous structured B2B meetings and multi-sector missions, significantly contributing to the economic landscape of Africa.
As reported by fr.allafrica.com.
