Business
Trade: The UK Minister for International Trade to visit Morocco on 2 June
Chris Bryant will lead a delegation of British companies to Morocco on 2 June, with the aim of further strengthening ties between the two Kingdoms, united by centuries of trust and driven by a shared commitment to promoting shared prosperity.
The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening its cooperative relationship with Morocco, a country that is actively pursuing a dynamic path of development. “The United Kingdom is ready to play a key role in the development momentum currently underway in Morocco,” said Fergus Harradence, Deputy Director for Infrastructure at the UK Department for Business and Trade, during a high‑level conference held on Thursday evening in London under the theme: “From Investment Grade to Large‑Scale Investment: The New Momentum of Capital Markets in Morocco.” The event was organised as part of the Morocco Capital Markets Days 2026 (London edition) by the Casablanca Stock Exchange, with the support of the Moroccan Embassy in London.
Speaking on behalf of the British government, Mr Harradence highlighted the importance of the Morocco Capital Markets Days 2026 in developing and strengthening relations between Morocco and the United Kingdom, as well as in promoting trade exchanges between the two countries. He recalled the launch, in June 2025, of a comprehensive and ambitious strategic partnership between Rabat and London, along with the establishment of a strategic dialogue during which the foreign ministers of both countries set out a shared ambition to deepen cooperation across diplomatic, political, security, economic and cultural dimensions.
According to the British official, the Casablanca Stock Exchange represents a concrete illustration of Morocco’s and the United Kingdom’s determination to continue strengthening their partnership. Events such as the Morocco Capital Markets Days 2026 “create bridges between our two economies and our capital markets,” he stressed, recalling that relations between Morocco and the United Kingdom date back more than 800 years. The first trade agreement between the two nations was signed in 1721, he noted, adding that bilateral trade has continued to grow steadily ever since. Last year, bilateral exchanges reached a record level, “a reflection of mutual trust and a shared ambition between our two countries,” Mr Harradence added, calling for this relationship to be built upon in order to set new records. “We must be determined to do more, as our two economies are complementary,” he insisted.
He also said he was impressed by the investments made by Morocco in several sectors, particularly infrastructure linked to the 2030 Football World Cup, which the Kingdom will co‑host with Spain and Portugal. “The scale and scope of Morocco’s growing infrastructure ambitions are truly impressive. They will not only improve citizens’ quality of life, but also drive profound transformation,” he stated, citing high‑speed rail, world‑class airports, energy projects and sustainable cities.
The British official further underlined that Moroccan‑British cooperation also extends to a strategic partnership in West Africa. Significant opportunities therefore exist for the Morocco–United Kingdom partnership on the African continent, he said, stressing that the two countries can achieve much more together. Taking advantage of the occasion, he announced that the UK Minister of State for International Trade, Chris Bryant, will lead a delegation of companies to Morocco on 2 June, with the aim of further strengthening ties between the two Kingdoms, united by centuries of trust and driven by a shared desire to promote shared prosperity.
The 2026 London edition of the Morocco Capital Markets Days confirms the importance of this now annual event, which brings together London‑based financial operators and Morocco’s capital markets ecosystem around the many opportunities offered by Morocco. The event has now established itself as a key meeting point for the Casablanca Stock Exchange, capital market actors, international investors and Moroccan listed companies. The Morocco Capital Markets Days 2026 highlight in particular Morocco’s return to Investment Grade status, the market’s record performances, and the launch of the region’s first derivatives market.
This event comes at a pivotal moment for Moroccan capital markets. Following Morocco’s return to Investment Grade status, the launch of the MASI‑20 futures contract, and a year marked by exceptional performance in equity markets, Casablanca is positioning itself as one of the most credible and dynamic gateways to African capital markets.
