The Morocco-Canada Economic Chamber (CEMC) held an economic forum in Montreal on Saturday under the theme “From Intent to Investment,” bringing together Moroccan and Canadian business leaders to strengthen economic ties and develop concrete investment partnerships.
The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, company executives, experts, institutions and representatives of the business communities of both countries, with the aim of turning business discussions and investment intentions into concrete projects and partnerships.
The meeting also sought to highlight the expertise and capabilities of Moroccan and Canadian business communities and create new connections between entrepreneurs and investors.
Morocco’s Ambassador to Canada, Souriya Otmani, highlighted Morocco’s potential as an investment platform and a gateway to Africa, pointing to the country’s economic transformation, strategic location, diversified economy and modern infrastructure.
Otmani also highlighted Morocco’s industrial ecosystems, free trade agreements, skilled workforce and investment environment, saying these factors have strengthened the Kingdom’s attractiveness to investors and entrepreneurs.
She identified several sectors with significant potential for Morocco-Canada cooperation, including technology and artificial intelligence, industry, value chains, renewable energy, agri-food, aerospace, infrastructure, real estate, tourism, mining and natural resources.
Other areas highlighted by the ambassador included life sciences, education, professional services, digital technologies and cybersecurity, reflecting the wide range of sectors where Moroccan and Canadian companies could expand cooperation.
Otmani also underlined the role of Morocco’s community in Canada, describing its expertise, networks and professional skills as a bridge between the two economies. She called for stronger economic links between Moroccan entrepreneurs in Canada and the Kingdom.
CEMC President Faouzi Metouilli said the complementarity between the two economies — Canada as a technological and industrial power and Morocco as a continental platform and logistics hub — creates opportunities for partnerships with significant economic impact.
Metouilli also pointed to reforms undertaken by Morocco to strengthen investor protection, simplify procedures and improve tax incentives, as well as investment incentive programmes, public-private partnerships and dedicated services for international investors.
The forum provided an opportunity to discuss investment, business development, the establishment and expansion of companies, Morocco-Canada partnerships and access to economic and institutional networks.
Philp Houde, Secretary of the Ministerial Committee for Economic Development of the Canadian province of Manitoba and Honorary Consul of Morocco in the province, said Morocco offers a favourable investment environment for Canadian businesses and encouraged investors to expand their activities in the Kingdom.
Houde also highlighted Morocco’s geographic position and logistics infrastructure, which he said make the country a strategic gateway to African markets. He also praised the CEMC’s role in bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions and institutional partners.
The event featured several thematic panels and the signing of a partnership agreement between the CEMC and the Entrepreneurship Centre of the School of Management Sciences at the University of Quebec in Montreal. Established as a platform for developing Morocco-Canada economic relations, the CEMC seeks to connect companies, entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, experts and institutions from both countries and promote long-term economic projects.
