Morocco is consolidating its position as a leading regional power and an increasingly attractive destination for international investment, driven by a long-term strategic vision under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, British Labour MP Joe Powell has said.
In an interview with Morocco's state news agency MAP ahead of Throne Day, Powell said the Kingdom's sustained economic, social, and infrastructure transformation has made it a strategic partner for the United Kingdom and a gateway for investors seeking opportunities across Africa and beyond.
"I think there are immense opportunities, and it is truly impressive to see the progress that has been achieved," said Powell, who also serves as co-chair of Labour Friends of Morocco, a group that promotes closer ties between Rabat and London.
The British lawmaker said Morocco's progress extends well beyond infrastructure, citing improvements in education, healthcare, housing, and large-scale development projects that are reshaping the country's economy and enhancing its long-term competitiveness.
According to Powell, one of Morocco's key strengths lies in the consistency of its long-term development strategy, which provides investors with greater confidence and visibility.
"What matters, particularly for investment, is that economic actors clearly understand the direction a country is taking and can invest in a sustainable strategy. That is something Morocco has done particularly well," he said.
Powell also highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Morocco and the United Kingdom, signed last year under the Labour government, describing it as a new chapter in diplomatic relations spanning more than 800 years.
He said the partnership creates significant opportunities across sectors including education, tourism, trade, investment, climate action, clean energy, life sciences, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The MP also pointed to Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal as a major catalyst for future economic growth, saying the tournament will accelerate investment in transport networks, sports infrastructure, and facilities that will continue benefiting Moroccan communities long after the competition ends.
"Hosting a World Cup is a tremendous opportunity to invest in transport, stadiums, youth infrastructure, and facilities that will continue to serve people well beyond the tournament," Powell said.
Beyond infrastructure, he argued that Morocco's recent success on the international football stage reflects broader investment in human capital.
"Sport is not only about entertainment. It also creates hope and opportunities for young people," he said, describing Morocco's national football team as "inspiring" on the global stage.
Powell further underscored Morocco's strategic geographic position, describing the Kingdom as a vital bridge linking Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic, while increasingly asserting itself as a regional leader.
"I believe Morocco has an essential role to play, not only in its own region but also globally," he said.
The British lawmaker added that interest among UK companies in the Moroccan market continues to grow, arguing that the potential for deeper economic cooperation remains substantial.
"The opportunities are immense," Powell said, calling for the ambitions outlined in the UK-Morocco strategic partnership to be translated into concrete projects and investments.
"It is positive to sign a document setting out major ambitions, but it is now up to us to turn those ambitions into reality," he concluded, referring to the strong interest shown by British businesses during recent celebrations at the UK Parliament marking the first anniversary of the strategic partnership.
