As a part of the tourism industry, I often come across Jordanians, Egyptians, Moroccans, Iraqis and other nationals from the Middle East who express great interest in visiting Israel.
This article was written by Hajar Kharroubi and published on le360 (french), in Jun 13, 2023.
The economic interdependence between Morocco and Israel goes far beyond trade balance figures, according to Einat Levi, a specialist in Israeli-Moroccan relations, who spoke on the “Maghreb” program broadcast on I24NEWS. This relationship is part of a broader perspective of complementarity and strategic alignment between the two nations, which benefit from a unique exchange dynamic. “Morocco, with its growing export capacity, complements itself perfectly with Israel and its advanced technological reservoir“, she pointed out.
According to Einat Levi, recent years have seen a significant increase in trade between Israel and Morocco. In 2022, trade between the two countries reached $180 million. But this relationship remains asymmetrical, because Morocco exports more than Israel.
The consultant explains this by the lack of solid structures governing trade between the two countries. The absence of customs agreements, tax conventions and investment protection constitute an obstacle to be overcome for “make this commercial network attractive and beneficial for both parties“.
The Israeli and Moroccan economies are complementary, continued Einat Levi. Morocco, in full industrial evolution in the automobile, aeronautics, aerospace and renewable energies, could take advantage of Israeli technologies to propel “Made in Morocco” on the international scene.
Read also: The potential of a free trade agreement between Morocco and Israel deciphered by the vice-mayor of Jerusalem
-
Conversely, the Moroccan economy appeals to Israel on two major levels. On the one hand, the Kingdom offers a gateway to the African market, rich in opportunities but feared by Israel. On the other hand, an aspectmore intimate» East evoked by Levi: the Israelis also seek to forge links with Morocco, the cradle of their grandparents.
-
In terms of commercial culture, the encounter between Israeli pragmatism and Moroccan prudence creates a productive dynamic. Einat Levi notes that “the Israelis are more daring, they don’t wait for an invitation, they come and look for opportunities. Moroccans are more cautious. They plan for the long term and try to avoid mistakes.”
A tourist flow still in imbalance
The tourism domain, however, reveals a glaring asymmetry. Einat Levi acknowledges that the gap between the number of Israelis visiting Morocco and the number of Moroccans going to Israel is mainly due to cumbersome visa procedures. “We need to improve this process, because there is great potential for good relations between the citizens of the two countries.she says.
The challenges are many, but optimism prevails. It remains to strengthen agreements and exchanges, to facilitate administrative procedures and to promote greater reciprocity in all areas, from trade to tourism, including cultural relations. The journey, it seems, has only just begun.
Comentarios