Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics & Information Technology Jitin Prasada is on an official two-day visit to Morocco from August 24 to 25, with India–Morocco trade, investment, market access and industrial cooperation at the centre of discussions.

Prasada is scheduled to co-chair the 7th Session of the India–Morocco Joint Commission with Morocco's Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade, in charge of Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira. The meeting is aimed at reviewing bilateral economic cooperation and identifying new opportunities to expand trade and investment between the two countries.

Trade and Market Access in Focus

The Joint Commission discussions cover a broad range of areas, including trade and market access, investment, industrial cooperation, customs, agriculture, food safety, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy and mining.

Cooperation in fertiliser production and supply is also an important part of the agenda. Morocco is a significant source of phosphates and fertilisers for India, while India exports a range of products to the Moroccan market.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, bilateral merchandise trade reached around $4 billion in 2025. India's major exports to Morocco include refined petroleum, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, synthetic textiles, food products and spices.

India, Morocco to Deepen Food Safety Cooperation

The two countries are also expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on food safety between Morocco's National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) and India's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The proposed cooperation will facilitate the exchange of information concerning the safety and quality of imported food products. It will also encourage exchanges involving food-testing laboratories, analytical methods and technical expertise.

The MoU is expected to cover technical areas including import procedures, quality-control operations, sampling, testing, packaging and labelling.

Business Community Engagement

As part of the visit, Prasada is scheduled to participate in the India–Morocco Joint Business Forum and interact with business leaders in Rabat.

The discussions are expected to explore new opportunities for trade, investment, partnerships and joint ventures. The Minister will also hold bilateral and high-level meetings with senior Moroccan leaders.

The engagement comes as both countries look to expand economic cooperation into emerging sectors while strengthening existing commercial links.

Cultural Exchange Programme

Alongside economic cooperation, India and Morocco are expected to sign a Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026–2030.

The programme will promote exchanges between artists and professionals, participation in festivals and exhibitions, heritage conservation and cooperation between museums, libraries and archival institutions.

The initiative assumes additional significance as India and Morocco prepare to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Focus on Long-Term Economic Partnership

The visit comes amid efforts by India and Morocco to broaden their bilateral economic relationship. While fertilisers remain an important component of trade, both sides are exploring opportunities across renewable energy, digital transformation, transport and logistics, tourism, education, healthcare and other sectors.

The 7th Joint Commission is expected to provide a platform for reviewing existing cooperation and identifying areas where businesses from both countries can develop stronger partnerships.

With trade already around $4 billion and preparations underway for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Prasada's visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to India–Morocco trade, investment and industrial cooperation.