Marruecos apuesta por fortalecer e impulsar el crecimiento del sector textil

In a recent statement, Ryad Mezzour, Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, highlighted the work of the government, which has so far supported 102 investment projects in the textile sector worth 3.07 billion dirhams, as part of Morocco's Industrial Recovery Plan (PRI).

With the launch of these textile projects, the government aims to revive the sector and create more than 15,555 stable jobs. This will allow the country to generate, for the third consecutive year, "an expected turnover of more than MAD 6.96 billion, 44% of which is destined for the local market", said Minister Mezzour during his meeting with the Moroccan Association of Textile and Clothing Industries (AMITH).

The cooperation between the government and textile companies has made it possible to define a series of joint efforts to consolidate the presence of national brands in all markets around the world, support the domestic market and strengthen competition in the sector.

"The sector must capitalise on its many achievements and seize the opportunities offered by this global economic context of relocation of industrial sites, to attract more investors and move up the ladder," insisted Mezzour.

Morocco is aware of the changes facing its industry and the new challenges it faces. Morocco must strengthen upstream textiles, encouraging companies to produce fabrics locally, but also inputs and accessories, such as buttons, zips, sliders, etc.

To develop its offer and become even more competitive, the Moroccan minister stressed the need to "acquire a strong upstream for better integration and competitiveness in order to conquer new export markets".

Furthermore, Ryad Mezzour added that "there are opportunities available for the sector, such as the ethical and sustainable fashion boom, the European carbon tax and innovation in the sector, serving a textile industry 4.0".

AMITH CEO Fatima-Zohra Alaoui highlighted the importance of a changing market that is increasingly dominated by e-commerce, and which has suffered first-hand the consequences of the COVID-19 health crisis.

He also stressed that sustainable development is a key issue in the textile sector, with Morocco needing a "greener" and more responsible market. According to the Minister of Industry and Trade: "The Moroccan label must have a prominent place in the local and international market, and we will spare no effort to achieve this. It is a priority in the government's programme".

Moroccan textile operators aim to regain 40 per cent of market share at national level and achieve a turnover of 60 billion dirhams in exports and reach 60 per cent of production in sourcing and finished product, Alaoui said.