Morocco Welcomes Indian Defense Industry, Offers Support for African Expansion

"We want you here in Morocco; we will support you," Abdellatif Loudiyi told the Indian delegation on the sidelines of the India-Morocco seminar on the defense industry focused on opportunities in the defense sector held in Rabat on December 9 and 10. Trying to convince his guests, he presented the assets of the kingdom to host large-scale projects. "Morocco offers a modern industrial environment, free of bureaucratic burdens and guarantees optimal conditions of profitability for companies," he assured.

The minister added: the kingdom has recently adopted a new legal framework governing the activity of this industry, opting for a gradual approach based on the promotion of an attractive investment climate, incentives for international investors and the creation of an industrial ecosystem around the defense industry sector. And to continue: "Furthermore, Morocco’s influence in Africa and the Middle East, its maritime and air connectivity and its modern infrastructure are proven assets that make it a regional, even global, export platform for investors."

"The presentations of the Moroccan officials focused on the country’s favorable climate for investors, the free zones, particularly the Atlantic Free Zone, and incentives for foreign investment. The Indian delegation also visited the Atlantic Free Zone, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Morocco’s industrial landscape," said the Society of Indian Defense Manufacturers on X. The Indian side aims to take advantage of the free trade agreements (FTAs) that the kingdom has concluded with partners in Europe, Africa and the United States.

Last September, the National Defense Administration and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the international Tata Group conglomerate, concluded a strategic partnership aimed at local production of the WhAP 8x8 armored combat vehicle at the plant called TATA Advanced Systems Morocco (TASM).