Survey: Half of Moroccans Welcome Increased Chinese Investment

The results of this survey were published on Friday by Arab Barometer, a research network based at Princeton University in the United States, on the level of China’s influence. According to this network, many countries have seen a spectacular increase in Chinese engagement. The Land of the Rising Sun has clearly increased its aid to a number of MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries in response to the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

A recent analysis entitled "Is this China’s moment in the MENA region?" also noted that nearly half or more are in favor of stronger economic relations with China. The country with the highest rate of appreciation for Chinese investments is Jordan (70%). In Lebanon, this rate is lower at (42%). As for Morocco, it has a score of 49%, and is among the countries that are not clearly in favor of closer economic relations with China.

As for the elites of the region, they are more inclined towards Chinese investments. According to the research network, university degree holders are on average much more favorable to closer economic relations with China than those with a secondary degree or less.

Furthermore, 56% of Moroccan elites are in favor of increased foreign assistance. In other words, support tends to be strongest among those with a university degree, with significant differences in about half of the countries studied, it is added.