Rabat – France’s government has confirmed the upcoming visit of Nicolas Forissier, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness to Morocco on April 2-3.
A statement from the French Foreign Affairs Ministry said today that Forissier will be accompanied by a delegation of around 30 companies.
“The visit is part of efforts to strengthen the economic partnership between France and Morocco, with a particular focus on opportunities linked to Morocco’s organization of the 2030 FIFA World Cup – a major driver of economic development, investment, and industrial cooperation,” the statement reads.
The minister will meet with high-level officials, including Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and minister delegate in charge of the budget, in Rabat on Thursday.
He will also meet the French-Moroccan Committee supporting Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, along with other Moroccan officials, including Minister of Trade Ryad Mezzour and Minister of Agriculture Ahmed El Bouari.
The official will also hold a press briefing on his visit on Thursday.
This Friday, the French official will launch a ceremony of the Private Sector Study and Support Fund and will attend an event organized by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Morocco.
Reports had previously indicated that this visit would take place, suggesting the official will make a trip to focus on Morocco’s World Cup campaign.
The visit comes as the two countries continue to pledge to work together in boosting sports cooperation.
In April of last year, a French delegation of 10 companies visited Morocco to promote French expertise in infrastructure for large international events.
The event also marked the launch of the French Moroccan Committee to support Morocco as host of the 2030 tournament.
Morocco has been investing heavily in logistics and infrastructure, particularly stadiums, in anticipation of future major tournaments, including the World Cup.
In the hospitality sector, Morocco is allocating a budget of $4 billion to boost its hotel industry and capacity.
France is not the only country interested in investing in Morocco. Many countries, including the UK, are also exploring Morocco’s attractive investment hubs as part of the pre-World Cup campaign.