Rabat: The Morocco-France 2030 World Cup Business Forum marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation, particularly in the growing sports economy, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Laurent Saint-Martin, said on Thursday. Speaking at the Forum’s opening ceremony at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Ma Smora, Saint-Martin highlighted the growing importance of the sports economy, reinforced by the commitment of HM King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the forum aims to generate business opportunities, foster joint reflection, and strengthen ties between Moroccan and French companies, especially in the lead-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will co-host. France and Morocco, he noted, now belong to a select group of countries trusted to host major global sporting events, citing France’s recent experience with Euro 2016, the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Morocco, for its part, is preparing to host a packed calendar of international competitions, including the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in July and five editions of the U17 Women’s World Cup.
Saint-Martin emphasized that the 2030 World Cup must be a model of sustainable investment, as both countries are committed to ecological transition and low-carbon innovation. For his part, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) Fouzi Lekjaa underscored that Morocco’s youth-focused development model, guided by HM the King, integrates economic and social progress. He also stressed that ties between Morocco and France go beyond sports, rooted in shared values and a long-standing Mediterranean partnership.
The General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) Vice President Mehdi Tazi said Morocco is undergoing a transformative phase under the King’s leadership, offering stability and major infrastructure projects that appeal to global investors, including new ports, airports, energy initiatives, and desalination plants. Morocco’s national team coach Walid Regragui echoed the optimism, praising the new momentum in Moroccan sports and expressing hope that the Kingdom would deliver one of the best World Cups in 2030.