Strengthening Ties Between Chile and Morocco
In a significant milestone marking 65 years of diplomatic relations, Chile and the Kingdom of Morocco have embraced a commitment to fostering cooperation and bilateral friendship under the banner of a "friendship that knows no borders." This anniversary underscores more than six decades of sustained political dialogue, cultural exchange, and a burgeoning economic partnership, with Morocco positioned as a vital strategic ally and the primary gateway for Chilean products into the African continent.
As stated by Miguel Canala-Echeverría, the General Manager of Frutas de Chile, "We have been working closely with national authorities in Morocco for quite some time to advance agreements that allow the entry of our fresh fruits. Morocco is not only a large market but also a significant entry point within Africa. As a sector, we believe that this region is crucial for diversifying our shipments and positioning Chilean fruit and its quality."
Advancing Towards a Free Trade Agreement and Health Cooperation
During the commemoration of this 65-year friendship, both nations took decisive steps to modernize their regulatory frameworks and enhance bilateral exchanges. This includes an initiative to advance negotiations towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the foreign ministries of Chile and Morocco signing agreements and declarations of understanding to lay the groundwork for formalizing this FTA. This agreement aims to diversify Chile's export basket and leverage Moroccan logistical platforms, such as the Tangier Med port, to supply markets across Africa and the Middle East.
Additionally, a significant sanitary and phytosanitary agreement was established. The Subsecretariat of International Economic Relations (SUBREI) and the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) of Chile formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) along with protocols with their Moroccan counterparts to strengthen technical cooperation, expedite quarantine processes, and enhance plant and animal health standards. This framework will facilitate the certification and inspection of agri-food products, ensuring a direct, efficient, and secure trade flow.
Morocco, located in North Africa, spans an area of 446,550 km² and has a population of approximately 38.7 million people. According to Expasión.com, Morocco's imports experienced a notable increase of 10.58% in 2025 compared to the previous year. The country's imports account for 47.47% of its GDP, positioning it at the 148th out of 193 countries in terms of import percentage relative to GDP.
In terms of agricultural exports, while there have been no direct shipments of Chilean fresh fruits to Morocco until now, the newly established phytosanitary agreement aims to change that. In 2024, Chile's leading agricultural exports to Morocco included walnuts, raisins, and wines, while major imports from Morocco consisted of cane sugar, capers, and pepper seeds. Morocco ranks second among African destinations for Chilean exports, following South Africa and preceding Algeria. Between January and May 2024-2025, exports surged by 52.1%, with the agricultural sector contributing nearly 60% and the livestock sector close to 40%, highlighting the significant role of walnuts, raisins, wines, and dehydrated plums.
These enduring diplomatic ties have been cemented through notable historical moments, including the official establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations in 1961, the opening of embassies in both nations in 1996 and 1998, and significant visits from both sides, including that of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to Chile in 2004. As these commitments are reaffirmed, the partnership between Chile and Morocco is poised to continue flourishing, promising mutual benefits and growth for generations to come.
As reported by reporteagricola.cl.
