Collaborative Efforts in Customs Digitalization
In a landmark initiative that underscores the strengthening ties between Morocco and South Korea, the Moroccan customs authority (ADII) and the Korea Customs Service (KCS) are on the verge of completing a joint project aimed at enhancing customs operations through digital transformation and artificial intelligence. This collaborative effort was recently reviewed during a meeting held in the capital city of Rabat, which brought together key figures including the director-general of ADII, Mohammed Ezzahaoui, senior officials from KCS and CUPIA, as well as the Korean Ambassador to Morocco, Yoon Yeonjean. The project, which is currently in its final phase, represents a significant advancement in Morocco's commitment to modernizing its customs processes.
The implementation of this ambitious project has been entrusted to Okestro, with activities commencing in May 2026. The initiative has involved a series of expert missions that have alternated between Morocco and Korea, complemented by informative seminars and site visits aimed at facilitating knowledge transfer and practical insights. Participants from ADII, including operational teams and the Information Systems Directorate, have engaged extensively with advanced technologies in data management and AI, focusing particularly on enhancing revenue management systems and streamlining digital governance.
Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Economic Partnership
According to a statement from ADII, this partnership signifies Morocco's ongoing dedication to leveraging digital technologies to boost operational efficiency, simplify procedural workflows, and elevate the quality of customs services provided to businesses and citizens alike. The collaboration is set against a backdrop of robust diplomatic relations between Morocco and South Korea, which have existed since 1962. In 2024, bilateral trade reached approximately $550 million, and discussions aimed at establishing a comprehensive trade and investment framework commenced in June 2024. Following these discussions, Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and Moroccan officials agreed to form a working group tasked with developing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Moreover, this project aligns seamlessly with Morocco's ambitious "AI Made in Morocco" roadmap for 2030, which aspires to create MAD 100 billion in added value, generate 50,000 jobs, and cultivate a workforce of 200,000 AI specialists. Notably, Morocco has also launched a sovereign AI marketplace and developed "Idarati," an AI assistant designed to streamline administrative procedures. Additionally, the Kingdom has introduced pioneering tools from its Mistral AI partnership, which include capabilities for Arabic dialect identification and speech recognition that accommodates code-switching, notably in dialects such as Darija. This holistic approach to digitalization and AI integration exemplifies Morocco's vision for a future-driven economy.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
