Panama City – Pragmatic and open regional integration is among the most effective ways to address the challenges of global economic fragmentation, in a context of geopolitical tensions, restructuring value chains, and the rise of protectionism, said Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Omar Hejira, during the 2026 Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum, held on January 28 and 29 in Panama City.
At the Forum, organized by CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) in partnership with the Government of Panama under the theme of Latin America and the Caribbean’s positioning in the global economy, Hejira emphasized that Morocco’s experience is based on a carefully considered openness founded on diversifying partnerships and strengthening national productive capacities.
The Kingdom has an extensive network of free trade agreements, including 12 agreements that provide access to nearly 100 countries in Europe, North America, Africa, and the Arab world, he said, noting that Morocco is considered the only African country to have concluded a free trade agreement with USA.
These agreements are an essential lever for industrial integration and attracting investment, as well as providing access to a market of around 3 billion consumers worldwide, the Secretary of State continued.
In this regard, Hejira’s speech highlighted the visionary approach of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which aims to sustainably link the Kingdom’s economy to global value chains through the development of a world-class port infrastructure and Morocco’s major investments in infrastructure and logistics.
Referring to the African dimension, the Secretary of State reaffirmed the Kingdom’s strong commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area, considered a key project for the continent’s economic transformation, the construction of integrated African value chains, and the strengthening of Africa’s presence in the global economy.
He concluded by reaffirming the Kingdom’s willingness to deepen dialogue and broaden prospects for cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries, within the framework of a partnership based on mutually beneficial cooperation and reciprocal integration.
The Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum brought together several Latin American heads of State and government and representatives from over 70 countries.
The Kingdom’s ambassador to Panama, Bouchra Boudchiche, and representatives from the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises and the Moroccan Confederation of Exporters took part in the forum.
