Who We Are
The Moroccan American Trade and Investment Council (MATIC) has been established under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammad VI to demonstrate his commitment to the Moroccan-US FTA and its objectives. MATIC is an American based non-profit trade association that assists the country of Morocco in its quest to promote economic growth and stability through the promotion of its private sector. MATIC membership will be comprised of leading Moroccan and American firms who share the common vision of Morocco as the focal point for expanding international trade and investment opportunities for both countries. Drawing on this commonality of interests, MATIC has identified several strategies for firms electing to take advantage of the unique location that Morocco provides as a platform from which new business initiatives can be launched.
MATIC’s Strategy
Focusing on these sectors where Morocco possesses competitive advantages, MATIC will utilize a targeted approach to developing business opportunities. In each of the fields that have been identified, we will contact specific companies and work with them to demonstrate Morocco’s favorable characteristics in relation to their field of business. MATIC will identify American firms that would benefit from Morocco’s geographical location and its trade agreements with the United States, the European Union, Francophile Africa or the Arab Maghreb Union.
Morocco possesses several well-established trading partners, for example, a variety of goods are exported to the EU and countries in the region. An in-depth analysis of goods supplied to these countries will be beneficial in determining if there are products that can be directed toward the American market, either in their current form, or with additional value added, such as in the food processing sector or marble production and finishing.
Small and medium size producers of manufactured goods in America are currently utilizing immigrant labor and still finding it difficult to compete with off-shore manufacturers. Oftentimes these companies are already paying relatively low wages, in the range of $6.00—8.00 per hour, which can equate to greater than $70 per day when fringe expenses are added. It is not uncommon for these lower priced workers to be poorly educated. MATIC will demonstrate to these companies that Morocco offers an attractive option at a fraction of the current wage bill for a better educated labor supply. MATIC’s strategy will be to pursue an aggressive program of (1) identifying sectors which contain this type of producer, (2) attending related trade association meetings, (3) establishing individual contact with the senior management from these companies, and (4) encouraging them to visit Morocco and learn firsthand of the opportunities that exist for their firm.
MATIC will initiate contact with investment banks and discuss opportunities for their clients who possess an interest in international businesses that are aligned with those sectors where Morocco possesses a competitive advantage. By working with investment banks that have been designated by their clients to find production capabilities overseas, MATIC will attempt to convince them that their client’s position will be enhanced through a Moroccan venture that will enable them to more fully participate in the globalized economy.
Building on the Morocco-US Free Trade Agreement
Several organizations and companies both inside Morocco and America have indicated they are poised to leverage opportunities that have been generated by the Moroccan-American Free Trade Agreement. MATIC will provide support in both cases through participation in public forums designed to explain increased trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. Involvement will include briefing Moroccan participants on how to penetrate the American market, assisting in training on the preparation of business plans designed to attract investors and informing American businesses on opportunities they may have in Morocco.
If you have any questions or would like to be involved with MATIC please call (202) 587-0855 or e-mail us at mail@moroccanamericantrade.com
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