Chinese experts help build up aluminum alloy wheel industry in Morocco

Chinese expertise is playing an increasingly visible role in bolstering Morocco's vehicle wheel industry, which also serves as a testament to the growing economic ties between China and Morocco under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

This CITIC Dicastal's Morocco project, representing a significant Chinese investment in Morocco, helps set up the country's first aluminum alloy wheel manufacturing plant. This also represents a clear example of BRI projects that bring about practical cooperation and cultural integration.

Zhang Shiqi, the current project manager, has been involved in research and site selection of a manufacturing factory under China's state owned company CITIC since the beginning of 2018. The construction of the CITIC Dicastal Morocco factory was later confirmed and started operations in May of 2019, becoming the largest investment by a Chinese company in Morocco.

Zhang Shiqi said the reason behind building such a plant in Morocco lies in the country's industrial gap in the area.

"Before we came to Morocco, most of the products we provided to European and Moroccan customers were manufactured in China and then shipped here. Morocco didn't have an aluminum alloy hot processing industry," he said.

During the process, the Chinese team faced challenges such as Morocco's inexperience in aluminum alloy wheel production and an underdeveloped local supply chain.

"During the construction phase, we faced several challenges. For example, Morocco lacked expertise in producing aluminum alloy wheels. We sent key personnel to China for training. Additionally, the local supply chain was insufficient, so we brought our domestic supply chain system here in the early stages," Zhang said.

The factory filled a critical gap in the country's automotive industry by producing the first aluminum alloy wheels in Africa in just eight months.

Beyond its industrial achievements, the factory has also become a bridge of cultural exchange and friendship between Chinese and Moroccan employees.

"We tried to build an open and inclusive working environment. We honored Moroccan religious holidays and customs. For instance, we set up prayer rooms to help everyone understand and respect different religious beliefs and practices," said the manager.

Taoufik Hassine, quality manager of the plant, also believed that the meaning of this project goes far beyond industrial cooperation. So far, the factory has created over 2,000 local jobs and significantly advanced Morocco's manufacturing technology.

"We expect our factory to become a bridge of communication between China and Morocco. The first one is to promote the culture of China and Morocco and tell and share our story of China-Morocco integration," said Hassine.

Chinese experts help build up aluminum alloy wheel industry in Morocco

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday highlighted the importance of stronger business ties with China at the Nepal-China Business Forum in Beijing, calling for joint efforts of the business community from both sides to achieve mutual benefit.

Oli is in China for a four-day official visit, during which he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday.

On Wednesday afternoon, he delivered a keynote speech at the forum, in which he spoke highly of the close relationship between the two nations.

"We are not only linked by mountains and rivers, but we are also connected by culture and situation on economic relations, respect for sovereign equality, territory integrity, political independence as well as mutual trust," said the prime minister.

Oli also encouraged businesses from both countries to deepen cooperation.

"I encourage the business community from both countries to work together for mutual benefit. Your increased collaboration and partnership will contribute to further enhancing our economic cooperation. I believe the private sector is the real engine of economic growth and prosperity," he said.

India, as Nepal's largest trading partner, accounts for two-thirds of Nepal's international trade, whereas China, as the second largest, now accounts for about 14 percent. Nine agreements have been signed between China and Nepal, with some of them focusing on enhancing business ties.

According to some participants in the forum, there is still much room for the two countries to expand cooperation in trade and investment.

"Our export is very much low, if we compare with the lot of import from China. So we need to export more items to China. Border connectivity also needs to be improved [more] than what we already have," said Chandra Prasad Dhakal, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

"From January to September this year, the trade volume between China and Nepal reached 1.58 billion U.S. dollars, marking an 8.7-percent year-on-year increase, showcasing the great potential of bilateral economic and trade cooperation," said Zhang Shaogang, vice chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Nepali prime minister stresses importance of stronger business ties with China