Omar Hjira Announces a New Program to Expand Export Base and Support Small and Medium Enterprises
Omar Hjira, the Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, has announced the launch of a new foreign trade program for the period 2025–2027. This initiative aims to broaden the export base to include all regions of the Kingdom and effectively integrate very small, small, and medium enterprises into the export dynamic.
During a public address, the government official emphasized that this program represents a strategic “economic challenge” that transcends its technical nature, reflecting a political will to implement a royal vision aimed at disseminating economic dynamism and enhancing Morocco’s export offer.
Hjira explained that the program is based on two main pillars: regional engagement and strengthening the capacities of very small, small, and medium enterprises. A national communication campaign is set to launch next week to explain the content and practical measures of the program.
The minister highlighted structural imbalances in the distribution of Moroccan exports, noting that 85.8% of exports are concentrated between Tangier and El Jadida, while other regions contribute only marginally. He added that achieving advanced regionalization must involve an economic model based on open and integrated local production hubs.
Hjira pointed out that over 90% of Morocco’s business fabric consists of very small, small, and medium enterprises, yet their presence in foreign trade remains limited. In 2024, 71.7% of exporters conducted transactions below 10 million dirhams, roughly equating to around 5,000 enterprises. Conversely, only 20% of exporting enterprises account for 70% of the national export volume, indicating a concerning concentration.
The minister concluded that the new program does not aim to favor large enterprises over smaller ones but seeks to energize the entire economic system by involving all stakeholders in the development of foreign trade.
