THE CCSM HAS JUST PASSED THE THIRTY-YEAR MARK

It was unquestionably a very successful gala evening. With a cocktail reception, a show, dinner and a retrospective film, the CCSM marked its anniversary by sharing its history, its achievements and its prospects with its guests in a friendly atmosphere. Organised in honour of all its member companies and all its supporters, in the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador of Switzerland to Morocco, Mr Massimo Baggi, the President of the Chamber, Mr Mehdi Benzaari, its Honorary Presidents Mr Gérard Salzmann and Mr Sami Zerelli, and its founding member Prof. Kettani, this event brought together various partners. An opportunity for everyone to establish new relationships.

60 years of solid relations between the two countries

Celebrating the CCSM’s 30 years, the Gala Evening was also intended as an occasion to commemorate 60 years of exchanges, friendship and cooperation between Switzerland and Morocco. It was in this spirit that Mr Benzaari, after expressing his immense pride in celebrating this exceptional moment with the whole CCSM family, recalled the Chamber’s primary vocation: that of “always striving to strengthen the ties between Switzerland and Morocco, which date back more than six decades”, in addition to its mission of supporting its members. On this occasion, he did not fail to pay tribute to the work of his predecessors, namely “Messrs Campiche, Salzmann and Zerelli who, alongside the Chamber’s committed teams and with the support of the Swiss Embassy in Rabat, have done remarkable work in the service of the economies of both countries”. His Excellency Mr Massimo Baggi echoed Mr Benzaari’s words, stressing in his address that “relations between Switzerland and Morocco are rich and diversified”. And he added: “Let us remember that Switzerland is the 5th largest foreign investor in Morocco. For a country of 8 million inhabitants, that is quite considerable. That is why I sincerely hope that this type of meeting, and these evenings in particular, will multiply, as they make it possible to forge even more solid ties between our two countries”. The economic journalist Fayçal Tadlaoui, who hosted the evening, for his part stressed the importance of Switzerland’s commitment to innovation and to protecting the environment. “Switzerland is a country of innovation but also of environmental protection. Take the example of the Swiss champion Sébastien Buemi, who won the Moroccan leg of the Formula E World Championship for 100% electric single-seaters, and of Solar Impulse, which is also an obvious example of technological innovation serving environmental challenges”, he stated.

A celebration full of shows and emotion

After the warm welcome given to the guests over a welcome cocktail, it was time for the celebration with a music show by talented singers, including Faty’S. Accompanied by breathtaking choreography, the musical show kept the guests spellbound throughout the evening. The guests were then invited to a skilfully prepared gala dinner for everyone’s enjoyment, before watching the screening of the retrospective film tracing the genesis and achievements of the Chamber over these 30 years, as well as its prospects for the future. A moment full of emotion, due on the one hand to the memories recalled in the film by the founding members and, on the other, to each member’s pride in the road travelled together to make the CCSM what it is today. The evening ended with a musical fireworks display. “It was a memorable event with highlights that will now go down in the Chamber’s records”, as Professor Kettani so aptly confirmed.

What they said…

It is a wonderful festive evening. We don’t want it to end, we just want to stay together a little longer as Moroccan and Swiss friends. It is a fine anniversary and I hope there will be many more, to forge more relations between our two countries. H.E. Mr Massimo Baggi , Ambassador of Switzerland in Rabat

This evening kept its promise. We wanted it to be an evening of meeting with the members, and we met them. We wanted it to be an evening of commemoration, and we were able to commemorate our 30 years in the service of the Swiss and Moroccan community. We were able to achieve the goal we set through this evening. We hope that the members will then come back with their concerns or suggestions to share with the Chamber so that together we can improve the economic ties between Switzerland and Morocco. Prof. Azzedine Kettani , Founding Member of the CCSM

This evening quite simply expresses the joy of all the guests present at getting together as members and partners of the Chamber. Congratulations to the whole team for this wonderful evening! Mr Sami Zerelli , Honorary President

We are having an exceptional evening to celebrate the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Switzerland and Morocco. It is an important event because it marks the continuity of Moroccan-Swiss relations. 30 years is, after all, very significant in the life of a Chamber. And we at Nestlé remain committed to continuing to take a very active part in it. Mr Bruno Le Ciclé , Chairman and CEO, Nestlé Maghreb

It is a wonderful anniversary evening, a lovely gathering of friends, colleagues and members of the CCSM. It is a solemn yet friendly moment that highlights sharing and exchange between the Chamber’s main players. We hope there will be more. Mr Christophe De Figueiredo , Managing Director of Swissport

A wonderful evening with an interesting programme. We were delighted to meet our colleagues and the other members of the Chamber to discuss our ambitions and our projects. These events should be held regularly because they allow Swiss companies in Morocco to work together better. Mr Rachid Slim , Representative of Sika Morocco

It was an excellent evening that took place in an excellent atmosphere! This 30th anniversary of the CCSM, which was also an opportunity to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, expressed Moroccan-Swiss friendship in the best possible way. Mr Faycal Tadlaoui , Economic journalist and host of the evening

This evening was a success on every level: perfect organisation with a very friendly team, discreet but always present, and a lovely programme alternating several performances, orchestrated by an experienced host. Conviviality, meeting other professionals and a pleasant meal set the pace of this very fine evening. We look forward to attending the next anniversary. Mr Abdelilah Mourid , Managing Director, Sicpa Morocco

The evening was exceptional! I would like to thank all our sponsors and guests who responded so enthusiastically to this anniversary to blow out this 30th candle with us. A great success thanks to everyone’s participation, involvement and commitment. I hope we will celebrate the Chamber’s next 30 years together. Thank you again to all of you for coming! Mr Mehdi Benzaari , President of the CCSM