SWISSECO: Morocco has been identified by Switzerland as a priority country under the new 2025‑2028 international cooperation programme and in line with the new Swiss cooperation strategy adopted by the Federal Council.
How important is this status and what are the main sectors it addresses?
Karim Belhassan: The entry into force of the CBAM represents a major transformation of the international trade landscape, with direct repercussions for Moroccan companies. But beyond the constraints, it is a real opportunity for our country to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable, decarbonised economy.
In the face of this urgency, BMCI is taking action at several levels: we support our clients, particularly manufacturers and exporters, by raising their awareness of the regulatory issues and encouraging them to carry out certification audits. We also encourage them to draw on technical expertise through the assistance schemes made available by public or international institutions.
Our approach goes beyond simply decarbonising processes: we seek to structure shorter, more resilient and sustainable supply chains. The aim is clear: to finance an ecosystem as a whole rather than an isolated player, by creating the conditions for coherent, systemic and lasting change.
SWISSECO: Companies, particularly SMEs, often face obstacles in accessing financing suited to their growth or modernisation needs.
What specific levers or schemes does BMCI offer to further support the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including members of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Morocco?
Françoise Salamé Guex: Switzerland’s choice of Morocco as a priority country under the 2025–2028 cooperation programme reflects Morocco’s strategic importance, recognised for its political stability and its geographical position between Africa and Europe. This partnership aims to support the reforms undertaken by the Moroccan authorities to build a competitive, inclusive and sustainable economy, and is structured around two pillars: competitiveness and employment. The Swiss programme supports in particular the improvement of the investment climate, market-oriented training, the promotion of sustainable value chains and access to finance for SMEs. It primarily targets the textile and sustainable tourism sectors, while strengthening the capacities of the private sector and fostering job creation.
“This partnership aims to support the reforms undertaken by the Moroccan authorities to build a competitive, inclusive and sustainable economy…”
SWISSECO: This new programme emphasises the role of the private sector and public-private partnerships. How does Swiss cooperation plan to involve companies in the implementation of projects, particularly Swiss companies already active in Morocco?
Françoise Salamé Guex: The 2025–2028 Switzerland-Morocco cooperation programme gives the private sector a central role. It provides for targeted support for Moroccan companies and umbrella organisations, particularly in the textile and tourism sectors, in order to strengthen their competitiveness and export potential. At the same time, partnerships and exchanges of expertise with Swiss players will be actively encouraged.
The 2025–2028 Switzerland-Morocco cooperation programme will indirectly benefit Swiss companies already established in the country by creating a more favourable environment for investment. Improving the business climate and broadening access to finance for SMEs, supported by close collaboration with Bank Al-Maghrib and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), aim to mobilise more private capital. These strengthened framework conditions will benefit all economic players in Morocco, and in particular Swiss companies involved in Morocco’s productive fabric.
SWISSECO: This cooperation also aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the economic fabric while taking sustainability issues into account. What concrete benefits could result from it, particularly in the fields of training, innovation and sustainable tourism?
Françoise Salamé Guex : The 2025–2028 Switzerland-Morocco cooperation should generate concrete benefits in several key areas. In training, it will help match skills with the needs of the Moroccan market, by supporting training programmes focused on the employability of young people and women. In terms of innovation, it will encourage the digitalisation of SMEs and the development of sustainable solutions, particularly within production chains and industrial zones. Finally, in the sustainable tourism sector, the programme will help to structure responsible tourism offerings — climbing, hiking, cycling tours, etc. — that showcase local resources and respect the environment. These advances will strengthen the competitiveness of Morocco’s economic fabric while consolidating the foundations for inclusive and resilient growth.