The BRICS is witnessing a surge in interest, as eight Arab countries, including Morocco, have officially applied to join the renowned economic bloc.
In an interview with MoroccoLatestNews English, El Houcine Guennoun, a lawyer and analyst discussed Morocco’s chances and qualifications for joining the BRICS group, a burgeoning economic alliance comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Guennoun highlighted Morocco’s growing influence and economic progress as key factors driving its potential and possible inclusion in this prominent global coalition.
Guennoun underscored Morocco’s evolving status in North Africa, describing it as a “growing continental power that has made significant strides in economic development and trade.”
He said that “Morocco has positioned itself as a major investor in West Africa, achieving notable economic growth and stability under a progressive constitutional framework. The country’s legislative and judicial systems have contributed to effective governance, resulting in controlled inflation rates, a fact substantiated by reports from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.”
Guennoun emphasized that these achievements have propelled Morocco’s eligibility for BRICS membership.
Comparing Morocco’s transformation to that of a “new Turkey” in North Africa, Guennoun asserted the international community’s growing confidence in Morocco’s strategic capabilities.
He said that “Morocco’s stable environment, security, and leadership under King Mohammed VI are essential factors that have gathered trust on the global stage.”
Guennoun emphasized that Morocco’s pluralistic society, characterized by diversity and tolerance, further enhances its standing as a prospective BRICS member.
He further stressed Morocco’s evolution in diplomacy and international partnerships noting that “Morocco, unlike its past, now diversifies its collaborations with a wide range of economic and political powers.”
Morocco’s strategic partnerships with the European Union, the United States, China, Japan, and Russia, prove the country’s proactive approach in engaging with global players.
He added that Morocco strives to maintain a role in global equilibrium, both economically and politically.
One of the tangible benefits that Morocco could derive from BRICS membership, as Guennoun pointed out, is “access to preferential loans offered by the BRICS-established Development Bank in China to fund large-scale projects within Morocco, and the potential for knowledge exchange and collaboration in scientific research and various sectors. The country will also attract and benefit from the surge of investments of the BRICS members”
Guennoun further added that “Morocco’s strategic geographic location, serving as a bridge between Europe and Africa, positions it as an essential entry point for major global powers seeking to engage with the African continent.”
He noted that Morocco’s emergence as a hub for international investment, along with its role in supporting regional stability, makes it an attractive partner for powerful nations looking to tap into Africa’s resources and potential.
Guennoun stressed that Morocco’s participation in BRICS would come with certain conditions including commitment to its sovereignty, particularly its proposal for autonomy in the Sahara conflict. Guennoun emphasized that a clear departure from the “grey areas” of international ambiguity is crucial for Morocco’s participation in the new world order.