Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Morocco Simon Martin announced, on Thursday at his Rabat-based residence, that the British Moroccan Society (BMS) will organize a Gala Dinner on Oct. 2 in Casablanca, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the British Chamber of Commerce in Morocco.
This is the first ever Gala Dinner to be organized in the city of Casablanca, after 39 dinners held in London and 5 in Marrakech.
The diplomat said the Gala Dinner will be attended by influential British and Moroccan businesspersons and key stakeholders who helped double trade between the two countries since the Association Agreement came into effect.
Ambassador Martin emphasized the flourishing ties between Morocco and the United Kingdom in various fields, on the back of the growing number of British tourists, substantial investments, trade volume, British curriculum-based schools in Morocco, and the increasing number of Moroccan students pursuing studies in the UK.
He also highlighted the role that the British Chamber of Commerce as an engine that drives economic exchanges.
President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Morocco Stephen Orr emphasized the Chamber’s tireless efforts over the past century to foster commerce and trade between the UK and Morocco in diverse sectors such as textile, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, car industry, and more.
Orr said that trade figures stand at an impressive £2 billion per year, with ambitious plans to raise this amount to £5 billion in the near future.
The British Chamber of Commerce has been, since its inception in 1923, a key player in shaping the Moroccan-British business ties, through numerous networking, and promotional and advocacy activities.
For his part, Chairman of the British Moroccan Society Mike Wood said the dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the UK’s achievements in Morocco, adding that a strong delegation from the National Liberal Club, led by Lord Monroe Palmer OBE, will attend the event.
British Moroccan Society Chairwoman Mina Metioui said the association supports various communities, in villages and elsewhere, including individuals with special needs, the elderly, orphans and patients with diabetes.
The Gala Dinner will be an occasion to underscore the British Moroccan Society’s charitable work in the field of girls’ education and empowerment. The BMS is raising funds for over 30 Moroccan associations.