Seeking fresh outlets beyond its established export destinations, Surat’s textile sector has secured a foothold in North Africa.
The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) concluded two strategic pacts in Morocco, aimed at deepening commerce, drawing investment and widening access to markets across Europe and Africa.
Both documents were executed on the sidelines of Maroc in Mode (MIM 2026) and the 4th Morocco International Yarn and Fabric Sourcing Show 2026.
SGCCI’s delegation, headed by President Ashok Jirawala and Vice-President Ravi Raj Desai, finalised the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with two leading Moroccan business bodies.
The first is a five-year bilateral accord, was agreed with the Association Marocaine des Industries du Textile et de l’Habillement (AMITH), the country’s principal textile and clothing trade organisation.
Under the arrangement, a joint committee will convene at least annually to assess bilateral textile trading prospects. The framework will also open dialogue on customs procedures, regulatory matters and rules of origin.
Central to the pact is a drive to encourage Indian entrepreneurs to commit capital to Morocco’s upstream textile segments, namely spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing and finishing.
Second Pact Broadens Collaboration Beyond Textiles
A further institutional cooperation agreement was concluded with the India-Morocco Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IMCCI), signed by Jirawala and IMCCI president Colin Nebhwani.
Its scope reaches well past textiles, covering MSMEs, renewable energy, information technology, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, engineering, logistics and Surat’s gems and jewellery trade.
Facilitated activities will include business delegations, B2B meetings and the sharing of market intelligence.
“Morocco acts as a doorway to the sizeable European and African markets. Through these agreements, Surat and South Gujarat industries gain direct entry to international buyers,” Jirawala remarked.
Desai observed that the accords would reinforce economic links and generate openings in exports, technology transfer and joint ventures.
“Surat boasts first-rate manufacturing capacity, while Morocco is a key sourcing base for European buyers. This strategic partnership will create fresh export avenues for our MSMEs,” Desai added.
Image courtesy: The Blunt Times
