The 9th annual Small Business Summit convened in Alexandria, Virginia, gathering entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and members of the Moroccan diaspora to strengthen economic ties between the United States and Morocco. Organized as part of the state’s Morocco Day observances, the summit provided a platform for dialogue on innovation and long-term cooperation, emphasizing the growing importance of small and medium-sized enterprises in both nations.
The event attracted local officials and business leaders from both countries, including Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, whose attendance signaled growing municipal interest in fostering international partnerships. A key highlight was the City of Alexandria’s official proclamation of October 31 as “Morocco Day.” The proclamation was presented to Mohamed Hajjam, President of the Moroccan American Network. The date coincides with Morocco’s National Unity Day, a national holiday established by King Mohammed VI following a UN Security Council resolution on the Western Sahara.
The summit’s agenda featured two key workshops. The first focused on Morocco’s role in Africa’s digital transformation, positioning the nation as a strategic gateway for American companies. Experts detailed the country’s expanding infrastructure and technology ecosystem. A second session explored investment opportunities in Morocco’s southern provinces, a region noted for its potential in renewable energy, logistics, and tourism, driven by large-scale development projects and investment incentives.
Ahmed Elyannouari, an event organizer, stated that the summit aims to showcase “the measures the Moroccan government has taken to support investment and the progress Morocco has made.” He noted the event took on “a new shape” following the UN Security Council’s recent resolution. Abdeslem El Idrissi highlighted the role of the diaspora, explaining that its members can contribute not only financially but also through “human resources and expertise.”
Beyond business, the summit featured a cultural exhibition of photography by Hassan Nejibi, documenting Morocco’s economic and urban transformations. Organizers announced an upcoming American economic delegation to Dakhla to explore investment opportunities focused on sustainable development. The closing ceremony paid tribute to several figures active in building Moroccan-American relations, underscoring the summit’s role in fostering practical cooperation rooted in innovation and mutual interest.
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