Sabadell International Business
Export to Morocco
Export opportunities for Spanish companies in Morocco
Strengths
- Geographic proximity: 14 km across the Straits of Gibraltar, 2 hour flight from Madrid/ Barcelona – Casablanca.
- Political stability.
- Arab country with a culture of openness and tolerance.
- Favourable economic evolution and sustained growth.
- Tariff-free access to a market of 1,000 million consumers.
- Educated workforce and competitive costs.
Investments
Spanish companies have opportunities in:
- Civil works, modernisation and expansion of infrastructures.
- Agricultural equipment.
- Industrial semi-manufacturing and industrial equipment (especially textile).
- Tourist facilities and management.
- Transport and logistic services.
- Engineering and consulting services.
- Health service.
- Distribution.
- Construction materials and equipment.
- Automotive, aeronautical and railways.
- Renewable energies and water treatment.
- 6 free zones with tax benefits.
Weaknesses
- Bureaucratic rigidity.
- Lack of infrastructures.
- Dependency on agricultural production.
Prospects
- Moderate growth of the Moroccan economy thanks to the good performance in the agricultural and mining sectors.
- Priority is given to structural reforms (legal certainty, labour market and business climate).
Banco Sabadell in Morocco
Experience
Banco Sabadell set up in Morocco with an operating office in 2009, after decades of relations with local financial entities.
The aim of Banco Sabadell in Morocco is to provide financial support for Spanish companies operating in and/or with business interests in the country. It also offers its knowledge and experience in each stage of their expansion process, providing them with the best solutions for their needs. Our office in Morocco offers them a top quality service. The aim of Banco Sabadell in Morocco is to provide financial support to Spanish companies operating and/or having business interests in the country. It also offers its knowledge and experience at each stage of the expansion process, making available the best solutions for their needs. Our office operates as a full branch in Morocco and offers a maximum quality service.
Services
- Opening current and deposit accounts, in both dirhams and in convertible currencies.
- Foreign trade operations (documentary credit, remittances, etc).
- Financing of investments and working capital via different financial products (credit facilities, loans, discounts, documentary credit and remittances, reverse factoring for paying local suppliers, etc.).
- Sureties and guarantees for public authorities and third parties.
- Domestic means of payment and collection.
- Treasury management.
Business structure in Morocco
Incorporating a foreign entity
A foreign company can establish in Morocco as an établissement stable in different ways:
Branch
It can only carry out activities within the corporate purpose of the parent company. It must keep its accounting records in French and in accordance with local law.
Representative Office or Agency
Their activity is limited solely to advertising and promoting the parent company. It can carry out market research and explore business opportunities. It cannot obtain income.
It is advisable to seek assistance from a local legal firm or consultant when choosing the form of economic activity.
Incorporating a Moroccan entity
Limited Liability Company (S.A.R.L.)
The most common legal form:
- members are only liable for contributions made.
- it is an autonomous legal entity.
- little share capital required (around 980 euros).
Public Company
Autonomous legal entity in terms of liability and taxation similar to a S.A.R.L., but with additional obligations, such as governing bodies and higher setting-up costs than a S.A.R.L.
Others
- Collective Company
- Civil Company
- Limited Partnership
- Economic Interest Grouping (GIE): equivalent to a joint venture.
The most common form of joint venture with a Moroccan partner is a Groupement d’Intérêt Economique (GIE) as there is not specific legislation on forming mixed companies.
Payment methods in Morocco
Collection
Exports to Morocco
- Documentary Credit:
it allows the seller to ensure payment prior to shipping the goods. - Collection:
collection management of trade documents with buyer on the part of the bank in Morocco. Generally remittances with payment or sight draft. - Advance payment:
it should be remembered that 100% advance payment is only allowed by the Moroccan importing company if the amount of the invoice does not exceed 200,000 MAD (Moroccan dirhams). If the invoice covers an amount over this the advance payment cannot exceed 30% of the FOB invoice amount.
Payment
Imports from Morocco
- Documentary Credit:
bank promise to pay contingent upon submission of supporting documents. - Import remittance:
collection management of trade documents with buyer on the part of the Spanish bank. - Simple transfer.
Pay special attention to the exchange rate control.
International negotiation protocol in Morocco
- A certain flexibility is required in negotiations and it is advisable not to seem hasty.
- Ramadan is not a good time for business.
- Bargaining is the common method for making concessions.
- During interviews the introductions are prolonged and it is not advisable to start business conversations quickly.
- Handshakes are long and should be done looking at the other person’s eyes.
- Documents and offers are drawn up in Arabic script and in French.
- It is important to have the cooperation of a local partner.
- It is not advisable to talk about religion or politics.
Contact
Morocco
Twin Center, Tour Ouest,
12ème étage Angle Bds
Zerktouni et Al Massira
20100 - Casablanca
Tel. (+212) 520151415
