There are approximately 20,000 people employed in the Moroccan leather and leather products industry turning over euro 227.3 million in 2008. From this figure leather processing is worth euro 16.5 million to the Moroccan economy.
An overview of the leather sector was provided by Mohamed Benamour, president of export commission, FEDIC (Federation of Leather Industries). ‘Morocco is ideally located close to European markets but has on average 15% lower costs compared with manufacturing in the EU. Many footwear and leather goods businesses, particularly from France or Spain are located or are sourcing products made in Morocco. Company’s from the UK could also benefit’, Benamour told delegates at the trade day.
The event was officially opened by Moroccan Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui who is also Moroccan ambassador to the UK and featured companies from the agrobusiness, fisheries, automotive as well as leather and textiles.
Following a series of presentations B2B meetings were held between Moroccan businesses to potential UK customers or partners.
