Chinese steel company enters the Moroccan market

A Chinese state-owned steel firm has reportedly secured contracts for two huge infrastructure projects in Morocco, adding to China’s growing involvement in North African development initiatives.

According to Moroccan government-friendly news outlet Hespress, reported on September 2nd, the contracts give the steel company, CSCEC, development rights over some of Morocco’s highways, alongside the high-speed rail line from Kenitra to Marrakesh.

The China International Contractors Association (CHINCA) apparently claimed CSCEC have obtained three contracts in North Africa, broadening its reach to a purported 47 countries and regions globally.

As Morocco gears up to host the 2030 World Cup, the country seemingly looks to Chinese steel to prop up its efforts.

According to the source, the first contract puts the steel company in charge of building steel bridges on the second section of Morocco’s highways. The total weight of the project is said to amount to 15,600 tonnes, all funded by Morocco’s National Highway Agency.

The second contract reportedly focuses on steel structures for the 267-mile high-speed rail line spanning from the northern city of Kenitra to Marrakesh. The rail line is being built to reach a purported 199 mph, making it Africa’s fastest train upon completion. The weight of steel for this project stands at 12,600 tonnes.

China’s pursuit of projects in North Africa isn’t isolated to Morocco, as CHINCA apparently noted, CSCEC also secured a contract in Egypt. They will apparently construct a 3000-tonne steel structure for a Hisense television plant, a project expected to boost the local economy.

China also appears to have a foothold in Algerian markets. As Maghrebi reported, the two countries recently signed a memorandum of understanding, concerning their growing cooperation in the energy sector. As well as this, China invested in a huge tyre factory in the country, signalling growing ties between the two economies.