In a move highlighting Morocco’s growing appeal as a business destination, SMC Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer of pneumatic automation parts, has announced the opening of a new branch in Casablanca.
This strategic expansion solidifies Morocco’s position as SMC’s industrial platform on the African continent, according to the National Company of Radio and Television (SNRT).
Established in 1959 and headquartered in Tokyo, SMC Corporation specializes in the manufacturing and marketing of automatic control equipment. With an extensive product range comprising 12,000 basic products and over 700,000 variations, the company offers comprehensive solutions encompassing air preparation, measurement, valves, and cylinders, covering nearly the entire automation process.
their product portfolio includes actuators, sensors, detectors, controllers, filters, fittings, and tubing, among others.
With a global presence encompassing more than 500 offices across 80 countries, SMC Corporation has built a robust network. The company employs over 20,000 individuals worldwide, including 6,600 sales staff and 1,600 engineers, who possess rich expertise and knowledge across a wide range of industries.
In Africa, SMC has established marketing and sales offices in several countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tunisia.
The decision to open a Moroccan branch aligns with the trend of Japanese companies selecting Morocco as a strategic platform for exporting products to Europe and Africa. More than 70 Japanese enterprises have already recognized the advantages offered by Morocco’s business environment.
In January 2020, Morocco and Japan signed two trade agreements aimed at bolstering investor protection and eliminating tariffs between the two countries, further enhancing bilateral trade relations.
In April 2022, Morocco’s ambassador to Japan, Rachad Bouhlal, emphasized the significance of these agreements in attracting Japanese companies to Morocco. The fruitful cooperation between the two nations has resulted in a doubling of the number of Japanese businesses operating in Morocco over the past decade, making it the second most appealing African business destination for Japan.
Japan’s presence in Morocco extends beyond business ventures. As the country’s first foreign employer, Japan has created around 50,000 job positions in Morocco, contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the nation.
Bouhlal also highlighted the potential for Japanese investors in Morocco’s renewable energy sector, which, alongside the automotive and aeronautical sectors, offers abundant opportunities for collaboration and growth.
With SMC Corporation’s new branch in Casablanca and the increasing influx of Japanese companies into Morocco, the partnership between the two nations is poised to flourish. The expansion serves as a testament to Morocco’s favorable business climate and highlights the country’s rising prominence as a gateway to the African market for international investors.
