Virginia Hosts 9th Annual Small Business Summit Focused on Morocco

Rabat, Morocco – The US state of Virginia hosted a significant gathering yesterday, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and members of the Moroccan diaspora for the 9th annual Small Business Summit. This event, part of the state’s Morocco Day celebrations, provided a structured platform for dialogue about entrepreneurship and innovation.

Held in Alexandria, the summit attracted local officials, Moroccan and American business leaders, technology specialists, and community organizers. Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins attended the summit, indicating a growing interest in enhancing relations with Morocco and expanding cooperation between local and international communities.

During the summit, the City of Alexandria officially declared October 31 as “Morocco Day,” coinciding with Morocco’s National Unity Day. This day, associated with King Mohammed VI, commemorates the country’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and serves as a unifying moment in Moroccan history.

The summit featured two specialized workshops. The first highlighted Morocco’s role in digital transformation, establishing the country as a strategic gateway for American companies entering African markets. Experts explored Morocco’s infrastructure and its emerging technology ecosystem.

The second workshop focused on investment opportunities in Morocco’s southern provinces, which are gaining attention for their potential in renewable energy and tourism. Speakers emphasized the region’s growth due to large-scale infrastructure projects and trade routes.

Ahmed Elyannouari expressed the summit’s broader aims: “The goal of this event is to encourage Moroccan Americans and American investors to engage in Morocco, showcasing government support for investment and progress in various sectors. This year, we have a renewed focus following the UN Security Council’s decision.”

Abdeslem El Idrissi acknowledged the importance of the Moroccan diaspora in fostering investment: “The Moroccan diaspora in the United States can contribute not just financially but by sharing expertise, supporting Morocco’s development.”

Mayor Gaskins emphasized the cultural richness brought by the Moroccan community: “The Moroccan diaspora offers us a real chance to experience their culture and strengthen ties.”

The summit also featured a cultural component, including a photography exhibition by Hassan Nejibi, showcasing Morocco’s economic transformations. The event concluded with the announcement of an upcoming American economic delegation to Dakhla, aimed at exploring local investment opportunities centered on sustainable development.

In the closing ceremony, several individuals who have significantly contributed to Moroccan-American relations were honored, underlining that the summit was much more than a ceremonial event. It marked a commitment to enhancing international cooperation through innovation and mutual interest.