Boeing unveils deal to boost Moroccan aerospace industry

TANGIERS, Morocco – Boeing Co. has signed an agreement with Morocco’s government that the North African kingdom hopes will create 8,000 jobs and an additional $1 billion a year in export revenue.

Boeing said it will support a Moroccan plan to build up its aerospace manufacturing sector, encouraging suppliers to set up or expand here. With a high-quality but cheap workforce, Morocco’s aerospace sector has developed rapidly over the past decade.

King Mohammed VI oversaw the signing Tuesday in Tangiers.

Said Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Raymond Conner: “We and our suppliers must reduce costs and improve quality in order to win in the marketplace.” Moroccan Industry Minister Hafid El Alamy said Morocco hopes to bring 120 Boeing suppliers here.