North China's Shanxi province will host economic and trade exchange activities with the northern African nation of Morocco during the 12th Expo Central China to be held on May 21-23, according to the Shanxi branch of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). 

The body announced on May 7 that the province would hold a founding ceremony for the Chinese Committee of the China-Morocco Business Council and the China (Shanxi)-Morocco Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, in the provincial capital of Taiyuan. 

The economic and trade exchange initiative will aim to promote business between enterprises between Shanxi and Morocco, as well as boost commerce between Shanxi and North Africa, the Mediterranean region, the European Union and the League of Arab States. 

With the help of Expo Central China and the resources of the China-Morocco Business Council, Shanxi enterprises will aim to get a greater understanding of Moroccan market needs, as well as expand exports. 

Plans are for Shanxi to invite Moroccan businesses to visit development zones in the province. It is hoped that by doing so, they will learn about its investment promotion policies and undertake business matchmaking with Shanxi companies and corporate links. 

From January to November 2020, Shanxi reported exports worth 117 million yuan ($18.19 million) to Morocco, a year-on-year increase of 193.4 percent. The majority of produce included walnuts, cold-rolled stainless-steel plates, iron and steel casting products, fertilizers, tableware and measuring instruments.