Morocco’s growing economic ties with China are creating new opportunities for financial institutions. Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP) is strengthening its support for businesses operating along the Africa–China trade corridor through the expertise of its subsidiary, Chaabi International Bank Offshore (CIB Offshore).
The initiative focuses on cross-border payments, trade finance and digital banking services in Chinese. It aims to facilitate commercial transactions, support Chinese investors setting up operations in Morocco and help African companies manage their financial activities with Chinese partners.
A key component of the offer is the ability to conduct international transactions in Renminbi (RMB). CIB Offshore participates in China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), which facilitates international payments and settlements in the Chinese currency.
This enables companies working with Chinese suppliers to make payments directly in RMB and manage their financial flows through dedicated banking arrangements. The expertise is also made available to BCP subsidiaries across Africa, allowing the group to provide coordinated support to clients involved in trade with China.
The initiative comes as Chinese investment gains importance in Morocco’s industrial development strategy. BCP is particularly targeting companies already established or planning to set up operations in the country’s Industrial Acceleration Zones, including the Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City.
Its services cover several stages of an investment project, from initial establishment to daily business operations. These include account management, international transfers, import payments, investment and operating finance, as well as international trade instruments.
Digital services are another major part of the strategy. CIB Offshore’s CIBOnline Corporate platform is available in Chinese, including transaction notifications and account statements. This allows Chinese financial departments to monitor their Moroccan operations directly in their working language, while local teams manage transactions on the ground.
The banking offer is supported by a payment hub built around international ISO 20022 standards since 2023. The infrastructure covers the full international payment process, from transaction initiation to settlement, while supporting automation and improving the exchange of financial data.
CIB Offshore has also received recognition from Citibank and Standard Chartered for its level of automation and processing speed.
For BCP, the strategy reflects an effort to connect its Moroccan and African banking network with the financial needs of international investors. By combining local market knowledge with specialized offshore banking services, the group aims to strengthen financial links between African businesses and Chinese partners.
Othmane Tajeddine, BCP Group’s Managing Director in charge of International Operations and Specialized Subsidiaries, said the initiative reflects the group’s ambition to expand international trade and provide Chinese investors with banking solutions adapted to their needs.
The development also highlights Morocco’s position as a potential financial and industrial gateway for Chinese companies seeking access to African markets, particularly through major industrial platforms such as Tangier Tech.
