Andreas Wenzel, CEO, German Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Interview

Interview: Andreas Wenzel

How would you describe life in Casablanca for corporate travellers and new residents?

ANDREAS WENZEL: Casablanca is a true metropolis with many layers, though at first these are not necessarily easy to grasp for corporate travellers or those who have relocated for business purposes. It is a city that never sleeps, a city that is constantly reinventing itself and therefore best represents modern Morocco. Casablanca is where the money is being made – young Moroccans come to seek their fortunes, and businesses and the creative industries prosper. One will be rewarded for investing time into diving into the varied complexity of the Casablanca lifestyle. It is hectic yet friendly, crowded yet the beaches are easily accessible, and international at first sight but also absolutely Moroccan at its roots.

Which local traditions or customs should foreign residents try to adopt in order to integrate?

WENZEL: While couscous is widely known around the world, in Morocco this staple food is traditionally enjoyed on Fridays. Couscous is typically eaten in groups, such as when a large family sits down together to share a meal from one large dish.

Taking up this tradition on Fridays in a business environment – be it as a company group or with business partners – is one way to integrate. Adapting to this very charming local tradition helps to strengthen ties, build networks and discuss interesting topics outside of the daily work routine.

What are your top etiquette tips for foreign business travellers meeting their local counterparts?

WENZEL: Customs and etiquette in Morocco are neither complicated nor hard to understand – they are fundamentally based on respect and good manners. However, I think three points are of specific importance. First, Moroccans have a strong belief that you should always respect yourself. Second, Moroccans are considerate to everyone they meet and expect the same in return – courtesy is extended to all, and it is never acceptable to be rude. Third, Moroccans require a certain amount of formality in all procedures and negotiations, and they often view informality as a sign of disrespect. Indeed, Moroccans are not straightforward communicators and will often avoid direct confrontation in business, so one must learn to read between the lines.

Are there any areas of the city that you particularly recommend for dining and entertainment?

WENZEL: The city has everything from fast food to fine-dining fusion restaurants, and plenty of fresh fish and seafood on offer. There is a wide range of international hotels and quite a variety of restaurants in the city. However, it is very rewarding to also have a look at Ain Diab for those who prefer the seaside, as well as Gauthier and Racine for a more modern, urban touch. A weekend out to Dar Bouazza provides a combination of good food and the city’s beach life. One should not forget Bouskoura, though; this suburb offers a large forest area ideally suited for running and biking, as well as three golf courses, and its restaurants are not to be missed.

If you were to recommend only one attraction in the city to a visitor, what would it be and why?

WENZEL: It is often said that Casablanca has no sights apart from the Hassan II Mosque. However Casablanca was and is a laboratory city, a place that has served as a site of experimentation for many architects – where art deco and Arab-Moorish styles met and gave birth to an architecture that is unique to Casablanca. A short stroll through the city centre will bring you into contact with this very special blend. Each time you look at the facade of a building, you begin to glimpse the richness and diversity of the modern heritage of the metropolis.