On the evening of Wednesday, January 31, Mohamed Laroussi Tahiri was honored with the prestigious appointment as Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau during the annual MENA Trade Dinner in The Hague. The special event took place at Sociëteit De Witte in the presence of numerous guests, including ambassadors, dignitaries, entrepreneurs, and Laroussi's close family.
Photos: Kim Vermaat
In his speech, Gouda's Mayor Pieter Verhoeve commended Laroussi's impressive career. He distinguished himself as a council member through his dedication to the local community in Gouda, Rotterdam, and surrounding areas. Laroussi was very involved in international social matters.
That was reflected in, among other things, his chairing a support committee. That led to the establishment of a kidney dialysis center in Agadir, Morocco. He also helped organize and provide care supplies to hospitals. Every year, Laroussi and his family commit themselves to delivering free meals to needy families in Tangier during Ramadan.
In 1996, the late King Hassan II of Morocco recognized Laroussi for promoting trade between Morocco and the Netherlands. With a wink, the Mayor of Gouda added that Laroussi has now received an award from two kings.
After his government career, Laroussi started importing and exporting fruits and vegetables from Morocco and the Middle East. He soon saw much could be gained in promoting trade and the Netherlands, particularly the port of Rotterdam, as a final destination. The Dutch Moroccan Centre for Trade Promotion was thus established.
He organized and received trade delegations comprising dignitaries and business people from the MENA countries and the Netherlands. His engagement with the Morocco Netherlands 400-year foundation emphasized his significant role. As a MENA Business Council board member, he still helps Dutch companies that want to invest in Morocco or other MENA countries with research, networking, and setting up local activities.
His appointment as Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau reflects Laroussi's lasting influence on relations between Morocco and the Netherlands. It also underscores his crucial contributions to both local and overseas communities.
Would you like to congratulate Mohamed? Send an email to consult@laroussi.nl