"He painted a vivid picture of the orderly markets and respectful citizens, and the unfamiliar drinks (likely tea) and cultural elements like clothing and dynastic rule, the city's cleanliness and wide streets," he recalls.

It incentivized him to visit the city a few years ago.

"His words echoed in my mind during my visit then. The similarities in hospitality and urban energy were striking," he says.

Just as Arab merchants thrived here centuries ago, Moroccan businesses now flourish under the Belt and Road Initiative, he observes.