Daily Press Review - Monday, April 22, 2024

SIAM 2024: An Essential Platform for Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture (Al Bayane)

The 16th edition of the Salon International de l'Agriculture au Maroc (SIAM) returns from April 22 to 28 in Meknès, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This year's theme, "Climate Change and Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities," emphasizes the urgency of developing sustainable and resilient agricultural systems to confront climate-related challenges.

Spanning over 12 hectares, SIAM brings together more than 70 countries, with Spain as this year's guest of honor. This event provides a platform for experts and agricultural professionals to exchange ideas and share experiences on critical topics such as climate adaptation, technological innovation, sustainability, and the resilience of agricultural systems.

SIAM also serves as a showcase for promoting the richness and diversity of Moroccan terroir products, local craftsmanship, and agricultural products.

Source: Al Bayane

Schengen Visa: PPS Denounces Illegal Practices by Intermediaries and Calls on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Al Bayane)

The Group of Progress and Socialism (GPS) in the Chamber of Representatives, through its president Rachid Hamouni, strongly condemns the illegal and damaging practices of intermediaries involved in Schengen visa applications.

In a written question to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Mr. Hamouni highlights the proliferation of intermediaries who subject visa applicants to harassment and charge exorbitant fees.

Mr. Hamouni points out that obtaining a Schengen visa has become a significant ordeal for Moroccan citizens, who fall victim to intermediaries offering "exclusive deals" at inflated prices.

In response to this unacceptable situation, the PPS representative calls on the Minister to take urgent measures to put an end to these illegal practices and protect Moroccan citizens.

Source: Al Bayane

Royal Air Maroc and Safran Strengthen Partnership in Aircraft Engine Maintenance (Aujourd'hui le Maroc)

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and Safran have signed a historic agreement in Casablanca on Thursday to strengthen their partnership in aircraft engine maintenance.

The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Hamid Addou, President and CEO of Royal Air Maroc, and Jean-Paul Alary, President of Safran Aircraft Engines, includes a significant expansion of the Safran Aircraft Engines Services Maroc (SAESM) site in Casablanca.

This expansion, involving a 30 million dirham investment, will increase SAESM's capacity by 2,000 square meters and increase annual engine maintenance ("shop visits") from 70 to 100 by 2026. The expansion will also create 100 new jobs, bringing the total workforce at SAESM to 350 employees.

With this expansion, SAESM will strengthen its position as a center of excellence for maintaining CFM56 engines within Safran's global maintenance and repair (MRO) network.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

UNDP Morocco Reports Positive Outcomes: Significant Advances in Regionalization and Sustainable Development (Aujourd'hui le Maroc)

In a new report titled "Retrospective on 5 Years of Support for Development in Morocco (2017-2022)," the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights the achievements made over the last five years in terms of sustainable development, advanced regionalization, and economic inclusion.

The UNDP has worked closely with the Moroccan government and international entities to implement strategies aimed at improving governance, social inclusion, and economic resilience.

The UNDP has played a crucial role in supporting Morocco's advanced regionalization by strengthening local capacities and promoting more inclusive and participatory public administration.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Mohcine Jazouli Visits Germany to Boost Investment in Morocco (Aujourd'hui le Maroc)

Moroccan Minister Delegate to the Head of Government, Mohcine Jazouli, visited Germany to enhance investment opportunities in Morocco. The trip aimed to attract German businesses and investors by showcasing Morocco's economic potential and fostering bilateral partnerships.

Details of this visit and its outcomes were not provided in this brief summary.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Mohcine Jazouli Continues Promotion Tour to Attract Foreign Investment to Morocco (Aujourd'hui le Maroc)

Mohcine Jazouli, Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, Convergence, and Evaluation of Public Policies, continues his roadshow to promote Morocco as a prime destination for foreign investment. After a successful trip to Spain in late January, he and his team are now in Germany from April 22 to 25, 2024.

The goal of the tour is to highlight investment opportunities in Morocco and attract new capital to key sectors such as the automotive industry, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and renewable energy.

This initiative is part of the strategy to strengthen the "Morocco Now" brand in key markets. The tour also comes at a favorable time, following the launch of Morocco's Green Hydrogen Development Program and the completion of several strategic investment agreements in the electric battery sector.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Morocco and Belgium: A Shared Past, Present, and Future (Liberation)

Morocco and Belgium are bound by a shared past, present, and future, as emphasized by Rudi Vervoort, Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region, during his visit to Rabat on Friday.

Following a meeting with Nasser Bourita, Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Mr. Vervoort underscored the strong partnership and distinguished ties that connect the two countries, as well as the solid friendship that underpins their common future.

Discussions covered several topics of mutual interest, including the relationship between Morocco and Belgium, especially with the Brussels-Capital Region, home to the largest Belgian-Moroccan diaspora in the country.

Mr. Vervoort noted that a few months ago, the 21st anniversary of the cooperation and partnership agreement with the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region was celebrated, with a focus on exchange programs, cooperation, and best practices to strengthen the relationship between the two regions, which share a similar development trajectory.

Source: Liberation

Washington Hosts Dinner-Debate to Explore Challenges and Prospects of the Moroccan Economy (Liberation)

The Moroccan Embassy in Washington held its second annual dinner-debate on Friday, focusing on "The Moroccan Economy: Challenges and Prospects." This event, held alongside the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF, brought together leading economic players to discuss the strengths and challenges of the Moroccan economy.

Attendees included Morocco's Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Middle East and Africa, Thomas Bruns, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Joshua Harris, representatives from influential American think tanks, Moroccan experts from the World Bank and the IMF, private sector leaders, and representatives from U.S.-based development financing agencies.

In his address, Morocco's Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, highlighted the economic progress achieved by Morocco under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, emphasizing the country's resilience and exemplary post-crisis management, positioning Morocco as a model to follow.

Mr. Amrani also praised the valuable human capital of Moroccan experts at the World Bank and the IMF, recognizing their expertise and extensive networks in various fields.

Source: Liberation