Daily Press Review - Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Wage Increases: UMT Sounds the Alarm over Government Maneuvers

With Labor Day just a week away, wage negotiations have hit a standstill. The government, which had previously promised significant salary improvements, now appears to be linking those increases to controversial reforms, sparking concern and anger among labor unions.

The Union Marocaine du Travail (UMT) is the only union to publicly react to the government's strategy. In a communiqué released last Sunday, the UMT criticized the government's silence on salary intentions and denounced its efforts to tie wage increases to the proposed reforms.

The UMT reiterated its demand for substantial wage hikes to address the rising cost of living and rampant inflation. The union also called for a reduction in income taxes to support household purchasing power.

Source: Al Bayane

The 4th Maroc Historic Rally Starts from Casablanca!

The 4th edition of the Maroc Historic Rally kicked off on Sunday in Casablanca, attracting a crowd of motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. This event, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, featured high-profile attendees, including the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ryad Mezzour, and the Governor of the Casablanca-Settat region, Mohamed Mhidia.

Organized by the Grand Maghreb Motor Sports Club in partnership with the Moroccan Federation of Vintage Vehicles and the Royal Moroccan Automobile Club, this rally brings together about a hundred drivers from various countries. Behind the wheels of their vintage cars, they will traverse Morocco's scenic routes, visiting unique sites along the way.

The rally covers over 1,800 km and crosses several regions in Morocco, including Casablanca, Bouskoura, Bouznika, Aguelmouss, Ifrane, Khénifra, Bin El Ouidane, El Brouj, Skour Rhamna, Benguerir, and Marrakech. Participants will tackle 31 special stages designed to test their driving skills and endurance.

Source: Al Bayane

SIAM 2024: A Journey into the Heart of Moroccan Agriculture

Upon entering the Salon International de l'Agriculture au Maroc (SIAM), visitors find themselves immersed in a diverse and rich world. The event features 12 thematic areas showcasing various aspects of Moroccan agriculture.

The "Regions" area highlights the diversity of products and expertise from Morocco's different regions. Each region presents its unique geo-climatic characteristics, agricultural policies, local products, and agrotourism potential.

The "Agro-Supply" area gathers the latest innovations in agricultural inputs and equipment, including fertilizers, seeds, irrigation systems, machinery, and agricultural services.

The "Livestock Inputs" area is dedicated to techniques and solutions promoting animal health and well-being, featuring veterinary activities, specialized services, inter-professional associations, and equipment tailored for livestock farming.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

French Minister of the Interior Darmanin Praises Franco-Moroccan Security Cooperation

French Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories Gérald Darmanin made an official visit to Morocco on Monday. He was received by his Moroccan counterpart, Abdelouafi Laftit, where he praised the exemplary security cooperation between France and Morocco.

During their meeting, the two ministers reaffirmed the importance of close collaboration to address shared security challenges, including the fight against terrorism and organized crime. They also discussed migration, emphasizing the need for a coordinated and humane approach to managing this complex issue.

Darmanin expressed his gratitude to Moroccan security services for their involvement in preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The security cooperation between the two countries plays a crucial role in the success of this significant international event.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Exceptional Aid for Road Transport Operators: Registration Opens May 3, 2024

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics announced the opening of registration for an exceptional aid program for road transport professionals. This government initiative is designed to support the sector and provide financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries.

Registration for this exceptional aid will open on Friday, May 3, 2024. Road transport professionals can register through the dedicated electronic platform: mouakaba.transport.gov.ma.

Eligibility requirements for this exceptional aid will be announced later by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. It is recommended that road transport professionals regularly check the ministry's website and official information platforms to learn more about the registration process and the conditions for obtaining this aid.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Intelcia Inaugurates New Headquarters in Portugal and Announces Expansion to Brazil

Intelcia, a leading outsourcing firm, officially inaugurated its new headquarters in Portugal today. The event was attended by João Rui Ferreira, Portuguese Secretary of State for the Economy, and Othmane Bahnini, Moroccan Ambassador to Portugal. This move underscores Intelcia's commitment to establishing a long-term presence in Portugal and contributing to the country's economic growth.

Located in the heart of Parque das Nações in Lisbon, the new headquarters spans 4,000 square meters and can accommodate over 500 employees. It positions Intelcia Portugal as a multilingual hub offering services in seven languages.

Since its establishment in Portugal in February 2019, Intelcia has experienced remarkable growth. In just five years, its workforce has grown from 50 to 7,000 employees across 13 sites, representing 41 nationalities. In 2023, the monthly recruitment average reached 300 new hires.

"This new stage in the group's development in Portugal reaffirms its commitment to investing sustainably in the country by creating jobs," said Carla Marques, CEO of Intelcia Portugal.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Société Générale Maroc Unveils "Solar Pack" for Sustainable Energy Transition at SIAM 2024

Société Générale Maroc is taking advantage of its presence at the Salon International de l'Agriculture au Maroc (SIAM) to introduce its innovative "Solar Pack." This turnkey solution aligns with the bank's corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach and aims to support businesses and institutions in their transition to clean, sustainable energy sources.

The "Solar Pack" from Société Générale Maroc offers a practical solution to the environmental and energy challenges faced by businesses and institutions. By promoting the installation of photovoltaic panels, this solution allows the bank's clients to access an alternative, cleaner, and more cost-effective energy source, particularly for agricultural operators.

The "Solar Pack" is more than just the provision of photovoltaic panels. It is a comprehensive solution that supports the bank's clients at every stage of their project, from identifying needs to implementing tailored financing solutions.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco

Tétouan: Launch of the 15th Regional Trade Days

The 15th edition of the Regional Trade Days kicked off Friday evening at the Mediterranean House of Lawyers in Tétouan. The event is themed "Youth and Modernization: Pillars of Development and Commercial Growth."

Organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services of Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma (CCIS-TTA), in partnership with the Municipality of Tétouan and the Bar Association of Tétouan, this event aims to support and accompany regional merchants, promote their products and services, and stimulate commercial activity in the region.

The Regional Trade Days, which will run until May 17, offer a rich and varied program, including conferences, training sessions, exhibitions, and B2B meetings.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco