Press Review of Friday, March 22, 2024

Morocco Unveils New Strategic Vision for its Road Network

Morocco is set to launch a new strategic vision for the development and modernization of its road network. The aim is to equip the country with cutting-edge road infrastructure capable of supporting economic and social growth and enhancing citizens' quality of life.

To successfully execute this ambitious project, the Directorate of Roads and Land Transport (DRTT) has issued a call for expressions of interest for the mobilization of technical assistance. The mission of the international expert will be to support the DRTT in designing and implementing the 2030 Road Vision.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Tamwilcom Introduces "Ilayki Invest," a New Financing Offer for Women Entrepreneurs

Tamwilcom takes a significant step in its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurship by launching "Ilayki Invest," an innovative financing product in collaboration with banks.

"Ilayki Invest" provides women entrepreneurs with financing of up to 40% of their project costs, thus overcoming a major obstacle to business creation and development. This offer is targeted towards investment projects, whether for starting or expanding businesses.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Diversification of Exports: Moroccan Textile Industry Undergoing Transformation

The 2024 report from the Office of Currency and Foreign Exchange on the Moroccan textile industry reveals a notable evolution in the country's exporters' strategy. There is a gradual shift from specializing in certain export regimes towards diversifying markets and products.

Analysis of data by region demonstrates significant changes. For instance, in Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma, the majority of exporters were specialized in temporary admission for active improvement (ATPA), with or without payment, in 2012. However, in 2022, there is diversification with increased presence of exporters operating under ATPA with payment.

A similar trend is observed in the Grand Casablanca-Settat region. In 2012, exporters were concentrated on ATPA regimes, with or without payment. By 2022, there's a more balanced distribution of activities among the three export regimes: ATPA with payment, ATPA without payment, and non-ATPA.

Source: L'Economiste

Launch of Socioeconomic Impact Projects and Future Perspectives in Oujda

Last Monday witnessed the launch of several projects with significant socioeconomic impact in the city of Oujda. This initiative is part of the remarkable progress made since the royal speech on March 18, 2003, which allocated a colossal investment of 150 billion dirhams to the region.

This massive investment has transformed the Oujda region by modernizing its basic infrastructure, industrial zones, agriculture, coastal areas, and tourism. Furthermore, the interconnectivity of road, rail, and air networks has been significantly enhanced.

These efforts have created an environment conducive to economic and social development, thus addressing the population's crucial needs for employment, investment, and territorial attractiveness.

Source: L'Economiste

Hydrocarbons: Transparency Morocco Accuses the Competition Council

The case of price-fixing in hydrocarbons in Morocco continues to stir controversy. Following the Confederation of Democratic Workers (CDT), Transparency Morocco now accuses the Competition Council of lack of transparency in managing this issue.

The NGO criticizes the absence of crucial details in the amicable agreement reached in November 2023 between the Council and the nine oil companies involved. Missing points include the amount of fines imposed on each company, specific offenses charged, criteria used to determine economic harm, and pecuniary sanctions.

Transparency Morocco also laments that the agreement has not been fully disclosed, despite being based on publicly available data not subject to business secrecy. The NGO emphasizes that full publication would enhance transparency and enable researchers to access crucial information.

Source: L'Economiste

Weather Alert: ADM Calls for Vigilance on Highways

The National Motorway Company of Morocco (ADM) issues a call for vigilance to users of national highways due to strong gusts of wind and dust storms expected in certain provinces of the Kingdom.

According to a weather alert issued by the General Directorate of Meteorology, strong winds accompanied by local dust storms are expected on Thursday and Friday in the provinces of Taza-Oujda, Tétouan-Fnideq, Tanger-Asilah, and Khouribga-Beni Mellal.

Given these increased risks, ADM strongly advises motorists using the affected highways to exercise extra caution and take necessary precautions.

Source: Al Bayane

UPCI Commends Morocco's Efforts in Support of the Palestinian Cause

Morocco's efforts in support of the Palestinian cause, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, President of the Al-Quds Committee, were applauded during the proceedings of the 18th session of the Parliamentary Union of Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (UPCI), held from March 2 to 5 in Abidjan.

The final documents of this session highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom in favor of the Palestinian cause, considered the Union's foremost issue, as well as its support for a number of Islamic countries, particularly African countries and those in the Sahel region.

Source: Al Bayane

Sino-Moroccan Relations: Flourishing Strategic Partnership

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Morocco, Li Changlin, emphasized the growing importance of cooperation between his country and Morocco during a roundtable discussion organized by Mundiapolis University in Casablanca.

The Chinese diplomat described Sino-Moroccan relations as "strategic" and underscored their remarkable development in several key areas, including the economy, culture, education, and technology.

In economic matters, bilateral trade between the two countries has seen significant growth in recent years, reaching a volume of over 7 billion dollars. China has thus become a strategic trading partner for Morocco.

Source: Al Bayane

Begging in Morocco: CESE Calls for Better Social Support and Stricter Sanctions

The Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE) has called for the improvement of social support programs for vulnerable groups and tougher sanctions against the exploitation of children, the elderly, women, and persons with disabilities for the purpose of begging.

These recommendations were made during a communication meeting in Rabat, dedicated to presenting the findings of the CESE's opinion on the practice of begging in Morocco.

CESE President Ahmed Reda Chami emphasized the complexity of the begging phenomenon, which is attributed to both conjunctural and structural causes, as well as cultural, social, and economic aspects, and its multiple forms and repercussions.

Source: Aujourd'hui Le Maroc

Launch of the 4th Edition of the National Prize for Studies and Research on Parliamentary Action

The House of Representatives announced the launch of the 4th edition of the National Prize for Studies and Research on Parliamentary Action. This initiative aims to promote and encourage scientific research in this crucial field.

The prize is open to Moroccan and foreign researchers and students who have conducted studies or doctoral theses on parliamentary action. Submitted works may be published as a book or thesis defended in the last two years (2022-2023).

Source: Aujourd'hui Le Maroc

Hearing and Ear Disorders Screening Campaign in Bouskoura

The Mohammed VI International University Hospital in Bouskoura is organizing a screening campaign for hearing and ear disorders among preschool-aged children in the region on Friday, March 22.

This operation is carried out in collaboration with the Mohammed VI Center for Audition and the Nouaceur province. Its aim is to provide early diagnosis and appropriate care for children with hearing or ear disorders, thereby contributing to their development and social integration.

Source: Aujourd'hui Le Maroc

Friendly Match Against Angola: Lions of the Atlas Aim for Victory and Renewal

The Moroccan national football team will face its Angolan counterpart tonight (10:00 PM) at the Grand Stadium of Agadir in a crucial friendly match for the national team following the disappointment of the Ivorian AFCON.

This match is of paramount importance for Morocco, which presents itself with a new team after the arrival of several new players and the return of some old ones. The objective is clear: to reassure supporters and erase the disappointment of the 2023 AFCON, where the Lions of the Atlas were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

Since last Monday, the national team has been in a preparatory camp at the Mohammed VI National Football Complex. The players, including newcomers, seem well integrated and motivated. Brahim Diaz, a player for Real Madrid, expressed his immense honor in joining the Lions of the Atlas and his ambition to excel with them in the upcoming matches.

Source: Liberation

AMMC's New Strategic Plan for an Efficient and Innovative Capital Market

Nezha Hayat, President of the Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC), unveiled the institution's new strategic plan for the period 2024-2028 in Rabat on Wednesday.

The result of close collaboration between the AMMC and capital market stakeholders, this third strategic plan builds on the progress made during the previous two plans.

The new plan aims to establish an efficient and innovative capital market capable of supporting the development of savings and financing for the national economy.

Source: Liberation