Empowering E-Commerce: Morocco's Digital Growth

Thursday 07 December 2023 - 09:30

In the bustling city of Istanbul, the Director-General of Commerce at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Abdelouahed Rahal, showcased Morocco's strides in promoting the e-commerce sector. Addressing the 39th session of the Permanent Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation among the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), Rahal emphasized Morocco's commitment to creating favorable conditions for e-commerce. He highlighted its pivotal role in driving economic growth and fostering employment opportunities, particularly by facilitating the access of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to international markets.

Morocco has meticulously established a legal framework for the e-commerce sector, encompassing the Commercial Code and laws related to consumer protection, personal data protection, cybersecurity, and the regulation of electronic transactions. Rahal underscored these efforts during the session themed "Enhancing the E-Commerce Capacities of the OIC Member Countries."

The Kingdom has instituted the "Digital Development Agency," a strategic public institution aimed at catalyzing digital transformation in Morocco. Additionally, in partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and the OCP Foundation, Morocco has launched the "National Platform for Commerce Digitalization" to support new businesses offering innovative solutions in the field of commerce.

Furthermore, Rahal shared that over 3,000 SMEs engaged in digital marketing have undergone training to ensure they possess essential digital skills, enhancing their online presence and competitiveness in e-commerce.

He shed light on the achievements of Morocco's e-commerce sector, with transaction volumes surpassing USD 2.1 billion in 2022 and an annual growth rate exceeding 30% over the past five years.

Rahal emphasized the importance of enhancing coordination among OIC member countries to achieve the organization's objectives, focusing on strengthening economic relations and consolidating bilateral trade exchanges as outlined in the Ten-Year Action Plan for the period 2016-2025.

He highlighted that the economic and commercial aspect is crucial in the longstanding distinguished relations that Morocco maintains with its fellow members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The 39th session of COMCEC, held from December 2 to 5, concentrated on bolstering the role of the private sector in economic cooperation, fortifying financial collaboration, developing the transport and telecommunications sectors, and fostering collaboration in the digital transition.

COMCEC stands as the principal platform for multilateral economic and commercial cooperation in the Islamic world. Established in 1981 during the 3rd Islamic Summit Conference in Mecca, it became operational during the 4th Islamic Summit Conference in Casablanca in 1984. Morocco's endeavors in e-commerce underscore its commitment to harnessing digital opportunities for economic prosperity within the broader Islamic cooperative framework.