On December 18, 2024, Casablanca hosted the first edition of the Assises des Services, a major event organized by the Federation of Commerce and Services under the aegis of the CGEM. This meeting highlighted the capital importance of the services sector in the Moroccan economy, representing more than 50% of the national GDP.
Hicham Saadli, in his speech, underlined that although the services sector is already the main provider of jobs, considerable potential remains untapped, capable of propelling the national economy beyond 70% of GDP, like developed economies. He also recalled that international institutions such as the WTO and the World Bank recognize this sector as an engine of development, with the “Trade in Services for Development” initiative launched in 2024.
According to Hicham Saadli: “ The services sector is a real lever for growth in developing countries “. He also compared the place of services in developed economies, where they generate on average 70% of GDP and employ 70% of the active population. In the United States, for example, services represent 77% of GDP and 80% of employment. “ These figures demonstrate the essential place that this sector occupies in our economies. “, he added, highlighting the sector’s decisive impact on growth and employment.
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In this perspective, Saadli stressed the need to create an environment favorable to the development of services, in particular through innovation, digitalization and new technologies. The sector is fertile ground for innovation, particularly in areas such as finance, tourism and information technology, which profoundly influence other economic sectors. “ Services play a vital role in the development of new ideas, technologies and processes “, he said.
He also insisted on the social and inclusive aspect of the sector, highlighting its role in reducing inequalities and integrating vulnerable populations into the labor market. In this context, investment in human capital, via training and professional retraining programs, constitutes a major strategic axis.
One of Saadli’s proposals was the creation of Maroc Services, inspired by the Maroc Industrie model, aimed at bringing together the sectoral federations of the CGEM and strengthening synergies between mature sectors and those in development. This initiative aims to boost the competitiveness of the sector while meeting the specific needs of service professions. The event thus enabled the signing of two major agreements: the creation of Maroc Services and a framework agreement with the Ministry of Economic Inclusion to support the development of service professions. These initiatives demonstrate a common commitment to sustainable and inclusive development of the sector.
Saadli expressed his deep gratitude to all those who worked for the resounding success of this first edition of the Conference. This event represents a major milestone in the recognition of the services sector as an essential pillar of the Moroccan economy and opens the way to a succession of strategic initiatives intended to guarantee balanced and sustainable development. Through this initiative, the Kingdom of Morocco is resolutely part of a dynamic of inclusive growth, generating new opportunities for the entire nation.
