Aadopted by a large majority during a legislative session on Tuesday, November 5, the bill relating to the reform of the CRIs aims to make these centers more powerful levers of local development. Presented by Karim Zidane, Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, this text aims to strengthen the responsibilities of the CRIs, particularly in terms of decision-making and monitoring of investment projects. It also creates unified regional investment commissions, which should make it possible to simplify and rationalize administrative procedures. This project is part of a global approach which places investment as an essential driver of the revitalization of the Moroccan economy, particularly in the most remote regions.
According to the minister, this reform aims to improve coordination between the different levels of governance – central and local – while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the CRIs. The latter will now be placed under the direct supervision of the head of government, which should facilitate decision-making and the execution of projects. One of the major objectives of this reform is to simplify administrative procedures. Parliamentary advisors insisted on the importance of this simplification to encourage productive investment and create jobs, stressing that the decentralization of administrative procedures is essential to facilitate obtaining the authorizations necessary for carrying out projects.
The text also emphasizes the need to strengthen the autonomy of the CRIs in the decision-making process, which will allow them to play a more important role in the implementation of investment projects. However, for this reform to be truly effective, it must go hand in hand with a more thorough digitalization process, which will reduce file processing times and eliminate redundant or unnecessary procedures.
Some recommendations from the OECD
In its latest report on the review of investment policies in Morocco, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) made recommendations highlighting the importance of strengthening the integration of national and regional policies, as well as simplify administrative procedures to promote an environment conducive to business. Regarding institutions, the OECD suggests strengthening the roles of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE) and the CRIs, in particular AMDIE as a focal point for foreign investors.
In addition, the same source recommends better coordination between national investment strategies and regional development plans to promote competitive territories. The OECD also insists on the financial autonomy of CRIs and to make them more effective in supporting investors. Supporting local businesses For Me Abdelhakim El Kadiri Boutchich, judge at the International Dispute Resolution Court “Incodir” in London and international expert in auditing and business law in Geneva, the reform of the CRIs can contribute to reducing regional disparities in matters economic development and job creation in several ways.
“By strengthening the role of the CRIs, the reform makes it possible to better adapt investment strategies to the specific needs and assets of each region. This can encourage the development of local economic sectors which are the most promising,” he explains. According to him, the reform would also be able to attract more investments in less developed regions by simplifying procedures and providing specific incentives. “This can help balance economic development between regions,” explains El Kadiri Boutchich.
In addition to attracting new investments and supporting local businesses, the new CRI reform can, according to our expert, contribute to the creation of jobs in the regions, thus reducing unemployment and economic disparities. Ultimately, El Kadiri Boutchich considers that this reform is designed to make Morocco more competitive on the international scene by improving the efficiency of services offered to investors and creating a more favorable business environment.
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