The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) launched, Tuesday at its headquarters in Paris, the review of Morocco’s investment policies, part of Phase 2 of the Morocco Country Program (PPM2).
The result of a three-year inclusive process, this review, co-constructed with various Moroccan departments at the national and regional levels, and led by the Ministry of Investment, Convergence and Evaluation of Public Policies (MICEPP) , provides a detailed analysis of the investment and business climate in the Kingdom, including ongoing reforms, challenges and opportunities.
Speaking on this occasion, the ambassador of His Majesty the King in Paris, Samira Sitail praised the exemplary relations with the OECD, stressing that this event “symbolizes much more than an assessment, it marks a very important in strengthening this partnership.”
The review of investment policies carried out as part of Phase 2 of the Morocco country program constitutes “an essential milestone” in this partnership which unites us, further indicated Ms. Sitail, adding that its launch is intended to be “a anchor point in our common trajectory which is nourished by a constructive dialogue in the service of this cooperation”.
For Morocco, this trajectory aims to be part of a network of international relations where investment plays a role as a vector of shared prosperity, continued the diplomat.
This review, she said, also reflects the evolution of Morocco in the concert of nations. “It arrives at a time when, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, our country is resolutely committed to a profound transformation of its economic and social landscape, a transformation which targets both the digital dimension and the social dimension, political dimension, but also the societal dimension of Morocco,” she said.
“A transformation which is based on a strategic, ambitious vision, which places the Kingdom in a dynamic of continuous modernization, raising the standard of living of its fellow citizens and positioning as a regional pole of attractiveness, pole of attractiveness in Africa but also around the Mediterranean,” continued Ms. Sitail.
For his part, the director of international cooperation, communication and partnerships at MICEPP, Zakaria Farahat, who leads a Moroccan delegation to the OECD including representatives of the Ministry of Investment, AMDIE and CRI , indicated that the launch of the review of Morocco’s investment policies represents “a key milestone” in our collaboration with the OECD.
It symbolizes the fruits of a relationship of mutual trust and continuous progress since Morocco’s accession to the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises in 2009, he added.
“The implementation of Morocco Country Programs I and II marked a strategic step in our partnership, not only by strengthening concrete and effective multilateral cooperation, but also by consolidating a structured and constructive dialogue,” said Mr. Farahat.
And to specify that “Under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has been able to transform challenges into opportunities to become a leading global hub for sustainable investment and trade.
“This hub role goes beyond a simple geographic connection. In a context of reconfiguration of global value chains, Morocco positions itself as a connector country and a central actor engaged in building a more resilient, more sustainable and more inclusive future,” he added.
For his part, the Director of Financial and Enterprise Affairs at the OECD, Carmine Di Noia indicated that the OECD and Morocco maintain “privileged relations”, based on “solid” and “sustainable” cooperation which does not has ceased to strengthen over the years.
This review, which was requested by the Moroccan government, was carried out in close and excellent collaboration with the authorities, he noted, noting that this is Morocco’s second review, almost fifteen years later. the first, which was part of Morocco’s accession to the Investment Declaration.
“Since the first review, a lot has happened and a lot of progress has been made by the government,” underlined Mr. Di Noia, noting that Morocco has recorded “remarkable progress” on the economic, political and economic levels. social, improving living conditions.
Building on major structural reforms, Morocco has taken “bold steps” to diversify and modernize its economy while reforming public institutions, he said.
“Significant improvements in the business environment and infrastructure, coupled with macroeconomic and political stability and strategic geographic location, have boosted investment and growth in high-productivity sectors,” the official added.
Amélie de Montchalin, ambassador and permanent representative of France to the OECD, for her part, indicated that the institutional and regulatory modernization of the Kingdom has contributed to consolidating Morocco as a “privileged destination for long-term investments”, particularly in a context of localization of important segments of global value chains, notably the automobile industry.
She further noted that the bilateral economic relationship between France and Morocco is based on investment and long-term partnerships, adding that with the signing of around thirty economic agreements during the visit of State of President Macron in Morocco, representing nearly 11 billion euros of investments, “the Franco-Moroccan partnership is planning on sectors of the future”.
Ximo Puig, ambassador and permanent representative of Spain to the OECD, for his part, indicated that Morocco has made “remarkable progress” in attracting foreign direct investments, thanks to plans and legislation put in place in recent years, in particular the new Investment Charter.
“With it, the Moroccan government demonstrates the strategic importance of investment policy and the essential role that private investment must play in the economy, establishing the need to undertake the necessary reforms to improve infrastructure and business climate for national and foreign investment,” he stressed.
He also noted that the country’s economic and social progress in recent decades has been “impressive”, and public investments in infrastructure have helped make Morocco “a regional logistics and export hub between Europe and North Africa.
And to emphasize that bilateral economic relations between Spain and Morocco are “very intense” and “fundamental” for the economic development of the two countries.
In addition to ambassadors from OECD member countries, this event brought together government decision-makers, international experts and key economic players. It constituted a platform for exchange on the progress made and the recommendations resulting from the review, serving the dynamics of reform and the improvement of the business environment in Morocco.
OECD Investment Policy Reviews provide an overview of investment trends and policies in partner countries. They analyze several aspects of the investment climate, including investment policy, investment promotion and facilitation, responsible business conduct and other aspects affecting the business environment.
With MAP
