Latest news with #CGEM
Ya Biladi
02-07-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco champions human rights in business at UN event in Geneva
مدة القراءة: 3' For Habib Belkouch, Interministerial Delegate for Human Rights (DIDH), Morocco's participation in the forum aims to «expand the circle of stakeholders in the human rights project» by fully integrating businesses. He emphasized that this topic, now central to United Nations debates, is part of ongoing discussions around a binding international treaty on business and human rights. According to Belkouch, «Morocco brings to Geneva the conclusions of the Morocco-Africa Forum in Marrakech», recently held to help forge a common approach between Africa and the Arab world. He outlined three key pillars of Moroccan policy: - Protecting workers' rights, through a new law on the right to strike, described as «a balanced law that protects both workers and business interests». - Combating child labor, reaffirming that «a child's rightful place is in school». - Promoting gender parity in corporate governance, with legal targets of 30% women on company boards by 2024 and 40% by 2027. CGEM at the Forefront Representing the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), Youssef Alaoui noted that 95% of the Moroccan private sector is made up of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With over 90,000 members, CGEM has become a key player in social dialogue and economic governance. Since 2007, it has developed governance codes tailored to companies of all sizes, recently reinforced by an annual barometer for responsible governance. On the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) front, CGEM has awarded more than 150 Corporate Social Responsibility labels, now recognized at the European level through the Responsibility Europe network. A dedicated Responsible SME label has also been launched to support smaller businesses. On the social side, Alaoui praised the structured tripartite dialogue between the government, trade unions, and employers, which has led to a 20% increase in the minimum wage over the past six years. The constitutional right to strike is now regulated by a 2024 law that guarantees both union freedom and the right to work. Advancing Gender Parity in Governance Another key achievement, according to Alaoui—who also chairs the CGEM group in the Chamber of Advisors—is the extension of mandatory health insurance to 86% of the population, backed by a public contribution of 35 billion dirhams. CGEM has also launched a Social Academy, which has already trained over 100 managers in conflict prevention and collective bargaining, 42% of them women. Highlighting the link between diversity, economic performance, and sustainability, Alaoui called for a shift in mindset where women's representation in leadership is no longer symbolic but seen as a true growth driver. «Some companies already have 50 to 60% women in their governance structures», he noted. He also highlighted that child labor in Morocco has been reduced by 90% over the past two decades, dropping from 600,000 in 1999 to fewer than 60,000 today. Anti-child labor clauses, he added, will be integrated into CSR frameworks, especially in high-risk sectors like agriculture, construction, and textiles. International Recognition UN representatives praised Morocco's efforts. Pernille Fenger, Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) office in Geneva, commended the quality of strategic dialogue with the Moroccan government, particularly on gender equality and reproductive rights, with a focus on youth, women, and people with disabilities. Olga Nilova, a specialist in the UNDP's Business and Human Rights program, applauded Morocco for convening more than 300 participants, from governments, businesses, unions, and NGOs, and reaffirmed the UNDP's support for implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Through this high-level event, Morocco sought to present a model that reconciles economic development, social inclusion, and human rights—a complex challenge, but one rooted in a clear vision: a private sector that drives transformation in the service of shared prosperity.
Ya Biladi
22-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco and CEMAC sign cooperation pact to boost economic ties and regional integration
A cooperation agreement was signed on Friday in Laayoune between the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) and the business associations of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) countries. This took place on the sidelines of the Parliamentary Forum on economic cooperation between Morocco and the regional bloc's Parliament. Signed by CGEM President Chakib Alj and representatives of the CEMAC business associations, the agreement establishes a Morocco-CEMAC Task Force as a joint platform for dialogue, coordination, and economic cooperation. Its mission is to structure collaboration, encourage information exchange, share best practices and business opportunities, support joint projects between companies from both regions, and serve as a proactive interface between Moroccan and CEMAC business communities. The agreement also creates a Steering Committee, co-chaired by a CGEM representative and one from each CEMAC business association. This committee will set up sectoral working groups, bringing together business leaders, experts, and institutional partners around priority themes. The parties commit to cooperating on identifying high-potential sectors of complementarity such as agro-industry, infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing industries, and digital services. They also pledged to facilitate business partnerships through matchmaking programs and B2B meetings, organize regular economic forums, and promote cross-investment, regional integration, and support for technology and skills transfer via training, expertise exchange, and industrial co-development projects. In a statement to MAP during the ceremony, Chakib Alj highlighted the complementarities between Morocco's and CEMAC economies, emphasizing the agreement to identify practical actions to boost economic ties. «Our goal is to create momentum between Moroccan companies and their CEMAC counterparts, fostering synergy and knowledge exchange», said the CGEM president. Similarly, Jean Daniel Ovaga, Chairman of the Congolese National Union of Economic Operators (UNOC), stressed that the agreement enables the private sector—a key driver of economic growth and value creation—to fully contribute to identifying priority cooperation sectors benefiting Morocco and CEMAC populations. «This is a strong commitment to move forward together, rebuild Africa, and bring growth and expertise to local communities», he stated. The Parliamentary Forum on economic cooperation between Morocco and the CEMAC Parliament aims to promote joint development projects and contribute to Africa's economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
Morocco World
10-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
CGEM Delegation Begins Mission in Korea to Boost Economic Cooperation
Rabat – A delegation from the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) started a mission in Seoul, Korea, on Monday. The goal is to strengthen economic ties and explore new opportunities for cooperation and investment between Moroccan and Korean companies. Led by CGEM President Chakib Alj, the group includes businesses from various sectors such as automotive, plastics, chemical and para-chemical industries, food processing, heavy industry, pharmaceuticals, mining, renewable energy, and new technologies. The first stop for the delegation was the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ). Chafik Rachadi, Morocco's ambassador to Korea, joined the visit. Wonsok Yun, commissioner of IFEZ, introduced the delegation to the dynamic business environment of the zone, which hosts over 300 foreign companies involved in manufacturing and research and development. A highlight of the visit was the Smart City Integrated Operation Center (SCIOC). Operating since 2012, this center manages important city services in real time, such as traffic control, emergency response, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure maintenance. The delegation also visited the Samsung Innovation Museum (SIM) in Suwon, near Seoul. This museum showcases the history of Samsung's key innovations, from early electrical devices to the latest technological solutions. The mission will continue until June 13. It includes meetings with leading Korean companies, professional organizations like the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), as well as business-to-business meetings and sector-specific sessions. The trip is expected to pave the way for stronger economic partnerships between Morocco and Korea. By engaging directly with key Korean companies and institutions, the delegation aims to attract investment, foster joint ventures, and open new export markets for Moroccan products. The meetings and sector-specific sessions also aim to lead to technology transfers, enhanced industrial cooperation, and the development of strategic sectors in line with Morocco's national priorities. Tags: CGEMeconomyMorocco and Korea
Morocco World
05-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Survey: 72% of Private Companies Reject Government's Eid Holiday Decision
Rabat – The Moroccan government's recent decision to declare Monday, June 9, a public holiday for Eid Al Adha has triggered widespread discontent among private companies. A survey conducted by the HR-focused platform shows that 72% of private sector respondents oppose the move, citing operational pressure and legal ambiguity. The decision applies exclusively to public administration and territorial collectivities, leaving private companies without a clear framework. Many found themselves scrambling to respond to an unexpected situation, with HR departments forced to balance internal expectations, workflow continuity, and a complete absence of formal guidance. The survey, conducted on June 2 and 3 and involving 143 respondents, reflects a general sense of unease within the private sector. Nearly half of the HR professionals surveyed viewed the move as a sign of disregard for the particular constraints of private businesses. For companies operating under tight delivery schedules or complex logistics, such a late decision created tension. A significant number also pointed to the announcement's timing as a problem, arguing that the lack of preparation time undermined stability within organizations. By June 3, only 17% of companies had confirmed granting the holiday to their entire workforce. Another 22% were considering it under certain conditions, such as ensuring service continuity or requiring employees to make up for the lost time. Meanwhile, 28% intended to maintain regular operations, and 32% were still undecided, just six days before the date in question. The lack of a unified response across companies illustrated a deeper fragmentation in HR practices. With no clear recommendation from authorities or professional associations, companies responded based on internal culture, immediate pressures, and perceived risks. Some leaned toward aligning with the public sector, while others prioritized production timelines or internal stability. Among those choosing not to implement the holiday, the reasoning was largely operational. Respondents cited staffing shortages, delivery obligations, and the difficulty of maintaining client relationships without sufficient personnel. Some feared a rise in spontaneous absenteeism, while others anticipated client dissatisfaction or workflow breakdowns. Budgetary concerns, contrary to expectations, played only a minor role in decision-making according to the survey. Most HR professionals pointed instead to the challenge of preserving performance under tight deadlines, particularly for SMEs and industrial businesses. For these firms, an unplanned day off could disrupt the value chain and delay output in ways that ripple beyond a single day. The survey also shows dissatisfaction with the role, or lack thereof, played by major business organizations. Many felt that the decision should have come with clearer guidance. The General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) suggestion to treat June 9 as a day off 'where possible' was seen as insufficiently decisive, adding to confusion rather than resolving it. A majority of HR managers expressed the need for stronger coordination mechanisms. Many called for formal frameworks that would regulate how exceptional public holidays are handled in the private sector. Others proposed regular dialogue between business groups and public authorities to better anticipate the social and economic impact of such announcements. The absence of consultation or clear policy direction has once again exposed the vulnerability of the private sector to abrupt government decisions. While most HR professionals did not object to the principle of a holiday, they expressed a need for structure, foresight, and legal clarity, elements they saw as entirely missing from this decision. Tags: Al Adha holidayEid Al AdhaHolidayMorocco
Morocco World
03-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Banks To Enjoy Special Eid Al Adha Holiday on June 9
Rabat – The Moroccan Professional Banking Group (GPBM) has announced Monday, June 9, as an exceptional holiday for banks. The decision followed CGEM's appeal calling on the private sector to grant employees a day off on Monday in celebration of Eid Al Adha, which will fall on June 7 in Morocco. 'Each bank is responsible for informing its employees and clients of this decision,' the group said, noting that banking institutions will also take the necessary measures to ensure an adequate supply of banknotes and the continuous and smooth operation of ATMs. The bank's statement comes just a day after the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) urged the private sector companies to grant employees a day off on June 9. CGEM said the decision aligns with the public sector, after the government announced a special holiday on Monday for employees. 'We invite, as far as possible, private sector companies to also grant Monday, June 9, as a day off to their employees,' CGEM President Chakib Alj said. Last month, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs confirmed that Eid Al Adha will be on June 7 this year. The celebration, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, falls on the tenth day of Dhu Al Hijjah- the twelfth and the last month in the Islamic calendar. Eid Al Adha will look different in the North African country this year, as Moroccans will not perform the ritual sacrifice. In February, King Mohammed VI announced the cancellation of the sacrifice ritual, citing challenges like drought. The monarch said the concern takes into account the economic and climate challenges Morocco is facing, which has led to a remarkable decline in livestock population. 'We invite you to celebrate Eid al Adha, God willing, in its usual spiritual form by attending the Eid prayer in misallas and mosques, giving alms, gathering with loved ones, and performing acts of devotion and piety – thanking God for his immense generosity and seeking reward and divine recompense,' the monarch said. Tags: Eid Al Adhaeid al adha cancelled
