Latest news with #GeneralConfederationofMoroccanEnterprises
Ya Biladi
04-07-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Saudi Arabia and Morocco explore joint investment fund
Businesses from Saudi Arabia and Morocco are considering establishing a joint investment fund to finance projects in both countries, following discussions between delegations in Rabat this week. A 30-member Saudi business delegation met with Moroccan counterparts to discuss the proposal, arriving as Morocco prepares for massive infrastructure development ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. «The discussions with the Saudi delegation focused on a proposal to set up a joint investment fund. Further talks are planned to ensure this proposal comes to fruition», said Chakib Alj, president of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises. Saudi investors expressed interest in the food industries, chemicals, mining, energy, renewable energy, and technology sectors. Hassan bin Mujeeb, Chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers, confirmed Saudi Arabia's investment intentions in Morocco. Two-way trade between the countries reached $2.9 billion in 2024, with Saudi exports to Morocco totaling $2.7 billion. However, officials noted that trade relations remain below potential due to customs obstacles and logistical difficulties.
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
04-06-2025
- General
- Morocco World
Eid al Adha: Morocco Announces Recommendations for Safe Road Travel
Rabat – The Moroccan National Motorway Company (ADM) has warned that the motorway network will experience a significant increase in traffic during the Eid al Adha holiday. The highway authority said it offers a series of recommendations to ensure travelers' safety, noting that heavy traffic could be expected on Thursday and Friday between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. Traffic could also be high on Monday, June 9, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., said the same source. The statement urged travelers to plan their trips in advance, check real-time traffic conditions by downloading the ADM Traffic app. In addition, the Moroccan authority called on citizens to verify and recharge their Jawaz Pass balance before using the motorway. Jawaz is a plan dedicated to facilitating highway stop payments. The highway authority further called on citizens to stay informed about weather alerts, take breaks every two hours, and check the mechanical condition of their vehicles, including tire condition. The statement reassured citizens that it will operate in high alert mode, reinforcing traffic management and roadside assistance teams as well as strengthening communication with users. Morocco will celebrate Eid Al Adha on Saturday, and the government has exceptionally announced Monday, June 9, as a day off for the public sector. Chakib Alj, the President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), urged private sector companies to grant employees a day off on Monday, June 9, aligning with the public sector , in celebration of Eid Al-Adha. In response, several private companies have also granted their employees Monday as a day off. In the same spirit, the Moroccan Professional Banking Group (GPBM) has announced that June 9 will be a holiday for banks. 'Each bank is responsible for informing its employees and clients of this decision,' the group said on Monday, 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. Eid Al Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The feast falls on the tenth day of Dhu Al Hijjah — the twelfth and the last month in the Islamic calendar. Eid Al Adha will have a different feel to it this year, with Morocco having canceled the sacrifice ritual. King Mohammed VI announced the cancellation of the sacrifice ritual in February, citing challenges like drought.
