The President of the Association of Regions of Morocco, Mubaraka Bouaida, called today, Wednesday, in Salé, for improving the attractiveness of the regions to attract more investments, within the framework of the new generation of integrated territorial development programs.
During her participation in "MAP Town Hall", the new forum of the Moroccan News Agency organized under the slogan "Integrated Territorial Development for a Rising Morocco", Mrs. Bouaida urged the strengthening of local competencies through training, and the promotion of investment in research and development and digital transformation to enable the regions to play their full role in the development of the Kingdom. She also called for strengthening the role of emerging centers to identify projects with high potential in terms of job creation and wealth, as well as increasing the resources of territorial areas through tax reform, and searching for other means of financing that support those secured by the state. After highlighting the importance of integration and competitiveness between the regions, Mrs. Bouaida stressed the need to move forward in the decentralization path, and to provide the territorial areas with regional advisory bodies that include, in particular, youth, as well as making the participatory approach a fundamental pillar of integrated territorial development, in accordance with the royal directives. On this occasion, she also touched upon the new development model for the southern provinces, which was launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in November 2015, as a successful experience in territorial development, which can, given its tangible positive results, be a source of inspiration for the new generation of integrated territorial development programs. Despite the progress made at the national level and the great potential, diversity and richness enjoyed by the various regions of the Kingdom, Mrs. Bouaida added, there are still many challenges that must be addressed, especially with regard to breaking isolation and creating added value, which requires the convergence of the various stakeholders concerned. She also considered the transition from the logic of sectoral policies to a more integrated management to make the regions productive, competitive and inclusive territorial areas another challenge that must be addressed. "MAP Town Hall", which is a renewed form of the traditional form of the Moroccan News Agency forum, seeks to be a space for in-depth dialogue and constructive exchange between decision-makers, experts and actors in the field of development, serving an enlightened and sober public debate. The first session of this new event was marked by the presence, in particular, of the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, a number of officials and heads of public and private institutions, as well as representatives of the media. (MAP)
