68 projects, in two meetings, were approved this year by the Investment Commission of the year, for a total value of 57.65 billion DH and a target of 9,266 direct jobs and 21,214 indirect jobs to be created.
These are the figures announced this Tuesday in Rabat by the Minister of Industry, Trade, Investment and the Digital Economy, Moulay Hafid Elalamy at the holding of the second meeting of the Investment Commission. In his presentation, Elalamy spoke of a prosperous year which will ultimately surpass the 2017 record with its 67 billion dirhams. The minister explained in this sense that the 2017 jackpot covered almost 17 months, given the requirements of the political and governmental agenda, hence its importance. Nevertheless, Elalamy remains confident that 2018 will be even more successful.
In terms of breakdown of projects, it should be noted that the first meeting in January gave rise to 48 projects compared to 20 projects at the end of the meeting on Tuesday, October 23.
As for the distribution of projects by sector, industry comes first with 37% of projects approved by the commission, or 21.5 billion dirhams. Next comes the telecommunications sector with almost 19% of projects and 11 billion dirhams of investment. The energy and renewable energy sector occupies the third step of the podium with 13% of investments and around 8 billion dirhams of investments. In fourth place, tourism and leisure accounted for 10% of investments (6 billion dirhams).
It should also be noted that all of the projects submitted for approval to the investment commission have been approved, as indicated by Othman El Ferdaous, Secretary of State in charge of investment. The latter highlighted the interest given to the synergy between approved investments and sectoral strategies including the digital strategy or that of development of the southern provinces. Indeed, if we take into account the geographical distribution of projects, the region of Laayoune Sakia El Hamra is doing well with almost 30% of investments with 17 billion dirhams. The Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region was able to attract 14.13% of investments (8.14 billion dirhams), followed by Casablanca-Settat with 14% of investments (8.07 billion dirhams). The Souss Massa region is not left out, it should be noted, with 12.63% of investments. You should also know, as Ferdaous pointed out, that the Investment Charter, which will be unveiled in the coming months, will provide new tools and incentives for businesses in order to encourage them to invest in the regions.
source: leseco.ma
