Xinhuanet
Xinhua
Morocco and the European Union (EU) signed here on Friday two agreements supporting social programs in the north African kingdom.
Inked by Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance Mohamed Benchaâboun and European Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn, the two agreements worth 234 million U.S. dollars.
According to the first agreement, EU will grant Morocco 115 million U.S. dollars to support the program “Competitiveness and Green Growth,” which supports in particular the status of the self-employed entrepreneur, first-time exporters, the business climate and the emergence of recycling channels.
As for the second program, entitled “social protection reform in Morocco,” the EU granted Morocco 1.19 million U.S. dollars.
This program aims to support the government’s efforts and contribute to the reduction of inequalities and to improving social cohesion and human development in Moroccan society through the promotion of equitable access to basic social services according to a rights-based approach.
Hahn said that these agreements open a new chapter in the two parties’ strengthened partnership that will enable them to move forward together towards a more just and equal society system.
For his part, Benchaâboun said that Hahn’s visit was an opportunity to examine the various aspects of cooperation between Morocco and the EU and to take stock of achievements for the period 2014-2017.
During his visit, the European official will also hold talks with Morocco Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani and Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
