by MoroccoTomorrow Member Op-Ed
Economic development, along with political and social reform, has become a hallmark of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI. Together with major political and social reforms, his government has pursued an ambitious program of reforms to increase productivity and competitiveness across the national economy, targeting energy, industry, agriculture, tourism, fisheries, and logistics as promising growth sectors.
Significant reforms have occurred within the financial sector, led by an aggressive privatization of public services businesses in major cities. Simpler, more transparent regulation of oil and gas exploration has stimulated growth in the energy sector, while the government has invested heavily in infrastructure development, as exemplified by the impressive new Tanger-Med Port facilities at the Strait of Gibralter. Modern highwaysnow connect important urban areas and Morocco has begun construction of Africa’s first high speed rail system. A major training initiative is rapidly increasing Morocco’s complement of skilled workers.
These and other economic reforms, as well as the growing appreciation of Morocco as a secure and stable example of a country providing a model of peaceful transition in the midst of so much turmoil brought about by the Arab Spring have stimulated international interest and attracted international investments like Qatar’s $2 billion joint venture and Morocco’s recent completion of the country’s first Eurobond financing
