In its twelfth annual report, the Economic Social and Environmental Council (CESE) sheds light on critical issues affecting different areas–particularly with respect to inflation, investment and job prospects in the Kingdom–and suggests key recommendations for policymakers for addressing these challenges and fostering sustainable socioeconomic development in Morocco.
In order to combat the ongoing price hikes of food products, CESE advocates a range of approaches. Accelerating the restructuring of wholesale markets, providing subsidies for agricultural inputs, and intensifying the control of anti-competitive practices are among the suggestions.
The council also recommends that laws allowing for the direct marketing of agricultural goods and encouraging the immediate provision of household assistance should be put into effect immediately. Consideration is given to the potential for a brief VAT drop on requirements.
CESE underlines the significance of closely monitoring planned actions while making certain that the goals of the Charter and of the Mohammed VI Investment Fund are aligned in order to improve the quality and efficiency of investments.
It is also advised that representatives from micro, small, and medium-sized businesses play active roles in determining policies and procedures.
Other recommendations include lowering investment expenses and expanding the digitalization of processes, as well as updating investment charters to incorporate incentives for recruiting young talents and providing sufficient resources to regional investment centers.
Considering the need for increased female economic empowerment, the CESE recommends measures aimed at reducing family duties, setting a minimum wage or instituting alternative funding options for stay-at-home moms, and defending the economic rights of women.
The council supports women’s entrepreneurship and strives to close the gender pay gap, abolish discriminatory career practices, increase women’s safety on public transportation, and remove road blocks preventing them from obtaining loans, particularly with respect to real estate.
In other areas, as a means to address challenges linked to water, CESE proposes developing a national drought plan based on current hydrological and agrometeorological data.
Along these lines, it advocates for the establishment of an independent entity charged with integrated water resource management, and suggests the establishment of an institutional arbitration mechanism.
The council also stressed that immediate action be taken to mobilize unconventional water sources and to strengthen local government capacities for the collection and treatment of wastewater.
In an effort to address the scarcity of healthcare professionals in underprivileged areas, CESE suggests a number of approaches, including expanding opportunities for mobility, instituting a phased and progressive pay scale in conjunction with performance-based compensation, and establishing pathways for current professionals to advance their careers and develop new skills.
The committee also recommends extending the system of reciprocity between State degrees and those earned from private institutions, particularly for nursing.