Francia supera a Estados Unidos como principal inversor de Marruecos
Despite the poor performance observed at the end of June 2022, the latest Foreign Exchange Office statistics indicate that Moroccan direct investment abroad is on an upward trend, standing at 13.43 billion dirhams during the first nine months of the year, an increase of 2%. France, which trailed the United States in July this year, has overtaken the United States to account for nearly 40% of Moroccan investment abroad.
In third place is the Netherlands with an inflow of 49.5 million dollars compared to 3.55 million dollars in 2021. By region, Africa is the main destination for these investments, with a share of 58.1% in 2021 compared to 58.5% in 2020 and 57.7% in 2019. By sector, financial and insurance activities remain in the lead, followed by real estate. "There are also net investments of around $1m in specialised, scientific and technical activities and $93,470 in the electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning sector," as reported by Today Morocco.
In Morocco, the share of Moroccan private investment in the world remains low. Only 10% of transfers by Moroccans living abroad (MRE) are dedicated to this, but a system of incentives is being implemented to better mobilise investment in this community. According to data, more than 5.8 million MREs live outside Morocco, representing 16% of the total population. Of the $8.7 million transferred in 2021, only 10% will go into the investment section and only 2 % remains for productive investments. To achieve an improvement, the Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, Mohcine Jazouli, announced the strengthening of the MDM Invest Fund at the level of the Moroccan Investment Promotion Agency (AMDI), in order to encourage investment.
In addition, four mechanisms have been put in place to promote private investment in all regions, thanks to the new Investment Charter that is currently being drafted. Despite the difficult geopolitical and economic environment, more and more Moroccan companies are investing abroad. From next year, the number of documents required for investment documents in Morocco will be reduced by almost half. This was stated in Parliament by Ghita Mezzour, Minister Delegate for Digital Transformation and Administrative Reform, answering questions on the development of investment promotion projects recommended by King Mohammed VI.
In this regard, the representative said that her Ministry is working with the Regional Investment Centre (CRI) to establish the procedures related to investments. In addition, the "Cri-invest" platform was updated, reducing the number of documents required for investment. King Mohammed VI welcomed the desire of Moroccans living abroad to defend Moroccan interests, especially national issues related to their homeland and the Sahara desert, and invited them to participate in the development process. The monarch also called for support mechanisms for the Moroccan diaspora.
In his speech on the occasion of the 69th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, the sovereign paid tribute to the five million Moroccans in the world, as well as to the hundreds of thousands of Moroccan Jews living abroad. "I take this opportunity to salute and assure my esteem to the members of the Moroccan community living abroad who selflessly defend the territorial integrity of their country".
Americas Coordinator: José Antonio Sierra.