Moroccan Government Approves Plan to Promote Youths

Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani delivers his first speech presenting the government's program at the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat, Morocco April 19, 2017. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal
Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani delivers his first speech presenting the government's program at the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat, Morocco April 19, 2017. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal
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Moroccan Government Approves Plan to Promote Youths

Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani delivers his first speech presenting the government's program at the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat, Morocco April 19, 2017. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal
Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani delivers his first speech presenting the government's program at the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat, Morocco April 19, 2017. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal

The Moroccan government has approved a plan to promote youths and enable them to play an effective role in developing the country.

Government spokesperson Mustapha Khalfi said in a press conference on Thursday that the roadmap set by the Ministry of Youth and Sport would provide opportunities that qualify youths to move to adulthood through high-quality education and access to respectful jobs, adequate health services and active participation in social, political and cultural life.

The new policy’s objectives include increasing economic opportunities available for youths, enhancing services presented to them, reducing geographical gaps, reinforcing their effective participation in social life, and advancing the respect for human rights.

Khalfi said Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani tackled during the cabinet session the importance of monitoring prices during the month of Ramadan.

In another context, the Moroccan PM prepares to brief the parliament on Monday on his government's achievements in the first half of its term in line with article 101 of the constitution. 

Moreover, Othmani chaired in Rabat on Wednesday the second meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee to follow up and facilitate the government program.

During the meeting, Othmani lauded the joint efforts of public sector institutions in implementing the government program. He also noted that several achievements have been made.

The PM added that workshops and programs are in progress while taking into consideration the aspirations of citizens.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee was established in August 2017. It consists of all cabinet members.



Oil Up on Weak Dollar, Tariff Concerns Cap Gains

Workers are seen at a Saudi Aramco facility. (SPA)
Workers are seen at a Saudi Aramco facility. (SPA)
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Oil Up on Weak Dollar, Tariff Concerns Cap Gains

Workers are seen at a Saudi Aramco facility. (SPA)
Workers are seen at a Saudi Aramco facility. (SPA)

Oil prices edged up on Wednesday, supported by a weaker dollar, but gains were capped by mounting fears of a US economic slowdown and the impact of tariffs on global economic growth.

Brent futures rose 37 cents, or 0.53%, to $69.93 a barrel at 0951 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 37 cents, or 0.53%, to $66.62 a barrel.

Crude has been supported in recent days by a weaker US dollar and the Energy Information Administration (EIA) moving away from earlier calls of strongly oversupplied oil markets this year, UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

The dollar index, which fell 0.5% to fresh 2025 lows on Tuesday, boosted oil prices by making crude less expensive for buyers holding other currencies, Reuters reported.

"Easing dollar counters the bearish bias of global economic slowdown, although this seems short-lived," said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

US stock prices fell again on Tuesday, adding to the biggest selloff in months, with investors rattled over increased tariffs on imports and souring consumer sentiment.

"Fears of a US recession, weakness in US stock markets and concerns over tariffs affecting key oil players such as China, introduced additional market uncertainty and these factors could continue to fuel a bearish sentiment, putting a lid on oil prices," said Hassan Fawaz chairman and founder of brokerage GivTrade.

US President Donald Trump's economic policies so far have centered on a blitz of tariff announcements. Some have taken effect and others have been delayed or are set to kick in later.

Markets worry that tariffs could raise prices for businesses, boost inflation and undermine consumer confidence in a blow to economic growth.

Over the weekend, Trump said a "period of transition" was likely and declined to rule out a US recession.

Investors are waiting for US inflation data due on Wednesday for clues on the path of interest rates. They also are closely monitoring OPEC+ plans. The producer group has announced plans to increase output in April.

"Overall sentiment remains fragile despite a slight bounce in today's session," said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG.

"For now, oil market sentiments are likely to stay contained, with tariff developments still lacking clarity and persistent concerns over US growth risks," Yeap added.

On the supply side, US crude oil production is poised to set a larger record this year than prior estimates, at an average 13.61 million barrels per day, the US Energy Information Administration said on Tuesday.

In the US, crude oil stockpiles rose by 4.2 million barrels in the week ended March 7, while gasoline inventories fell by 4.6 million barrels, market sources said, citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday.

Markets now await government data on US stockpiles due on Wednesday for further trading cues.