Morocco's PM: Banks Play a Pivotal Role in Employment, Development

Saad Eddine El-Othmani addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York (File Photo: Reuters)
Saad Eddine El-Othmani addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York (File Photo: Reuters)
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Morocco's PM: Banks Play a Pivotal Role in Employment, Development

Saad Eddine El-Othmani addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York (File Photo: Reuters)
Saad Eddine El-Othmani addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York (File Photo: Reuters)

Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El-Othmani said his government is moving to develop new, high-value-added sectors to help the economy and prepare for global economic transformations.

Speaking at a monthly inquiry session at the parliament on the pivotal role of the banking and financial sector in development and employment, Othmani said the government worked to support the economy by diversifying its economic partners and opening to new markets, namely investment in Africa.

The Prime Minister pledged to continue reforming the banking sector, in order to contribute to development and employment, as well as financing SMEs that are facing difficulties.

He announced the launch of the “national platform to support entrepreneurship and stressed the need to involve banking institutions in Morocco’s dynamic development.

Othmani pointed to some measures taken to support SMEs, such as training and developing human resources.

The Prime Minister touched on the institutional framework that stimulates entrepreneurship and strengthens creativity. He indicated that the government executed several reforms that helped Morocco advance on the “ease of doing business” index from rank 75 in 2016 to 53.

He also pointed to the launch of the process of returning VAT arrears, estimated at $4 billion in a move that the PM described as “bold and unprecedented” in favor of contractors and public institutions.



Abu Dhabi's MAIR Group to List in Abu Dhabi Next Month

Abu Dhabi's MAIR Group to List in Abu Dhabi Next Month
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Abu Dhabi's MAIR Group to List in Abu Dhabi Next Month

Abu Dhabi's MAIR Group to List in Abu Dhabi Next Month

Abu Dhabi-based MAIR Group, an investment firm active in sectors including food retail and commercial real estate, said on Thursday it would list on the local bourse next month.

The company, which operates over 100 stores in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the ADCOOP and SPAR brands, said in a statement the listing on the Abu Dhabi securities exchange (ADX) would take place on Dec. 9.

It did not disclose the amount of stock shareholders and employees plan to sell through the so-called direct listing, which takes place when a company offers shares to the public without going through a bank-backed initial public offering, Reuters reported.

As MAIR prepares to list "we are ready to amplify our impact, strengthen our foundations, and invite stakeholders to join our journey," Managing Director and CEO Nehayan Al Ameri said.

MAIR, which also manages more than 12 shopping centers through its commercial real estate division, booked revenues of 1.2 billion dirhams ($326.7 million) in the first half of 2024.

Last year, it distributed 135 million dirhams in dividends, equal to 12.11% of the share capital, to its over 12,000 shareholders.