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.



Spain Gives Green Light for Saudi STC to Raise Stake in Telefonica to 9.97%

STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
TT

Spain Gives Green Light for Saudi STC to Raise Stake in Telefonica to 9.97%

STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo

The Spanish government has given the green light to Saudi Arabia's largest telecoms operator, STC Group, to raise its stake in Telefonica beyond 5% and reach 9.97%, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said on Thursday.

Cuerpo confirmed an earlier report by El Pais newspaper during a news conference following the cabinet's weekly meeting in which the stake increase was approved, Reuters reported.

"Measures and conditions have been set and accepted voluntarily by the Saudi company to ensure that (the operation) takes place," Cuerpo told reporters.

He said the government's decision followed an "exhaustive analysis based not only on compliance with current legislation but also to guarantee the national interest in defense and ensure the strategic element in telecommunications".

Last year, STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder.

The Saudi group said at the time it owned a 4.9% stake in Telefonica and financial instruments giving it another 5% in what it called economic exposure to the company.

The Spanish government had to authorize the deal as Telefonica is considered a defence service provider and therefore a strategic company.

The Saudi company has said it does not intend to gain control of or a majority stake in Telefonica.