Morocco Supports Private Firms In Fight Against COVID-19

Morocco's Ministry of Economy and Finance
Morocco's Ministry of Economy and Finance
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Morocco Supports Private Firms In Fight Against COVID-19

Morocco's Ministry of Economy and Finance
Morocco's Ministry of Economy and Finance

Morocco’s Economic Monitoring Committee (CVE) overseeing the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has decided to suspend the payment of social security contributions (CNSS) and to establish a moratorium for the reimbursement of bank credits for the benefit of businesses.

The committee includes eight ministries, Morocco's central bank (Bank Al-Maghrib), the Professional Grouping of Banks in Morocco, the General Confederation of Enterprises in Morocco, the Federation of Moroccan Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Services and the Federation of Chambers of handicraft.

CVE decided on the action plan, effective until the end of June.

The CVE thoroughly analyzed the expected negative repercussions on numerous sectors of Morocco’s economy.

The two sectors most vulnerable to impacts are tourism and textiles, the CVE determined.

The committee is set to meet again on Monday, March 23. In the meantime, the members of the committee will monitor the evolution of the economic situation in Morocco.

It also set up a technical committee to prepare a guide explaining the terms and conditions for granting the plan’s measures.



China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
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China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a short visit to Morocco on Thursday, according to state media from both countries.
Xi was welcomed in Casablanca by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and the visit reflected the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the Moroccan and Chinese peoples, Morocco's MAP said.
The Crown Prince and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met Xi at the airport, where Xi and Hassan had a "cordial conversation", China's state broadcaster CCTV said.
Xi made the visit after being in Brazil for the G20 Summit.
China has stepped up investments in Morocco's infrastructure and rail sector in recent years.
Morocco's geographic location close to Europe, its free trade agreements with key EU and US markets and its existing automotive industry, make it attractive to Chinese electric vehicle battery makers.
In June, Chinese EV battery manufacturer Gotion High Tech picked Morocco to set up Africa's first gigafactory for a total cost of $1.3 billion.