Morocco's Economy Set to Grow 3.5%, IMF Says

IMF expects the Moroccan economy to grow by 3.5% in the medium term, driven by investments. (Reuters)
IMF expects the Moroccan economy to grow by 3.5% in the medium term, driven by investments. (Reuters)
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Morocco's Economy Set to Grow 3.5%, IMF Says

IMF expects the Moroccan economy to grow by 3.5% in the medium term, driven by investments. (Reuters)
IMF expects the Moroccan economy to grow by 3.5% in the medium term, driven by investments. (Reuters)

Morocco’s economy strengthened last year on recovery in domestic demand and exports, with growth expected to pick up to about 3.5 percent over the medium term, boosted by stronger investment, the International Monetary Fund has said.

Stronger domestic demand should gradually “widen the current account deficit towards 3 percent” of gross domestic product, while inflation is projected to “continue to fall slowly as pressures on commodity and food prices fade”, the IMF said on Wednesday, following a staff visit.

The gradual reduction of the fiscal deficit over the next three years looks “appropriate”, the IMF added.

“This will require completing the reform of the tax system, including the VAT [value added tax], improving tax administration, rationalizing spending, including the transfers to state-owned enterprises, and expanding the use of the Unified Social Registry to all social programs.”

Morocco must focus on accelerating structural reforms to boost inclusive growth, the IMF said.



Saudi Environment Ministry Launches Electronic Service for Agricultural Sector to Connect to Grid

Saudi Environment Ministry Launches Electronic Service for Agricultural Sector to Connect to Grid
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Saudi Environment Ministry Launches Electronic Service for Agricultural Sector to Connect to Grid

Saudi Environment Ministry Launches Electronic Service for Agricultural Sector to Connect to Grid

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has launched an electronic service, as part of the Liquid Fuel Displacement Program, which aims to displace up to one million barrels of liquid fuels across the agriculture, industry and utilities sectors by 2030.
The new electronic service enables targeted farm owners to register their requests to connect their agricultural holdings to the electricity grid and reduce reliance on liquid fuel, SPA reported.
The ministry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy, the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority, the Saudi Electricity Company, and the Agricultural Development Fund, aims to reduce factors affecting the sustainability of the agricultural sector in the Kingdom, and contribute to preserving the environment, in line with the goals of the Kingdom Vision 2030.
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture encourages targeted farm owners to register to connect to the grid through the electronic platform Naama.