The panel: “Morocco:
Dr. Saad Laraqui is a Professor and Program Director, Doctor of Management, University of Maryland University College. He compared his interviews with CEO’s in Morocco in the late 80’s/early 90’s with and his October 07 trip to Morocco. Ten years ago, CEO’s were facing challenges linked to management, administration, and the use of technology. Today the nature of the challenges is different; the business environment is much more competitive and global. Recent business delegations to Morocco have been successful. For example, a delegation of French businessmen accompanied by President Sarkozy resulted in the signing of contacts worth $3.1 billion. Also, Mr. Barrett, Chairman of the Board of Intel signed 3 major contracts with government officials.
He concluded with recent trends in Morocco. He focused mainly on the challenges of globalization that since 2003 have been addressed with professionalism through a proactive policy of decreasing unemployment, a better letter grading from risk management agencies, the caliber of companies investing in Morocco, the amount of FDI and a rapidly growing trade with the US that reached $4 billion in 2005. As for the sectors of greatest opportunity, he mentioned IT, R&D, BPOs and parts manufacturing.
The consensus among the presenters is that there are many opportunities for US and other investors in Morocco as the country is expanding it capabilities to attract value-added projects that have great benefits for the investors and the Moroccan economy.
Please visit http://www.morocconewsline.com for full report or contact:
Amine Maaouni
amaaouni@moroccanamericancenter.com
Karim Zouiyen
paris@newcommercegroup.com
