04 / 05

INVEST IN MOROCCO

The economic development of Morocco is based on appropriate

strategic plans
()As far as strategy is concerned, these infrastructure projects
and plans have enabled us to upgrade our economy, boost
productivity, enhance competitiveness, increase public investment,
and create integrated, regional development hubs.
Our country now has a clear, stable framework for economic
development, making it possible for our economy to withstand
the adverse effects of the global financial crisis. Similarly, Morocco
now enjoys an enhanced status as an attractive destination
for productive investment, and as an important regional and
international trade hub ().

Extract from the speech of H.M. King Mohammed VI on

Throne Day, 30 July 2010

06 / 07 INVEST IN MOROCCO

Summary
Europe
08 / 09

Morocco in figures
10 / 11

Geostrategic position
Morocco

12 / 13

Moroccan economy
in full expansion
14 / 15

Social and economic

reforms

28 / 29

Sectional plans
40 / 41

Qualified human resources

16 / 17

Business-friendly environment
20 / 21

World class
infrastructure

42 / 43

Life in Morocco
44 / 45

Sustainable development policy

46 / 47

Moroccan Investment
Development Agency

08 / 09 INVEST IN MOROCCO

Morocco in figures

Geographical situation
Area
Position
Climate
Time zone
Capital
Principal cities

710 850 square kilometers

North Africa 14 km from Europe
Mediterranean
GMT (GMT+1 in summer)
Rabat
Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangiers, Agadir, Fez,
Oujda, Layoune, Dakhla

Demography
Population
Density
Active population
Urban population
Life expectancy
Official language
Commonly used languages

31 million inhabitants
67.59 inhabitants/ Sq. kilomete
50,6%
50,9%
72 years
Arabic
French, Spanish, English.

Institutions
Institutional system Constitutional democratic and social monarchy
Administrative distribution 16 regions

Currency
Moroccan Dirham 1 MAD

Exchange rate (average for 2009)

1 US Dollar 8,1 MADs
1 Euro 11,3 MADs

Economic growth indicators 2009

GDP
GDP/inhabitant
Growth of GDP in 2009
Average growth
Rate of inflation
Average rate of inflation

730,5 billion MADs (about 63,5 billion )

22 095 MADs (1 921 )
4,9%
5% (over the past 5 years)
1,0%
1,9% (over the past 10 years)

Data : Year 2009

Source : High Commissioners Officer for Planning (HCP), Morocco

Tangiers

Tetouan
Al Hoceima

Larache
Fez

Rabat
Casablanca

Essaouira

Marrakech
Ouarzazate

Agadir

Laayoun

Dakhla

Lagouira

Oujda

10 / 11 INVEST IN MOROCCO

Geostrategic location
Opening to a market of 1,3 billion
consumers.

Morocco: regional hub

Europe

Morocco

Located 14 kilometers from the shores of Europe, the

country is washed by two seas, the Mediterranean in the
North and the Atlantic all along the West coast. This has
enabled it to place itself at the crossroads of the main
international trade routes linking America, Africa, Europe
and the Middle East.
an obvious asset to incorporate your investment into
the big international trade flows and increase the
competitiveness of your company by simplifying logistics.

Flying time from Casablanca airport :

Madrid
Paris
London
New York

1hour and 35mn

2hour and 45mn
3hour and 30mn
8hour and 15mn

United States

Europe

ASIA

Morocco

Sailing time from the port of Tangiers :

Marseille (France)
Barcelona (Spain)
Genoa (Italy)

AFRICA

36 hours
24 hours
44 hours

Crossing time from Tangier Med port :

Algeciras or Tarifa
(Spain)

35 minutes by Ferry

Morocco, a founding member of the World Trade

Organization, is also a member and/or associated to many
multilateral and regional organizations.

 Open to the outside

world

Agreement of Association
and Advanced Status :
Morocco European Union
As it accounts for almost two-thirds of the
Kingdoms foreign trade the European Union
is our largest economic partner. Morocco is
among the top Mediterranean countries in
the field of financial cooperation with the
European Union with a sizable commitment
of 290 million in 2009 as part of the
support projects included in the National
Indicative Program, PIN-Morocco, for
the 2007-2010period.

Free Trade Agreement (FTA):

Morocco United States

With 750 French companies, Morocco

is the preferred destination for French
investment in the Africa/Middle East
region
Source: French Embassy, Morocco, June 2010

The Free Trade Agreement with the United

States (Moroccans 2th trading partner after
the European Union) forms part of the
controlled global openness strategy of the
Moroccan economy and its insertion into
the world economy. Commercial exchanges
between Morocco and the United States
have more than doubled since the FTA was
implemented in 2006.

Agadir Agreement 2004:

Morocco Tunisia, Egypt and
Jordan
The Agadir Agreement, implemented
in 2007, has enabled member States to
increase the volume of their trade by
almost 45% .

Agreement: Morocco Turkey

Morocco - Turkey exchanges have continued
to grow and according to 2009 figures they
have reached an annual volume of 900 million
dollars (812,5 million ) versus 260 million
dollars (234,5 million ) in 2003.

Morocco is also linked to numerous African

countries through trade and economic
cooperation agreements.

Since October 2008, Morocco has

been linked to the EU by an advanced
status.

12 / 13 INVEST IN MOROCCO

Moroccan economy
in full expansion
Moroccos recent performance is sustained by a more
diversified economy, a consolidated budgetary situation
and a sound financial sector. Morocco is well positioned
to pursue its development despite the difficult world
situation.
IMF report, July 2008.

A diversified economy
As it has diversified, the Moroccan economy
has achieved a remarkable performance in
the primary (agriculture, mining), secondary
(industry) and tertiary (services, tourism,
offshoring) sectors.

Average export in Millions of

14 806

Similarly, Moroccan exports are more and more

impressive and diversified : from an average
of 8,2 billion p.a. for the 2000-2004 period,
exports rose to 14,8 billion p.a. for the
2005 - 2009 period, i.e. an increase of 78%.

8 283
2000 - 2004

2005 - 2009

Source: Moroccan Foreign Exchange Office

Structure of GDP 2009

Primary activities

18,1%
Tertiary
activities

58,9%

Secondary
activities

23,3%

Source: High Commissioners Office for Planning (HCP)

Rate of average growth of GDP (%)

A strong and stable 5% growth

over the past 10 years

For a decade, the Moroccan economy has shown

an upward trend in its growth rate, due mainly
to the dynamism of some sectors: Tourism,
Industry, Telecommunications, Infrastructure,
Services, Agriculture,

Source: Moroccan High Commissioners

Office for Planning (HCP)

Inflation controlled at less than 2%

For more than 10 years, Morocco has succeeded
in reconciling economic development and
control inflation. Purchasing power has thus
improved by 4,6% annually.

Average rate of inflation (annual slide)

Consolidated budgetary
equilibrium

Such economic performance has enabled

Morocco to pursue the consolidation of the
government budget and contain the budgetary
deficit.

Source: Moroccan High Commissioners Office

for Planning (HCP)

Budgetary deficit (% of GDP)

2000-2005

2006-2009
-0,7%

-3,7%
Source: Economy and Finance Ministry

In 2009 Morocco registered the highest growth rate

in North Africa: +4,9%
Economic report on Africa 2010 by the United Nations Economic Commission for
Africa.

14 / 15 INVEST IN MOROCCO

Social and economic

reforms
Morocco, a kingdom more than 12 centuries old,
is at a crossroad of civilizations combining its own
strong identity with openness and modernity with
its rich religious and cultural heritage. It is a country
governed by principles of tolerance and respect for
other spiritual and cultural communities. Under the
impetus of His Majesty King Mohammed VI who
acceded to the Throne on 31 July 1999, the Kingdom
has entered a new era of reforms and activity, thus
creating a political, economic and social dynamic
enabling the country to evolve with determination
and ambition in the new international context of the
21st century.
With a population where 70% is younger than 25,
Morocco is a country ready to seize the challenge of
globalization and it maintains with vigor the pace of
reform and change.

Students in the amphitheatre of the Ain Sebaa University Casablanca

Morocco on the move

> Some important reforms from the past 10 years:
Consolidation of democracy with two parliamentary elections held in 2002 &
2007 in compliance with the Constitution ;
Reform of the electoral law in 2006, and new laws on political parties ;
Implementation of the new Family Law in 2003 ;
Reform of the press code and creation of the High Commission on Audiovisual
Communication (HACA) ;
Implementation of a new Education charter ;
Launch of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH);
Human rights: Reorganization of the Consultative Council of Human Rights
(CCDH) and establishment of the Equity and Reconciliation Board (IER).

The Marina, Oued Bouregreg, Rabat-Sal

16 / 17 INVEST IN MOROCCO

Business-friendly
environment
Morocco has been granted the Investment grade
category from the agency Standard & Poors,
obtained an advanced status with the EU, and
joined the OECD Investment Committee.
Investment Grade Standard and Poors for Morocco in 2010.

Principal reforms enacted for improving the

business climate:
Simplification of administrative procedures ;

Reforms to encourage
competitiveness

Reinforcement of the business law system ;

Creation of the Central Anti-Corruption Authority ;

During the course of the past decade, Morocco

has done considerable work in order to improve
the business climate, making it more favorable to
both national and international investors.
Capacity building has led to the consolidation of
the attractiveness of the country and its status as
a top destination for foreign investors.

Reinforcement of the Moroccan Intellectual and

Commercial Property Agency;

Morocco is the second Arab

Improvement of regulations transparency ;

Development and modernization of financial markets ;
Creation of the National Commission of Business
Environment ;

P r o m o t i o n o f t h e c h a r t e r c o n c e r n i n g t h e
companies social responsibility ;
Creation of the Moroccan Investment Development
Agency (AMDI).

country to become member of

the OECD Investment Committee
and signatory of the OECD
declaration on international
investment and multinational
corporations (Nov. 2009)
Morocco, which has signed to join 41 other countries,
is committed to establish an environment open to
international investment and to promote responsible
investment by multinational corporations.
Investment in Morocco is controlled by the blueprint law
N 18-95 dated 8 November 1995, called the Investment
Charter, to encourage international investment. Any
project can thus benefit from the same advantages without
any discrimination among national and international
investors.

The Tangiers Med Port

 Attractive incentives
Moroccan and foreign investors could sign a contract
or an investment agreement with the government.
These agreements open their way to specific
particularly attractive incentives.

Hassan II Economic and Social

Development Fund
This mechanism for promoting investment in certain
industrial sectors, set up in September 2000, consists
in bringing financial assistance to projects for the
acquisition of the land, construction or the purchase
of buildings.
The amount of investment required must be greater
than 5 million MAD before tax (about 450 000 ).
The amount of investment in capital goods must
be greater than 2,5 million MAD before tax
(about
227 000 ).

Investment Promotion Fund - FPI

The Tangiers Med Port

Fiscal and customs measures:

Exemption from company income tax on exports for 5
years and a reduction of 17,5% after that ;
Exemption from import duties applicable to capital
goods, materials and tools necessary to complete
projects and imported directly or on behalf of the
company for investment projects greater than or equal
to 200 million MAD (about 18 million ) ;
Exemption from value-added tax applicable to imports
of capital goods, materials and tools necessary to
complete projects and imported directly or on behalf
of the company during the first 36 months of business,
for investment projects greater than or equal to 200
million MAD (about 18 million ).

With the aim of reducing the cost of investment, the

FPI grants companies, having an investment plan
that satisfies certain conditions, a partial amount of
the land cost and the expenses involving external
infrastructure and training.

Article 7.1 of the Finance law

Under this law investors take advantage of the
exemption from imported duties and VAT for
importing capital goods, materials and tools
necessary to complete their investment program.
This exemption follows the signing of an
investment agreement with the Government and
the commitment to invest more than 200 million
MAD (about 18 million ).

18 / 19 INVEST IN MOROCCO - Business-friendly environment

Morocco is the country in North Africa which

has received the biggest direct foreign
investment over the 2000-2009 period
(18 billion dollars).
Source: UNCTAD

Institutions to serve investors

Morocco has set up a framework of institutions in order to support
investors projects.

> The Moroccan Investment

Development Agency - AMDI
AMDI offers a free professional public service to all investors who
who could therefore use a wide international network and a range of
institutional partnerships with all Moroccan administrations and private
operators.

> Investment Commission - CI

AMDI undertakes preparatory work for the CI as part of the Technical
Preparation and Monitoring Committee for investment projects under
the conventional system.
Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the commission has for a task
to :

approve investment agreements and contracts requiring a contribution

from the Government ;
implement all measures aimed at improving the investment
environment of the country ;
rule to clear blockages to the completion of investment projects.

> Regional Investment Centers - CRI

CRIs have greatly improved and facilitated the investment process.
Located in 16 regions, they aim at decentralizing and simplifying
procedures through providing a single local interlocutor at the regional
level.
CRIs consist of:
2 counters: one to assist the creation of companies ;
And the other to assist the investors.

Casanearshore, Casablanca

I believe that what has finally struck me is that the capacity for
doing business has greatly expanded in Morocco
Morocco has seen its position improve quite considerably and
therefore it attracts foreign investment capital.

Dominique Strauss Kahn,

2009 Head of the International Monetary Fund.

Evolution of average net flow of incoming FDI

(US$ million/year)

2 125
1 384
725
390
1990-1994

1995-1999

2000-2004

2005-2009
Source UNCTAD

Technopolis, Rabat

FDI: Leading country in

North Africa

Distribution of FDIs per industry in 2009

Over the period 1999-2009, Morocco attracted

almost US$18 billion in FDI (cf. UNCTAD
2009).
In 2009, 5 sectors attracted more than 90% of

Holding Companies: 2%
Insurance: 2%
Transport: 3%
Other Services: 5%
Industry: 8%

Trade: 2%

Real Estate: 29%

Tourism: 17%
Telecom: 15%

Moroccos FDIs real estate, banking, tourism,

telecom and industry.

Source: Moroccan Foreign Exchange Office

Europe - major economic partner - represented

70% of FDIs in 2009.
Since 2002, Arab countries have continued to
increase their FDIs and at the end of 2009 they
represented nearly a quarter of all FDIs.

Distribution of FDIs per country of origin in 2009

Italy: 3%
United States : 3%
Germany: 3%
Great Britain: 3%
Switzerland: 4%
United Arab Emirates: 3%
Spain: 8%

Saudi Arabia: 2%
Jordan: 3%
Portugal: 7%
France: 37%
Kuwait: 18%

Source: Moroccan Foreign Exchange Office

20 / 21 INVEST IN MOROCCO

World class
infrastructure

Over the period 2008-2012, Morocco plans to strengthen its

transport infrastructure by launching many large projects with
an estimated investment volume of 120 billion DH (11 billion ).
Karim Ghellab, Equipment and Transportation Minister.

Transport infrastructure:

A national network linked

to the international one
For more than a decade, Morocco has been investing
in the development of its transports infrastructure.
Today, the Kingdom possesses world class facilities,
which interlink in the best and most efficient way
all the regions of the country and connect with the
rest of the world through its sizable and perpetually
developing network of highways, roads, railways and
airports.

Highway in Morocco

1 800 km of highways ;
1 907 km of railway lines ;
Start of work on a 1 500 km
high-speed rail line.
Sources:
Ministry of Equipment and Transport ;
Moroccan National Railways Board (ONCF) ;
Highways of Morocco (ADM).

 Port of Tangier Med:

Crossroads of the great

ocean routes
In July 2007, Morocco opened the new Port of
Tangier Med for business. It is a huge infrastructure
project, a symbol of Moroccos ambition to dominate
at a crossroad of major intercontinental maritime
exchanges.
An additional sign of this proactiveness is the recent
extension of the port: new Tangiers Med II harbor.
The tax-free industrial zones adjacent to the port
are already occupied by substantial export-oriented
manufacturing plants.

Tangiers Med II, the second phase in the port

extension, will have 73% more capacity than
Tangiers Med I ;
Capacity: more than 8 million Twenty Feet
Equivalent containers;
Installations of the worlds biggest shipping
companies : Maersk, MSC, CMA-CGM ;
2 000 hectares of professionalreal estate available
with tax-free zones (by 2015).

Tangiers Med Port

EUROPE

PORT OF TANGIERS
MEDITERRANEAN

22 / 23 INVEST IN MOROCCO - World class infrastructure

Morocco has 15 international airports

Source: National Airports Authority (Morocco) ONDA

Airport infrastructure:

Open to the whole world

As a tourism country, traditionally open to the world, Morocco
possesses a dense and high quality airport network. Thanks
to its Open Sky policy, the international airports of Morocco
are served by a large number of international companies and
are connected to the main economic capitals and business
platforms in the world.
These facilities have been developed under a vast modernization
and expansion program which has increased the reception
capacity of Moroccan airports to 30 million passengers per
year.

Mohammed V International Airport

(Casablanca)
Number of flights per week:
Paris: 79
London: 14
Frankfurt: 12
Dubai: 7
Toulouse: 7
New York: 6
Montral: 6
Number of passengers per year: more than
5 millions
Number of destinations: 70 different airport
destinations
Source: ONDA (Moroccan Airports Authority)
Tangiers Free Zone, Tangiers

The contribution of telecoms to GDP,

standing at 5% in 2004, will exceed 10%
in 2012.
Estimate: ANRT
(Moroccan Telecom Regulation Agency).

Telecom and fiber optic infrastructure :

Morocco, the leader in Africa

In a decade, Morocco, with its network of 7 500 km of optic

fiber, is an African leader in the field of telecoms.
With its telecom infrastructure at international standard,
completely digital, secure and diversified, the telecommunications
sector has recorded a continuous increase based on :
Landline and mobile operators (GSM, 3G) ;
Operators such as VSAT; GMPCS, Radio Trunk and ISP.

Individuals

Penetration (mobile) (%, per inhabitant)

Penetration (landline) (%, per household)
Penetration (Internet) (%, per household)
Number of Internet users

Value

Date

88,50%
35%
20%
13 million

June-2010
June-2010
June-2010
End 2009

93%
40%

End 2009
End 2009

Corporate

Connected to Internet
Corporate website

Energy infrastructure
Morocco possesses 26 hydro-electric power stations and 5
thermal power plants reaching a total installed power of 5 292
MW.
The transport and distribution network is as follows :
19 575 Km for Very High Voltage lines ;
66 398 km for High Voltage lines ;
121 022 km for Low Voltage lines.
The country possesses substantial capacity for renewable energy,
especially solar and wind, extending over 3 500 km of coastal
areas.
ST Microelectronics company, in Casablanca

24 / 25 INVEST IN MOROCCO - World class infrastructure

Infrastructure specifically devoted

to investment

> The P2Is: Ready for Output industrial

facilities
Morocco has developed a new concept of areas devoted to
industrial and service projects: the Integrated Industrial Platforms
(P2I).
The P2Is, new generation specialized or general-purpose parks,
sometimes with a tax-free zone status, offer investors ready-touse buildings, either for purchase or lease.
These parks are provided with basic infrastructure and shared
supporting services in order to reduce installation and running
costs:
Zone operating services: maintenance of infrastructure, security ;
General services: telecoms, catering, health centre, banking ;
Business services: business centre, hiring support ;
Advanced services intended for industry: industrial maintenance,
engineering facilities, recycling, logistical areas ;
One-stop-shop, to include:
The National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills
(ANAPEC), local authority services, the Regional Investment
Centre (CRI), National Social Security Office (CNSS), income tax
office ;

Occupied Lots
Lots available

The Nouasseur Aviation hub, a firstclass hub intended for the aviation and
space industries
Area: 80 ha ;
Real estate available:
- Hub of aviation industries ;
- Hub of aviation services;
- Industrial hub (innovative units) ;
- Training hub (International Mohammed
VI Academy, IMA);
- READY TO OUTPUT and READY FOR
SERVICES zone.

Public or private training center.

TANGIERS FREE ZONE

Located in the North of Morocco, covering an area of 500 hectares,
Tangiers Free Zone (TFZ) has modern infrastructure and numerous
supporting services. In addition, it enjoys an advantageous and
preferential tax and customs system.
This duty-free zone has gained the confidence of many
multinational companies :
YAZAKI, SOURIOU, DAHER, SUMITOMO, LEAR, ANTOLIN, DION,
SHCLEMMER, EMDEP, DELPHI, and POTYTECH.

Jorf Lasfar Industrial Park

Located 17 kilometers South of El Jadida
and 100 km from Casablanca, this estate
is host to industrial support services and
covers an area of 500 ha.
Main sectors:
- Heavy industry in the fields of energy,
metallurgy, chemistry and para-chemistry,
and industrial logistics.

Tangiers

Tetouan

Fez

Oujda

Rabat
Casablanca

Essaouira
Marrakech
Agadir

Laayoun

P21 Offshoring
P21 Automotive

Dakhla

P21 Aviation
P21 General
Agriculture hubs

Example of P2I: Kenitra Automotive City

Some business operators

already in Morocco

Surface: 345 hectares ;

Real estate available:
- Rental of buildings ready for output ;
- Sale or lease of non-built serviced sites ;
- Sale or lease of custom-built buildings .
Training centers for automotive trades ;
One-stop shop (local authority services, ANAPEC (Job
promotion agency), CNSS (Social Security agency) ;
Duty-free zone status.

26 / 27 INVEST IN MOROCCO

Sectorial plans
Exceptional opportunities

Morocco is a country that has taken off; it is an

emerging country now, so it is must think ahead to
what is best for the future.
Hubert VEDRINE,
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs (France), 2009

The Emergence plan:

For the development of Moroccos
world industry paths

Textiles and leather

Discover the new Morocco, the Morocco of today, the industrial

Morocco. The Moroccan government has identified six industry
paths which are to become the pillars of the Kingdoms industrial
development.
For each of these Moroccos world industry paths, a specific
strategic approach has been created so as to offer private
national or international operators opportunities for competitive,
profitable and fast-growing projects.

Offshoring

Aerospace

Automobile

Electronics

Agro-business

28 / 29 INVEST IN MOROCCO - Sectional plans

Aviation and space:

Morocco at the leading edge
Morocco is becoming a particularly attractive place by offering
itself today as a competitive destination for setting up aviation
industries.

> Opportunities for investment in aviation

in Morocco
Composite materials;
Metal-working ;
Assembling;
Engineering and design ;
Engine and equipment repairs ;
Maintenance;
Electrical systems and cables ;
Transformation and modification of aircrafts.

What Morocco has to offer in the field of

aernonautics

AIRCELLE, Casablanca

They have placed their trust in

Morocco

Real estate : integrated industrial platform at

Nouasseur (Casablanca) ;
Training (objective of 15 000 skilled trainees by
2015):
- Institute of Aeronautical Trades,
- Contirbution fort raining, recruiting and
employment of up to 40 000 MAD (about 3 600
)/ person/type of training.
Tax and customs advantages: tax-free status in
specific zones ;
Contribution from the Hassan II Fund : up to
10% of the investment ;
State subsidies: land, off-site, training.

The investment of more than 236 million MAD (about

20 million ) by the Japanese group Yazaki for the
construction of a factory manufacturing automobile
wiring in the city of Kenitra, will enable more than 1 600
direct steady jobs to be created.

Automotive industry:

Morocco a prime partner

Morocco is gradually acquiring key status as a base for the
automobile industry worldwide.
With the development of a strong network of equipment makers
and the installation of assembly plants, vehicles assembled in
Morocco are today exported to Egypt, Tunisia and the European
market.

> Opportunities for investment in the

automotive industry in Morocco

Somaca, Casablanca

A leading manufacturer in Morocco:

Renault
Assembly plant on the site of Melloussa
(adjacent to the Tangier Med port
complex),
Site of 314 ha,
Investment of 1,1 billion
Goal for 2014: 400000 vehicles
assembled per year.

They have placed their trust in

Morocco

Plastics engineering: injection molding, equipment ;

Metallurgy: Pressing /Stamping, Forging/ Stamping, Shaping/
Profiling ;
Cables: Metal working/Plastics, Stacking ;
Paper/ filter/ glass: Molding, Pressing, Weaving ;
Textiles: weaving/non-woven, Assembling/Stacking ;
Plastics engineering/ textiles: Injection molding, Assembling/
Stacking ;
Rubber: Extrusion ;
Electronics: Mecatronics.

What Morocco has to offer to the automotive

industry
Real estate: 2 integrated industrial platforms in
Kenitra and Tangiers ;
Training:
- Specialized Institutes in automobile trades
(goal: 70 000 skilled workers trained by 2015) ;
- Training contribution with an amount of up to
33000 Moroccan MAD (about 3 000)/person.
Tax and customs benefits: tax-free status in specific
zones ;
Contribution from the Hassan II Fund: up to 10% of
the investment ;
State subsidies: land, off-site, training.

30 / 31 INVEST IN MOROCCO - Sectorial plans

Offshoring:

Morocco world leader

in French-speaking nearshoring
With its international standard of telecommunications
infrastructure and its high quality human resources, Morocco
has become in a few years a world leader in the call centre
business. The country has also been able to attract the main
European information technology companies.

CASANEARSHORE
The largest nearshore hub in North
Africa
Casanearshore is a business park intended
for businesses specializing in software
development, infrastructure management,
banking and back office insurance, customer
relations management, etc.

> Key numbers

30 000 employees in the Offshoring sector;
70 000 trainees in offshoring jobs by 2015 ;
Projected sectional turnover of more than 20 billion

MAD (about 1,8 billion ) in 2015 ;
Leading job region in Africa for call centers ;
More than 430 call centers operating in Morocco ;
8 billion MADs (about 727 million ) turnover in the sole
customer relations management (CRM) sector.

> Opportunities for investment

in Offshoring in Morocco
Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO)
- Software development
- Infrastructure management
- Applications maintenance
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
- Specific job type activities
- Banking
- Insurance

TECHNOPOLIS

Offshoring hub and Information

& Communications Technology
Industries and high-tech hub
University hub

Establishment of the
National Commission for the
Control of the Protection of
Personal Data.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGEMENT

- General administration
- Accounting and finance
- Human resources
- General back offices

Morocco ranks 5th worldwide in terms

of attracting Francophone offshoring
activities.
Source : Mc Kinsey rating.

Casanearshore opened new premises in June 2010 :

The largest DELL Business Center in the Europe, the Middle East and the
Africa region (20 000 sq.meters, more than 1 800 workers).
The new headquarters for Cap Gemini Morocco (more than 260 workers).

Adoption of Law N 09-08 concerning the

protection of individuals regarding the
treatment of personal data
.Morocco is one of the first Arab or African
countries to adopt such a complete system
of protection guaranteeing the circulation of
personal data.

Morocco has joined the top

30 Offshoring countries.
Gartner rating of the most interesting
offshore destinations.

They have placed their trust

in Morocco
IT Provider

> What Morocco

Offshoring

has

to

offer

in

World-class infrastructure and services

- P2I offshoring (Casanearshore, Technopolis, Fs
shore, Ttouan shore) measuring up with the best
international standards ;
- First class telecom supply ;
- A Ready for Output approach with fully-equipped
offices and on-site support business services
available.
Competitive pool of resources and training assistance
- National training plan ;
- Complete exemption from social security contributions
for 24 months for the first use (maximum wage 550 ) ;
- Direct training assistance during the first 3 years
rising to 6 500 .
Framework incentives

BPO

Captive Insurance

- Substantial and exceptional labor tax relief: tax ratio

tied to personal income tax not exceeding 20% ;
- Substantial and exceptional tax relief in company
taxation with exemption from corporate income tax
during the first 5 years, and 17,5% thereafter;
- Reduced administrative scheme: one single office for
the region, flexible Labor Code, simpler administration
process, especially for SMEs
Available financing

Call centers

- Commitment of member banks to create a fund

specifically for industrial real estate and services
development ;
- Offers of financing and services to investors in the
sector.

32 / 33 INVEST IN MOROCCO - Sectional plans

Electronics:

Aiming at a more and more

integrated industry
In Morocco, electronics is a dynamic sector because of the quality
of the infrastructure and the qualified engineers and technicians
available. By 2015, there will be a trained work force of 9 000.

> Opportunities for investment in the automobile

industry in Morocco
Mecatronics ;
Industrial electronics ;
In-car and in-plane electronics.

What Morocco has to offer in the electronics

industry

ST Microelectronics, Casablanca

They have trusted in Morocco

Available Real estate availability : electronics

sectors in the integrated industrial platforms
of Kenitra, Nouasseur and Tangiers;
Availability of training:
- Specialized training centers (OFPPT:
Moroccan Vocational Training Agency) ;
- Training contribution of an amount up
rising to 40 000 MAD (about 3 600 )/
person.
Tax and customs advantages: duty-free
zone status in specified areas ;
Contribution from the Hassan II fund of up to
10% of the total investment amount;
State subsidies (land, off-site, training).

 Textiles and leather :

Morocco specializes in medium

- and top - range goods
As a major player in the Mediterranean textiles and leather industry,
Morocco possesses a vast range of SMEs of great technical quality,
with a highly-skilled workforce and geographical proximity to the
main markets and an important logistics standpoint.
These advantages, together with the historical background of
the country, enable investors in this sector to place themselves
comfortably in the medium and high range.

> Opportunities for investment in the textiles

and leather sector in Morocco:

Tavex company, in the city of Settat

Fast fashion and ready-to-wear fashion lines; ;

Jeans and sportswear ;
Niche products in 3 new areas: lingerie, domestic textiles and
shoes.

What Morocco has to offer in textiles and

leather
Real estate availability : integrated industrial
platforms ;
Installation assistance: finishing - dyeing
printing rising to 20% of total investment ;
Tax and customs advantages ;
State subsidies (land, off-site, training) ;
Areas reserved for logistics and delivering
supplies.

Tavex company, in the city of Settat

34 / 35 INVEST IN MOROCCO - Sectional plans

Agro-business: Modern Morocco

With its long agricultural tradition, Morocco has developed a
modern, competitive and diversified agro-business sector.

> Opportunities for investment

in agro-business in Morocco
Processing of fruit and vegetables ;
Olive and Argan products ;
Spices ;
Aromatic and medicinal plants ;
Meat and milk processing.

What Morocco has to offer in agro-business

Development of channels with strong export
potential ;
Development and restructuring of domestic
consumer goods ;
Implementation of training programs suited to
the sector ;
Creation of a network of agro-hubs in the
regions of Mekns, the Oriental, Souss,

Gharb, Haouz and Tadla ;
Tax and customs advantages ;
State subsidies (land, off-site infrastructure,
training).
International Agriculture Show in Morocco-SIAM 2010

 Green Morocco plan to modernize

agriculture

The Green Morocco plans objective is to facilitate the development

of a modern and competitive agriculture. It is based on the
following principles:

Mekns

International Agriculture Show in Morocco-SiAM 2010

To make agriculture the principal growth driver over the next

10-15 years ;
To ensure the overall development of Moroccan agriculture:
- Modern high value-added agriculture and concerning
irrigated land and favorable bour (rainfed areas),
- Basic agriculture situated in areas of mountains, oases and
unfavorable bour (rainfed areas).
To adopt a clustering model for organizing agriculture ;
To encourage private investment ;
To safeguard natural resources for sustainable agriculture.

36 / 37 INVEST IN MOROCCO - Sectional plans

Everyone must be encouraged to accept the implementation

of a strategy of energy efficiency, particularly through the
development of different forms of clean renewable energy
Extract from the speech of His Majesty King Mohammed VI on Throne
Day, Tetouan -30/07/10

Renewable energy:

Development of existing
power structure

A plan for the future

Acceleration of the economic and social development of
Morocco brings an increase in demand for energy, which is to
reach over 36% by 2015, and to triple by 2030. In order to tackle
this increase in demand, 4 priorities have been identified:
To secure energy supplies
To optimize access to energy supplies
To rationalize consumption of energy
To protect the environment through different forms of
clean energy
Different forms of renewable energy are the best response
to these priorities. The principal issue will be to ensure their
development by extracting the value from the potential from
the sun and the wind and feeding into the regional and
international markets.
Moroccos ambition is to reach by 2020 a 42% of available
capacity supplied by clean energy.

> Key numbers

36%: Increase in electricity consumption per inhabitant in
Morocco by 2015;
45GW: Potential of sun and wind energy in Morocco;
42%: Share of electric power obtained from renewable forms
of energy in 2020.

2008

2020

Nuclear

Coal

Natural gas

Oil

Hydro-electric

Wind

Sun

Source: ONE

> The recently created Energy Investment

Company (SIE) is a prime investor for
Moroccos new energy strategy
The SIE is required to invest in projects aimed at increasing
energy production capacity, developing renewable energy
resources and improving energy efficiency.
Wind farm, Tangiers

The Moroccan solar energy plan is not only an

equipment program, but it also includes the
industrial , R&D, and training component .

 Solar energy
Tangiers

Oujda

Rabat
Casablanca

> Creation of a specialized agency supported

by the Government, the Moroccan for Solar
Energy (MASEN)

Marrakech

Agadir

Ouarzazate

MASENs goal is to implement the Moroccan solar energy plan,

i.e. 2,000 MW by 2020 through:
Designing integrated solar development projects within the
territory areas ;
Preparing technical, economic and financialstudies needed
for sites qualification ;
Designing, completing and operating solar energy projects;

Laayoun

Contributing to research and the mobilization of finance

necessary to the completion and operation of solar energy
project;

Dakhla

Submitting proposals to the government for the conditions

for industrial integration of each solar energy project;
Presenting the program to national and foreign investors ;

> Project for producing solar

energy
Morocco has launched an ambitious project
for producing

solar energy that will place

the

among

Kingdom

worldwide

leaders.

The program, which has already begun its

implementation phase, plans for:
The production of 2000 MW from five sites
totaling 11 000 ha in the south of the Kingdom ;
An investment of US $ 9 billion ;
The production of 38% of the 2008 existing
power and 14% of electric power by 2020 ;
A saving of 1 million tons in oil fuel equivalent
and the non-emission of 3,7 million tons of
CO2.

Solar energy

38 / 39 INVEST IN MOROCCO - Sectional plans

"I think that Mazagan is one of the most beautiful and exciting
resorts we have built anywhere in the world.".
Sol Kerzner,
CEO of Kerzner International

Tourism: Success of a vision

Morocco is undeniably tourist destination par excellence. With its 3 500 Kilometers (about 2 000 miles) of
coastline, the wealth and variety of its natural beauty, its centuries-old history, the legendary hospitality of its
people and its ancient traditions, Morocco since its independence has chosen tourism as a priority towards
advancing socio-economic development.
In 2001 Morocco, fully aware of its natural advantages and the wealth of its cultural heritage, set up the Vision
2010 for tourism.

> The goals of Vision 2010

Receive 10 million tourists;
Increase hotelcapacity to 230 000 beds ;
Create six new resorts on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coast ;
Generate more than 48 billion MAD in foreign exchange revenues;
Create 600 000 new stable jobs.
In order to reach these goals, Vision 2010 set up 4 plans:
The Azure Plan which planned the creation of 6 coastal resorts (Mogador, Lixus, Mazagan, Saidia,
Taghazout and Plage Blanche) on 3 000 hectares of land and with a total investment of around 46 billion
MAD (about 4 billion ) ;
The Biladi Plan devoted to the strategy of developing domestic tourism ;
The MadaIn plan aiming at improving the level of existing destinations (Fez, Casablanca, Agadir) ;
The Niche and rural plan with the mission of creating jobs and achieving a regional balance in tourism
development.
Today, despite the difficult international situation, Morocco is holding steady, with more than 8 million tourists
by end of 2009. The Mazagan and Saidia resorts are operating and most of the worlds big tour operators are
present via their world-class resorts and hotels.
Enriched by the experience gained from the application of Vision 2010, Morocco will embark on the second
phase of its tourist development via Vision 2020.
Resorts launched under the Azure
plan and the Azure plan extension

> Principles of Vision 2020

To capitalize on the achievements of Vision 2010 ;
To move on to a structuring approach to the

country in terms of employment and investment ;
To develop the competitiveness of Moroccan
t o u r i s m b y a d o p t i n g t r e n d s a n d n e w
opportunities;
To stress differentiation in Moroccan tourism by
putting sustainable development at the heart of
the strategy.

Shop signs installed in Morocco

 Strategies for future

>Logistics program:
Launched in April 2010, the logistics strategy aims at reducing
costs of logitics from 20% to 15% of GDP in 5 years by an overall
investment of 63 billion MAD (about 5 billion ) by 2015 and 116
billion MAD (about 10 billion ) by 2030.
It will also contribute to the sustainable development of the
country through the reduction of pollution. In order to reach
these general objectives, the program is built around five key
themes: development of Multi-flux Logistics Zones, optimization
of the flow of goods, incentives to encourage the emergence of
integrated and efficient logistic operators, development of skills
and implementation of a framework for the sectors governance .

> Rawaj Vision 2020 plan to accommodate

the development of dometic distribution and
internal commerce:
The Rawaj Vision 2020 plan aims at a radical transformation of
the distribution landscape which has resulted in the blossoming of
supermarkets, the opening of shopping malls, the implementation
of the largest international franchises, and the modernization of
local businesses.
This plan includes numerous measures to develop wholesale
and medium distribution, independent businesses, chains and
franchised stores.
This plan includes numerous measures to develop wholesale
and medium distribution, independent businesses, chains and
franchised stores.

> Halieutis plan for the exploitation and the

protection of the fishing potential:
The Halieutis plan is based on the following principles:
Sustainable exploitation of resources and promotion of
responsible fishing ;
Development of an efficient and quality fishing industry by
ensuring optimum traceability of the product throughout the
value chain. ;
Obtaining the best value for processed products through out
the ease of access to raw material, encouragement of product
innovation, penetration of the most profitable markets
(creation of three regional competitiveness hubs in Tangier,
Agadir and Layoune-Dakhla).

> Maroc Numeric 2013 plan to position

Morocco as a regional technology hub:
The Maroc Numeric 2013 plan intends to make information
technology one of the pillars of the Moroccan economy, a vector
of human development and a source of value added for the
economic and public administration sectors. As an international
player in information technology and host to the large international
operators, Morocco also wants to increase increase the diffusion
of these technologies and their general use by the ordinary citizens,
companies and administrations.

Tangier Med, Tangier

40 / 41 INVEST IN MOROCCO

Qualified human
resources

Higher education of international

standard

Moroccan higher education is made up of a broad spread of

universities and colleges which provide quality education for
diversed professions. The development program for this sector
is growing with the opening of new establishments: College of
Fashion, International University of Rabat, International University
of Casablanca, School of Government and Economy of Rabat
partnered with SciencesPo Paris, Al Akhawayn University, etc.

Qualified human resources

In Morocco, human resources have all the advantages needed
to become the pillars of competitive investment and value
creation: good level of training, good cultural attitudes, fluency in
languages and new technologies, attachment to entrepreneurial
spirit, capacity to adapting to jobs change, and competitive salary
costs.

Professional training adapted to

company needs

Morocco conducts a very dynamic professional training policy

which enables companies to possess trained and available human
resources.
Considerable and competitive pool of potential resources for
High School (Baccalureate) + and undergrad levels (2 and 4
years after the High school degree) ;
Training subsidy for every new Moroccan employee rising from
35 to 65 K-MADs over the first 3 years;
National Training Programme with the collaboration of
universities, colleges, the private sector, ANAPEC and OFPPT ;
Support and assistance in hiring.

University of Ain Seba, Casablanca

- More than 100 000 high school graduates per year ;

- 370 000 is the total number of public/private higher education teaching staff ;
- More than 40 000 graduates per year in public/private higher education ;
- 250 000 trainees per year are to be accepted for public/private training for 2009-2012 ;
- More than 120 000 graduates for the OFPPT* agency in 2009/2010
*Office de la Formation Professionnelle et de la Promotion du Travail (Moroccan Vocational Training Agency)
Source: Moroccan Ministry of National Education, Higher Education, Management Training and Scientific Research)

Higher education in its three large components (university,

management training and private) includes 16 universities
and 339 schools and institutes.
Source: Moroccan Ministry of National Education, Higher Education, Management Training and
Scientific Research)

The share of GDP in scientific research

2009
2010
2015

Research and innovation

encouraged

0.8%
1%
1.5%
www.emarrakech.com

Morocco has voluntarily committed itself to support

and improve the value of scientific research and
innovation via ambitious projects which increase
added value.
Created as part of the Envol (Take-off) plan, the
MASCIR project (Moroccan Association For Scientific
Innovation and Research) aims at establishing the
physical and technological infrastructure to create an
R&D triangle in the fields of New Information and
Communication
Technologies,
nanotechnologies,
biotechnology, environment, and materials and
polymers.

Rabat Technopolis, a symbol of Moroccos commitment

to research, is a smart city devoted to microelectronics,
nanotechnology and technological development.

Protenia, in the city of Ifrane

They have trusted Morocco

42 / 43 INVEST IN MOROCCO

Living in Morocco
Morocco is ranked 26th out of
195 in the list of countries where it
is good to live.

Pleasant lifestyle

International Living, observer of the quality of life

2009.

With its millennial history, its culture, its gastronomy and its
legendary hospitality, Morocco has always been a country at the
crossroads. Its geographical position has given its inhabitants a
character combined with openness and tolerance.
Morocco is one of the countries on the south shore of the
Mediterranean where living conditions are very pleasant; and its
mild sunny climate adds comfort to this fact. The Kingdom offers
all the conveniences to afford the expatriate with an agreeable
experience:
High quality health care, with a large network of private clinics
and specialized clinics ;
A large network of foreign schools, particularly French,
Spanish and American ;
Several cultural centers belonging to different countries ;
Shopping centers and many internationalfranchises and shop
signs ;
A considerable number of world-famous cultural and music
festivals such as the Mawazine festival, the Essaouira festival,
the Marrakech International Film Festival, and the Dakhla surf
festival.

A tradition of openness
Morocco, although a Muslim country attached to its ancestral
values, is nonetheless open-minded and fully tolerant, and
foreigners can practice their religion in perfect liberty and security.
The number of churches and synagogues is a good illustration.

Morocco, Largest North African

country and 10th in the MENA
area in the field of economic
freedom.
Index of Economic Freedom, 2010.

Railway station, Marrakech

Morocco, golfing destination for

2010 in the Africa, the Gulf and
Oceania area.
Prize awarded by International Golf Travel Market, 2009

Wide range of tourist destinations

With nearly 3500 kilometers of coastline, mountain ranges and
the dunes of the Sahara desert, Morocco offers an extraordinary
variety of natural advantages.
Beach tourism, with five new generation resorts: Mazagan,
Mogador, Lixus, Sadia, Plages Blanches ;
Cultural tourism, with an exceptional architectural heritage and
many classified UNESCO World Heritage sites ;
Mountain tourism and eco-tourism, with two principal ski
resorts at Oukameden and Michlifen ;
21 world-class golf courses and the Hassan II Golf Trophy
(included in the European Tour) ;
Various car-treks (raids) and rallies including the Aicha Gazelle
Trophy ;
International Automobile Grand Prix (FIA - WTCC) Marrakech
Grand Prix.

Htel Mazagan, El Jadida

44 / 45 INVEST IN MOROCCO

A sustainable
development policy
The sustainable development policy initiated by Morocco is part
of a long term environmental strategy featuring the protection of
natural resources and eco-systems, the constant monitoring of the
environment by the Government in the regions, and the planning
of operations towards improving the environmentalframework
of citizens.
Amina Benkhadra, Minister of Energy, Mining, Water and the Environment

Environmental Protection

at the heart of the Kingdoms

priorities
Sustainable development is an option adopted by
Morocco in the same way as has been the case for
the international community.
The Kingdom has created several public bodies to
assist its sustainable development strategy:

Marrakech

6 fundamental principles of the CNEDD* Charter:

Precautions ;
Preventive action;
Polluter-payer principle;
Participation ;
Responsibility with regard to repairing environmental
damage ;
Integration of environmental problems into all
government policies.

* National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development

Mohammed Foundation VI for Environmental

Protection;
National Environment Observatory;
Maritime Transport Observatory ;
Environment and Water Department;
Maritime Fisheries Department;
National Agency for the Development of
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (2010) ;
Moroccan Solar Energy Agency (2010).
A Charter for Environment and Sustainable
Development (CNEDD) will be adopted in 2010. It will
offer a framework for the protection of Moroccos
natural wealth by means of a general approach that
balances protection of the environment with economic
development.

" In 2010 Rabat was declared the Worlds Green City. It

was chosen by the Earth Day Network association as a
premier city for the celebration of the 40th anniversary
of Earth Day, from April 17 to April 25, 2010

Tangiers

46 / 47 INVEST IN MOROCCO

Moroccan Investment
Development Agency
AMDI serving investors
> Your partner for investment and business.
With its international network and a wide range of institutional
partnerships with all Moroccan administrations as well as with
private operators, AMDI offers a free professional public service
to all investors.
AMDI is here to assist
investment:

you along all the stages of your

To inform you ;
To offer you assistance ;
To accompany you in your investment formalities;
To facilitate contact with your local and department partners;
To enable you to take advantage of the best environment to
develop your enterprise.
Equipped with all logistics and technological facilities, a reception
and information office is at your disposal at the headquarters of
the Agency.

A mission to promote and develop

investments

The primary mission of AMDI is to promote investment in Morocco,

especially by conducting communication activities, proposing
legislative or regulatory reforms, and supporting foreign investors
throughout all the stages of their investment project.

AMDI

Moroccan Investment Development Agenc y

Rabat -Morocco
Tel. : + 212 5 37 67 34 20/21 - Fax : +212 5 37 67 34 17/42

Spain Madrid
AMDI is also committed on the field and to develop investments in
the sectors of industry, trade, and new technologies.
It is also responsible for:
Making proposals for a government investment development
program ;
Carrying out prospecting of potential investors ;
Appointing representatives abroad in collaboration with the
Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

Agencia Marroqu de Desarrollo

de Inversiones
Oficina de representacin Espaa
Paseo de la Castellana, 141, Planta 20
Edificio Cuzco IV 28046 Madrid
Phone: + 34 917 893441
Fax: + 34 915 707199

France Paris

A cooperative approach
AMDI plans to act with a collaborative logic and works with many
institutions in order to attain its objectives :
Regional Investment Centers (CRIs), in order to optimize and
simplify the treatment of investment agreements ;
The bodies in charge with the economic promotion of Morocco,
such as Maroc Export, La Maison de lArtisan (The Artisans
House), The National Tourism Board (ONMT), the Chambers of
Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Cooperation, and others ;
Other national economic institutions such as the Agricultural
Development Agency (ADA) or the Moroccan Tourism Engineering
Company (SMIT) ;
Offices have already been opened in Paris, Madrid and Milan.
Others will open in 2011, in the United Kingdom, Germany and
the United States.

Agence Marocaine de
Dveloppement
des Investissements Bureau de
reprsentation France
14 Avenue dEylau - 75116 PARIS
Phone: +33 1 73 02 15 09/10
Fax: +33177 726499