MPs start considering bill on Tunisia’s accession to amended protocol to WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights


Tunis: MPs at the Assembly of People’s Representatives (ARP) on Wednesday started at a plenary session to consider the organic bill 2023/51 approving Tunisia’s accession to the amended protocol to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), in the presence of Minister of Trade and Export Development Kalthoum Ben Rejeb.

This bill n°51 for 2023 provides for the approval of the amendment of the provisions of the protocol on patents, which are classified as industrial property.

At the start of the plenary session, MPs observed a minute’s silence and recited the Fatiha in tribute to the souls of the Palestinian martyrs in the new mass massacre perpetrated by the Zionist entity on Sunday evening in the Rafah refugee camp.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Fourth review of Tunisia’s trade policy by the WTO to take place soon


Tunis: The fourth review of Tunisia’s trade policy by the World Trade Organization (WTO) is to be made in the next few months, Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani said during a cabinet meeting, held Tuesday evening. It was devoted to examining the file of Tunisia’s trade policies undertaken with the WTO.

Hachani called on all ministries and structures concerned to contribute effectively to the success of this meeting, recalling that the last three exams were organized in favor of Tunisia, namely in 1995, 2005 and 2016, reads a statement of the Prime Ministry.

Ministers agreed that Tunisia must seize this opportunity to convey a positive image, particularly with respect to transparency in the economic and trade fields in the country. It should also promote the ongoing reforms which have been introduced in recent years so as to attract more foreign direct investments, the same source said.

They also reiterated the need to present the measures taken by Tunisia to boost economic and trade cooperation with African cou
ntries and diversify the country’s economic partners, particularly those from Asia.

The Prime Minister recalled that Tunisia is one of the founding members of the WTO which was established in 1995.

The WTO is an institution whose mission is to foster trade between its member countries as well as promote investment throughout the world.

Trade Policy Reviews are an exercise stipulated in the WTO Agreements through which trade and related policies of Member countries are regularly reviewed and evaluated.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

African Lion 2024: High-Level Moroccan-US Military Delegation Visits Medical-Surgical Field Hospital in Tata province


Akka Municipality (Tata Province) – A high-level delegation from the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and the US Army on Wednesday visited the medical-surgical field hospital deployed in Akka municipality, province of Tata.

Upon their arrival, members of the delegation led by Lieutenant General, FAR Inspector General and Commander of the Southern Zone, and U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command commander, followed explanations on the goals of this initiative and the human and logistical resources mobilized to ensure the success of this humanitarian operation as well as the various services provided for the local population.

This hospital, mobilizing medical teams made up of doctors and nurses from FAR and the US Army, is part of the parallel activities of the combined Moroccan-American exercise “African Lion 2024”, which is being held in accordance with the High Instructions of His Majesty the King, Supreme Commander and Chief of the General Staff of FAR.

Operational since
May 16, this health facility provides medical and surgical services covering several specialties, including cardiology, ENT, pediatrics, internal medicine, gynecology, radiology, odontology and ophthalmology.

The population also benefits from surgeries, distribution of corrective glasses and vaccination against measles.

Subsequently, the delegation which also included US Ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar, paid a visit to the Gallery of Resistance and Liberation’s Historical Memory in Akka.

“African Lion 2024′, which will continue until May 31, is the largest exercise in Africa and is an annual event where military executives come together to exchange procedures and experiences, particularly in terms of training and combined joint training.

This twentieth edition testifies to the sustainability which characterizes cooperation between the FAR and the US Army, reflecting the historical and solid links which between the two countries.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

African Foundation for Lifelong Learning, Ambitious Project with Strategic Scope (Minister)


Rabat – The African Foundation for Lifelong Learning is an ambitious project with a strategic and continental scope, stressed, on Wednesday in Rabat, Minister of National Education, Preschool Learning and Sports, Chakib Benmoussa.

The African Foundation for Lifelong Learning is a pioneering initiative for the development and improvement of lifelong learning at continental level, noted Benmoussa, who was speaking at a meeting to mark the launch of the Foundation, held under the theme ‘Lifelong learning for Africa’s development’.

This initiative also aims to exchange successful experiences, transfer knowledge, share expertise, prepare public policies on lifelong learning, and develop strategies and action plans to be implemented at continentally, he added.

The creation of this Foundation, pursuant to the High Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, was only possible thanks to the combined efforts of African countries and their active participation, said the Minister, referring to the Alliance of National
Commissions and Learning Cities in Africa, which formed an essential basis for the establishment of the Foundation, in terms of legal status, operating mechanisms and governance structures.

The African Foundation for Lifelong Learning is meant to create an innovative educational environment that responds to local and regional needs, and to promote inclusive learning for all components of society, said the Minister.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Morocco Participates in Arab Conference of Heads of Punitive and Correctional Institutions


Cairo – The 22nd Arab Conference of Heads of Punitive and Correctional Institutions was held in Cairo on May 27-28, with the participation of representatives from the Ministries of the Interior and Justice of several Arab countries.

Morocco is represented during the event, which was attended by representatives of the League of Arab States, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Naif Arab University for Security Sciences and the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of the Interior, by secretary general of the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Rehabilitation, Younes Jabrane.

The conference provided an opportunity to discuss a number of issues relating to alternative sentencing, between legislation and implementation, custodial sentences and their impact on family cohesion, member states’ efforts to integrate prison and correctional facility inmates and their families into the social security system, and their experiences in the field of prison and correctional fac
ility work.

The recommendations issued at the end of the event called on member states to use new technologies to improve the services provided to prison and correctional facility inmates, and to learn from successful Arab experiences.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

2nd Edition of Gitex Africa Kicks Off in Marrakech


Marrakech – The 2nd edition of Gitex Africa Morocco kicked off in Marrakech on Wednesday, with the participation of over 1,500 exhibitors from more than 130 countries.

The opening ceremony of this event, placed under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, was marked by the presence of the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, several members of the Government, and prominent figures from various backgrounds.

Initiated by Kaoun International, the international subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), and supported by the Digital Development Agency under the authority of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, the exhibition is the largest tech and start-up show in Africa, with the participation of world-renowned experts and specialists, as well as political decision-makers.

A global showcase for technology, innovation, and networking, the event is an opportunity for participants to share their knowledge around three main themes: “Building a Unified Digital Africa,” “Connectivit
y,” and “Digital Cities.”

As a unique acceleration platform for startups and innovative SMEs on an international scale, Gitex Africa strives to be a hub for a continent in full effervescence, fostering exchanges on the latest developments in tech in various fields, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, and cybersecurity.

The 2024 edition will also be marked by the organization of the “World Health Future,” an event dedicated to the latest innovations in the healthcare field, with the participation of the most significant international startups specializing in digital health. The aim is to contribute to the development of this sector in Africa.

Like the previous event in 2023, Gitex Africa 2024 once again testifies to the Kingdom’s firm commitment to supporting rapidly evolving technological innovation ecosystems.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Morocco’s Digital Strategy 2030 To Be Launched Soon, Head of Gov’t


Marrakech – The Moroccan Digital Strategy 2030, developed by the government, will be launched in the coming weeks, announced Wednesday in Marrakech, the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch.

“This strategy is the outcome of intense synergy and collaboration between the various stakeholders in the public and private sectors,” said Akhannouch, speaking at the opening of Gitex Africa 2024, adding that the government places the digital transition at the top of its priorities.

The Maroc digital 2030 strategy is based on two major axes: the first focuses on the digitalization of public services, while the second is designed to give new impetus to the digital economy, “to develop Moroccan digital solutions and create added value and jobs,” he explained.

According to Akhannouch, “the main challenge in supporting the implementation of this strategy is to train young talent and skills, both qualitatively and quantitatively.” To achieve this objective, the Kingdom signed an agreement in 2023 to triple the number of gr
aduates in the field of digitalization by 2027, he recalled.

Morocco also signed several agreements with leading multinational companies in the fields of information technology, research, and development in order to accelerate the digital transition and consolidate local human capacities, the Head of Government pointed out.

“The digital transition is not a technological luxury but an essential lever for consolidating cooperation between African countries, insofar as it offers tangible solutions to the challenges facing the continent, promotes sustainable development, and guarantees an environment conducive to strengthening African integration,” he continued.

In this respect, Akhannouch highlighted the far-sighted vision of HM King Mohammed VI to strengthen ties of brotherhood and friendship and exchanges between African countries in a win-win spirit that capitalizes on the continent’s promising potential.

The head of Government pointed out that Gitex Africa is an exceptional platform for discussing ways o
f positioning Africa as a producer and consumer of digital technology.

“Today, the digital transition represents an essential element of cooperation between African countries, contributing, in addition to technological development, to economic, social, and political growth in Africa,” he said.

Trade between African countries, which is often hindered by inadequate infrastructure and complex administrative procedures, will benefit considerably from digitalization, the Head of Government said, adding that e-commerce and online payment platforms can simplify commercial operations, reduce costs, and boost efficiency.

Digitalization, as a driver of innovation, favors the development of new concepts and solutions, such as hackathons and digital start-ups, which stimulate entrepreneurship and job creation, he added.

In light of these changes, fintech plays a crucial role in fostering the integration of African financial markets, Mr. Akhannouch said, noting that online payment and e-banking services are helping to
achieve greater financial integration, including in rural areas.

Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Gitex Africa is attended by over 1,500 exhibitors representing more than 130 countries. The event aims to be a hub for exchanges on the latest technological developments, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, healthcare, and cybersecurity.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Casablanca Stock Exchange Opens Trading in Red


Casablanca – The Casablanca Stock Exchange opened trading in the red on Wednesday, with its main index, the MASI, down 0.24% at 13,341.84 points.

On Tuesday, the MASI had closed the day with a gain of 0.36%.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Morocco Develops Industrial Pollution Prevention and Control Program Worth MAD 19 Bln (Minister)


Rabat – Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Laila Benali, reported on Tuesday the development of a draft program for the prevention and control of industrial pollution for the period 2024-2035, noting that the overall cost of its implementation amounts to 19 billion dirhams.

The program’s financial amount, which is in the process of being approved with the relevant departments, will be mobilized through international partnerships and the contribution of relevant partners in the public and private sectors, said Benali, in her answer to two oral questions at the House of Councillors on waste management in major cities.

The Minister affirmed that her department is working to strengthen all mechanisms for reducing the impact of industrial waste and promoting clean industrial development, noting the signing of an agreement for the implementation of projects for the collection, treatment and recovery of waste from the olive sector at a cost of 185 million dirhams.

With regard to the financ
ial arrangements for industrial pollution control, Benali noted that the Ministry had contributed to the financing of 125 projects to combat liquid, gaseous and solid industrial pollution in the various regions of the Kingdom, for a total budget of around MAD 1 billion, including almost 338 million dirhams in the form of grants.

The Ministry also supported industrial companies by providing financial assistance through the Industrial Pollution Control Fund (FODEP) and the Voluntary Industrial Pollution Control Mechanism (MVDIH) for liquid waste, said the Minister, adding that these two funds have been set up with international partnerships to encourage companies to upgrade their environmental performance, through grants of up to 40% of the total cost as a contribution to the financing of equipment for the treatment or reduction of liquid, solid or gaseous waste.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Morocco Among Best Countries in the World Where French People Can Enjoy Fulfilling Retirement in 2024 (Le Figaro)


Paris – Morocco has been ranked on a short list of twenty-one countries worldwide, drawn up by the daily paper ‘Le Figaro’, where French nationals can enjoy a fulfilling retirement.

The ranking was established by the Parisian paper in its 2024 list of the most popular countries for French seniors to settle in, based on a detailed analysis of 28 criteria including safety, living environment, healthcare system, leisure activities, cost of living, confidence, joie de vivre and attractiveness.

In 2023, Morocco was chosen as one of the most popular destinations for French retirees, ahead of several European countries.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

AfDB Approves pound 84 Mln to Develop Forest Areas in Morocco


Nairobi – The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved financing of 84 million euros (pound M) for a project to support the inclusive and sustainable development of forest areas in Morocco.

The project aims to contribute to strengthening the resilience of the Moroccan economy to climate change, and to improve the water cycle in particular, said an AfDB statement issued on the occasion of its Annual Meetings 2024, the official opening ceremony of which took place on Wednesday in Nairobi.

Targeting some 6.5 million people living in rural areas in the regions of Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, Marrakech-Safi, Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima and Souss-Massa in 4 watersheds and 4 national parks, the project will support the emergence of a rural middle class through sustainable management of natural resources, the inclusive promotion of forestry value chains and the development of forestry and aquaculture entrepreneurship, the same source added.

The operation will benefit cooperatives, interpr
ofessions and small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the forestry and aquaculture sectors in the target regions.

According to the ADB, the project will contribute to achieving the ambitions of the ‘2020-2030 Morocco’s Forests’ strategy through a series of actions, including the integrated management of four national parks, the promotion of biodiversity by reintroducing extinct and/or threatened species of fauna, and the restoration of land affected by erosion through biological treatment.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Morocco’s Port Operator Boosts Turnover by 14% in Q1


Casablanca – Morocco’s port operator Marsa Maroc boosted its turnover by 14% to 1.14 billion dirhams in the first quarter of 2024, driven by increased activity.

Marsa Maroc reported a significant 17% increase in traffic handled during Q1, reaching 14.9 million tonnes, according to the group’s statement on its quarterly results as of March 31, 2024.

Container traffic saw a remarkable 43% increase in the transshipment segment, reaching 425,266 TEUs. However, domestic container traffic experienced a slight 1% decline to 261,915 TEUs, attributed to a decrease in the export of citrus fruits and early vegetables at the Agadir port.

Solid bulk traffic recorded a notable increase of 17%, driven mainly by the growth in grain imports (+486,000 tonnes compared to Q1 2023).

Liquid bulk traffic has increased by 3% due to rising kerosene imports to accommodate the growth in air traffic during Q1 2024.

Moreover, Marsa Maroc Group invested 68 million dirhams during Q1 2024 as part of its investment program in handling e
quipment.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Casablanca Stock Exchange Closes in Negative Territory


Casablanca – The Casablanca Stock Exchange closed trading in negative territory on Wednesday, with the MASI falling 0.2% to 13,347.62 points (pts).

The MASI.20, an index of the 20 most liquid stocks, lost 0.26% to 1,075.67 pts, while the MASI.ESG, an index of companies with the best ESG rating, as published by Moody’s ESG Solutions, fell by 0.12% to 967.69 pts.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

AI Provides Solutions to Address Africa’s Challenges (CGEM Pdt)


Marrakech – Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential of transforming African economies and revolutionizing several vital sectors, by providing solutions that address the specific challenges confronting the African continent, said on Wednesday in Marrakech the president of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), Chakib Alj.

Speaking at the opening of the 2nd edition of Gitex Africa Morocco, Mr. Alj underlined that the promotion of Africa’s technological power is crucial to industrialization, economic growth and the creation of jobs in a continent whose population will double by 2050, adding that this edition of GITEX offers great opportunities for Africa, particularly in the economic and social realms.

He emphasized, in this regard, the advantages of high-tech in promoting socio-economic environment, noting that fintech plays an important role in financial inclusion and access to payment services for a population that is still underbanked, as well as telehealth and mobile health appli
cations, whose adoption can reduce the gap in access and quality of health care services.

In the sector of agriculture, technology offers the best solutions to ensure Africa’s food security, the CGEM president said, adding that the development of this sector requires strong public-private partnerships, an open innovation and better access to markets.

For his part, the Managing Director of the Digital Development Agency (ADD), Mohamed Drissi Melyani, stressed the importance of this international event, noting that it shows the Kingdom’s commitment to further develop digital culture with a view to promoting an integrated and sustainable national economy.

This edition showcases the latest technological innovations in the area of digital transition in a world which is experiencing accelerated changes and highlights the opportunities offered by digital solutions.

Melyani also noted that this flagship event is part of the efforts made by Morocco, under the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, with the
aim of strengthening South-South cooperation in all areas.

Speaking on this occasion, Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, expressed her thanks to Morocco and Africa for “the trust they have placed in us.”

This tech show is the largest in Africa and its dimensions extend beyond the continent through the participation of 130 countries, she noted.

She also underlined the values of trust, commitment, motivation and belief that can ensure a prosperous African future.

The 2nd edition of Gitex Africa Morocco kicked off Wednesday in Marrakech with the participation of over 1,500 exhibitors from more than 130 countries.

The opening ceremony of this event, placed under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, was marked by the presence of the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, several members of the Government, and high-profile figures from various backgrounds.

Initiated by Kaoun International, the international subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), and supported by the Digital Development
Agency under the authority of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, the exhibition is the largest tech and start-up show in Africa.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Morocco, UAE Share Ambition to Promote Knowledge Economy (Digital Dubai DG)


Marrakech – Morocco and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share the same ambition and determination to promote the knowledge economy to meet the aspirations of Arab and African youth, Director General of Digital Dubai Authority, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, said on Wednesday in Marrakech.

Speaking at the opening of the second edition of “Gitex Africa Morocco”, Al Mansoori emphasized that Morocco is driven by a strong will to position itself at the forefront of the world market, thanks to its rich heritage, potential and capacities.

Morocco is constantly determined to consolidate its openness and its interactions with global experiences, he added, noting in this regard that Morocco and the UAE are steadily strengthening their ties of friendship and cooperation.

He added that the digital transformation process in Morocco and the United Arab Emirates has been underway since the early 2000s, noting that today’s world is undergoing major changes and has become a small village, hence the importance of forging ahead in
“the fight for sustainable development that we all share.’

He also called for greater Arab and African cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and the development of modern strategies based on new technologies.

For his part, Lacina Koné, Director General of Smart Africa, said that this flagship high-tech event is of crucial importance in that it brings together African leaders and public and private technology players with the common goal of ensuring the digital transformation of Africa, and thus the prosperity and progress of Africans.

He said that Africa is called upon not only to adopt new technologies, but also to contribute to creating and developing technological innovation ecosystems to support the continent’s socio-economic development.

The 2nd edition of Gitex Africa Morocco kicked off in Marrakech on Wednesday, with the participation of over 1,500 exhibitors from more than 130 countries.

The opening ceremony of this event, placed under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, was mar
ked by the presence of the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, several members of the Government, and prominent figures from various backgrounds.

Initiated by Kaoun International, the international subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), and supported by the Digital Development Agency under the authority of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, the exhibition is the largest tech and start-up show in Africa, with the participation of world-renowned experts and specialists, as well as political decision-makers.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse