Global Arab Network | Morocco celebrates the eleventh anniversary of Throne Day

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Morocco celebrates the eleventh anniversary of Throne Day

- George Haddad

Saturday, 31 July 2010 12:15

Morocco (Tetouan) – On the occasion of the eleventh anniversary of Throne Day, HM King Mohammed VI of Morocco addressed a speech to the nation on the progress achieved, the obstacles encountered and the challenges to be addressed in Moroccan approach.

An extract of the speech is as follows:

I have decided to devote this year’s State of the Nation Address to making an objective assessment of the progress achieved, the obstacles encountered and the challenges to be addressed before we can finalize a model of development and democracy that we want to be specifically Moroccan.

This model, which is aimed at achieving harmonious development, is based on steady economic growth that stimulates social solidarity and promotes the kind of sustainable development that takes into account the requirements of environmental conservation and goes by the principles of good governance.

Thus, ever since I assumed leadership of the nation, I have sought to introduce fundamental changes in the development process. Our options, which are based on four main guidelines, have turned out to be relevant and effective.

First, we should make sure the state, under my supervision, plays its strategic role in determining the nation’s basic options, implementing major projects, boosting, organizing and encouraging free enterprise and wisely-managed liberalization.

Secondly, we need to consolidate the nation’s democratic system of governance. In this respect, I have sought to strengthen the rule of law, introduce thorough legislative and institutional reforms, as well as review legislation related to human rights protection. I have also endeavored to expand the scope of freedoms and encourage effective political practices by ensuring the citizens’ active participation in public life and close cooperation with the decision-makers.

Although these are important achievements, they will remain nominal unless steps are taken swiftly to protect our citizens’ economic, social and cultural rights, and unless solidarity is enhanced within the framework of our public policies.

This brings us to the third point, namely the pressing need to place the citizen at the heart of the development process. This is why I launched the National Initiative for Human Development, which has enabled us over the past five years to achieve tangible results in the fight against poverty, social exclusion and marginalization. These accomplishments warrant further actions to develop the Initiative’s programs. These include ensuring follow-up on the ground, taking stock of the achievements and reaching out to all impoverished regions and needy segments of our population.

Under the fourth guideline, our economy should be provided with the necessary ingredients for take-off and development, mainly in terms of infrastructure and planning. This has started to bear fruit with respect to strategy, and in the sectoral and social fields.

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.

We remain steadfast in our determination to pursue major infrastructure projects in all parts of the Kingdom, building on the progress achieved with respect to the expansion of transport and communications networks. We also plan to press ahead with the creation of free zones, integrated industrial hubs and major port facilities, particularly the “Tanger-Med” complex, which, in a short period of time, has become a strategic industrial, commercial and investment hub, trusted by our partners.

At the sector level, I urge the government, parliament and all the stakeholders concerned to strive doubly hard for the full implementation of the various development strategies that have been adopted.

With respect to agriculture, I thank Almighty God for the beneficial rainfall He has blessed us with this year, and to which we owe a good harvest. I also wish to reaffirm the special importance I attach to the development of rural areas, as well as my commitment to see that Morocco’s Green Plan is implemented as part of my vision for environmental conservation and inter-regional solidarity. This policy seeks to develop oases, by expanding palm groves and preserving forests and vegetation, especially the argan tree, which is a unique asset to Morocco and its ecosystem.

As for the fishing industry, and according to our future-oriented vision for its development, investing in fish farming should become the pillar of the Halieutis Plan and serve as an additional instrument for modern, rational exploitation of our fish stocks.

With regard to tourism, a quantum leap has been achieved in connection with Vision 2010. The increase in the number of tourists visiting Morocco, which now stands at more than nine million, should result in rallying large-scale support for the objectives set out in the 2020 Vision.

With the same entrepreneurial spirit, we have to move forward with the “Plan Emergence” and secure more active involvement in new, internationally-oriented industries and trades, while facilitating business start-up procedures, especially for SMEs.

In the area of housing, the state has provided major incentives which should prompt support from all actors. Similarly, the government authorities concerned must enforce the law vigorously and focus on achieving the objectives I eagerly look forward to, namely to enable low-income populations and slum dwellers to gain access to decent, low-cost housing, through well-defined home ownership schemes.

However, the ultimate goal we seek to achieve through major development projects is not simply to stimulate investment and free enterprise, but rather to improve the living conditions of our citizens - especially impoverished populations - and create jobs for our young people.

Full speech can be found at Maghreb arabe presse (MAP)

Global Arab Network

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