Q: Please state the significance of the anniversary of the accession to the throne of H.M. King Mohamed VI.
A: On July 30th of each year, the Moroccan people celebrate the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who acceded on that day to the throne of his forefather of the Sherifian Alawite Dynasty. The Throne Day which was celebrated for the first time in 1934 to principally challenge the protecting power ruling Morocco at the time represents the main non-religious festival for the Moroccan people. Historically, this day has served as a renewal for the bonds of allegiance between the King and his people. The bonds of allegiance, though common in Islam, have taken a specific nature in Morocco, since the advent of the Alawite Dynasty 337 years ago. Indeed, they symbolize the personal attachment of the Moroccan people to their Sovereign and to a monarchy that united all fringes and components of the Moroccan society over centuries and therefore, safeguarded the country from foreign threats and colonial greed.
Q: What is your opinion regarding mutually beneficial IT cooperation possibilities between the two countries which could be explored in the coming years
A: The cooperation in ICT between Morocco and Korea has now reached an advanced stage. In fact, several meetings are held between the two parties on an annual basis. Many Moroccan government executives sojourn in Korea to take part in IT training. Other conferences and consultations are organized between the private sectors of both sides and aim at exchanging views on setting a mutually beneficial partnership in IT sector. A genuine partnership has also been established between universities in Morocco and in Korea. The future of Morocco-Korea cooperation in the IT sector is very promising given the fact that Korea is well advanced in information technology industry and Morocco is witnessing a very important market expansion, henceforth offering significant opportunities for Korean investors.
Q: How is the state of the IT spearheading standing for Morocco in the African region
A: The IT sector has registered a high growth profit over the last few years. It constitutes a genuine pool for the creation of wealth, employment and growth. The turnover of the ICT has increased twofold in the last five years: from 14 billion DH (US$470 million) in 2000 to 26 billion DH (US$3 billion) in 2004. The IT in Morocco is characterized by an emerging and strong off shoring sector and by a strong position in certain niche markets such as e-payment and smart cards. The progress achieved in Morocco has enabled many Moroccan companies to extend their reach and partnership to the entire region of west and central Africa in particular.
Q: Please touch upon the Moroccan government's IT industry policy.
A: The Moroccan IT industrial policy is based on a concerted and voluntary strategy aiming at developing a national, competitive and high performance IT industry sector. The objective pursued is to achieve a total turnover for all ICT sectors in 2012 of nearly 80 billion DH (US$9.5 billion), representing 10% of the GDP. This strategy, developed in close cooperation with all sector stakeholders, has been formalized by the signing of a Progress Contract between the government and the private sector. As far as the telecommunications sector is concerned, the goal set is to achieve a turnover of 38 billion DH (US$4.47 billion) in 2012. In offshoring, the target is to attain 15 billion DH (US$1.76 billion) in GDP and 18 billion DH (US$2.12 billion) in exports and create over 90,000 new jobs. For the rest of the ICT national industry, the government efforts intend to achieve in 2012 a turnover of 20.9 billion DH (US$2.46 billion), 1.8 billion DH (US$212 million) in exports and create 33,000 new jobs.
Q: Please speak about IT investment possibilities in Morocco for Korean IT investors.
As outlined in general terms above, Morocco offers considerable opportunities for investment to the Korean companies in the IT field. Moroccan legislation grants substantial incentives to businessmen willing to establish their business in Morocco. The Moroccan Ministry of General and Economic Affairs and its Directorate of investment is the department in charge of the supervision of investment activities in Morocco. Regional centers for investment have been established in various cities in the country to issue authorizations and to assist foreign and local investors.
Q: Please touch upon the commercial possibilities in Morocco of IT technology and products such as DMB and WiBro or other IT technologies that could be applied to the citizens of Morocco.
Korean companies have established their commercial offices in Morocco long time ago and it is very easy to see that Korean IT products are available in the Moroccan marketplace. That is to say that Korean technology is already applied in Morocco. For other new generation items like DMB and WiBro, Morocco is on an adaptability stage right now and what is needed is only investment in new IT infrastructure that can support the introduction of the new products. I think that this is an easy task given the sizable market capital that Morocco offers in this respect.
Q: Please predict Morocco's role in the regional community today.
A: With its strategic location, rich history and a clear vision for democracy and modernization, Morocco is destined to play an important role in the consolidation of peace and advancement of economic and social progress throughout the immediate region and beyond. Morocco has strong ties with the European Union, the Arab world and the African continent. Moreover and despite the geographic remoteness, Morocco has set up strong relationships with the American and Asian continents. With Europe, Morocco has gained an advanced status since it is bound by an Association agreement which makes it a privileged partner of the European Union. Morocco is also a strong ally of Europe when it comes to combating various blights that endanger today's world such as terrorism and immigration. With the Arab world, Morocco also has strong political and economic ties. It has always been a strong advocate of the Palestinian people and their right to establish their state with Jerusalem as its capital. Morocco has also called for the establishment of a strong Maghreb Union, an entity in need of adjustment to the globalized world of today. In the African arena, Morocco also plays a significant role given the fact that it has always shown its solidarity with the nations hit by political instability, hunger and disease. Through the technical experience it has gathered in many fields over the years, Morocco contributes actively to the development of the African continent, thanks to its own efforts and to the collaboration it has received from many third countries and international institutions.
Q: Please introduce prominent IT exhibition or convention in Morocco so that Korean participants can explore new business opportunities.
A:The important cities in Morocco annually hold many exhibitions. Some of these exhibitions are dedicated to or include the IT sector. The Casablanca Fair and Exhibition Office is an efficient organization that holds several fairs and exhibitions. The program of these events can be found by logging on www.ofec.co.ma. The website of the Ministry of General and Economic Affairs contains also information on the IT fairs and exhibitions held in Morocco and all international conferences and Fora hosted by Morocco. The website is to be consulted at www.affaires-generales.gov.ma.
