CGEM Business Council Meeting: Strengthening ties and investment opportunities

The General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) held on Wednesday October 2, in its premises in Casablanca, a meeting bringing together the presidents of its business councils, in the presence of Mr. Chakib ALJ, president of the CGEM, and Mr. . Mohcine Jazouli, Minister Delegate for Investment.

This event, organized by the International Commission, chaired by Ms. Ghita Lahlou and Mr. Anas Guennoun, and the Africa Commission, led by Mr. Abdou Diop and Mr. Ali Zerouali, aims to strengthen the effectiveness of the business councils of the CGEM. It is part of a strategic reflection process on global geopolitical issues and their impact on the competitiveness of Moroccan companies, while exploring ways to convert current challenges into opportunities.

On this occasion, Chakib Alj reaffirmed the importance of business councils as vectors of Moroccan economic diplomacy, calling them “ambassadors of the private sector”. With partnerships in 65 countries, these councils create bridges between Moroccan and international companies, promoting the attractiveness of Morocco and the internationalization of its companies. Mr. Alj highlighted global challenges and opportunities, particularly in the areas of energy, climate and supply chains, recalling Morocco’s role as a strategic hub, particularly for Africa and renewable energies.

For his part, Mr. Jazouli declared that, “in a world where geopolitical rivalries are exacerbating and where industrial value chains are reorganizing, Morocco confirms day after day its positioning as a “connector country” and a “connector country”. safe place” and this, thanks to the reforms and strategies deployed under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God help him.” He also insisted on the crucial role of business councils in promoting this new Morocco to investors and international business partners.

During this meeting, Mr. Tawfik Hammoud, Chief Client Officer and Chairman of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), of Moroccan origin and based in New York, also shared his analysis on the positioning of the Moroccan economy in the face of developments. constants of the global context.

During his speech, he highlighted the major changes that have occurred in the world over the past 1000 days. He described an “era of readjustment” where geopolitical, economic and climate certainties are collapsing, requiring new adaptation strategies.

Mr. Hammoud mentioned three main areas: the strengthened sovereignty of States in an unstable world, the growing importance of artificial intelligence for competitiveness, and the challenges linked to climate, energy and demographics. It invites companies and countries, like Morocco, to rethink their positioning in the face of these challenges, relying on sovereignty, partnerships and innovation.

And added: “I believe that Morocco, as well as a few other countries, are extremely well placed to take advantage of this global context and accelerate their trajectory.”

At the same time, he highlighted global geopolitical tensions, notably the decoupling between the United States and China, as well as the acceleration of the integration of renewable energies. Finally, Mr. Hammoud highlighted the crucial role of women and Africa’s demographic potential in redefining the global economy.

This event was an opportunity to address the international issues of the CGEM and the role of Business Councils in attracting and sustaining investments, as well as in the internationalization of Moroccan companies. Ms. Ghita Lahlou and Mr. Abdou Diop presented their views on these issues.

Mr. Diop underlined the importance of the role of business leaders in promoting Morocco internationally, in addition to government actions. He insisted on the added value of the testimonies of Moroccan investors who succeed abroad, particularly in Africa. According to him, the CGEM plays a key role in facilitating international partnerships and promoting Moroccan businesses. He also emphasized economic diplomacy, which helps strengthen ties with African countries and explore co-development opportunities.

Ghita Lahlou, for her part, expressed her desire to revitalize business councils by making them more integrated and efficient. She insisted on the need to improve interactions between these councils and internal commissions, as well as with public and international institutions. She also pleaded for more targeted tools to attract foreign investors, by adapting the Moroccan offer to the specific needs of partners, citing as an example the recent initiatives with Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Invited on this occasion, Mohamed El Kettani, CEO of the Attijariwafa bank group and president of the Morocco-France business leaders club, underlined the importance of international cooperation to strengthen Morocco’s position as an investment hub, particularly in Africa. He insisted on the decisive role of business councils in promoting the country and attracting investments, while facilitating the internationalization of Moroccan companies.

Mr. El Kettani explained that the club, created twenty years ago, aims to improve collaboration between Moroccan and French economic operators through a strategic orientation committee and sectoral working groups. He highlighted priority areas such as sustainable development, agro-industry, information technology and health, emphasizing the need for joint governance and strong synergy between business councils. and sectoral federations.

He also addressed the need for a strategic tool to promote Moroccan investments in Africa, in particular through the creation of a guarantee system against political risk. Mr. El Kettani concluded by saying that Morocco must continue to strengthen its credibility as an investment destination, which could attract multinationals and create opportunities for local businesses.

Business Consulting Perspectives

During the panel of Presidents of business councils, Mr. Khalid Benjelloun (Morocco-Saudi Arabia Business Council), Mr. Mehdi Laraki (Morocco-China Business Council), Mr. Rafik Lahlou (Morocco Business Council -Canada) and Mr. Abdelaziz Taarji (Morocco-Mauritania Business Council) shared their experiences, their action plans and their future ambitions.

Khalid Benjelloun, underlined the importance of the relations established with the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce. He mentioned the economic missions organized, like the one in January in Riyadh, which promoted trade and opened investment opportunities for Moroccan companies in a promising Saudi market, despite low current investment.

For his part, Mr. Laraki shared his experience during the forum of Chinese and African entrepreneurs, indicating that the late organization posed challenges, but also allowed fruitful meetings with Chinese investors interested in Morocco.

Rafik Lahlou explained how he revitalized this council by identifying key players and collaborating with Moroccans living in Canada. He noted that, although Morocco is often perceived as a tourist destination, the efforts made have made it possible to modify this image and encourage Moroccan investments in various sectors in Canada.

Mr. Taeriji, President of the Morocco-Mauritania Business Council, concluded by highlighting the success of a recent mission to Mauritania, where the council identified local needs and engaged in discussions with ministers to develop key sectors such as agriculture and renewable energy.

Asma Loudni