Karim Zidane, minister in charge of Investment, has reason to be pleased. It took him only two consecutive days to successfully secure approval from the finance committees of both parliamentary chambers for the draft decree-law concerning the reform of Regional Investment Centers (CRIs) and the creation of Unified Regional Investment Commissions (CRUIs).
According to the minister, the primary goal of this legislation is to ensure the effective implementation of a dedicated support system for very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), using a territorial approach aligned with the spirit of advanced regionalization. This will be achieved by strengthening the roles of both CRIs and CRUIs, while also ensuring effective institutional coordination and appropriate regional governance for the system. The move is in line with Article 81 of the Constitution, which authorizes the government between parliamentary sessions and with the consent of the relevant committees from both chambers to enact decree-laws.
However, the timing of this decree-law’s introduction has drawn criticism from opposition parliamentary groups. They argue that there is no urgency, especially since the ordinary session of Parliament is due to start in less than three weeks. The USFP (Socialist Union of Popular Forces) considers the use of a decree-law in this context to be inappropriate and has called for a process that would allow the submission of amendments. The PJD (Justice and Development Party) parliamentary group went further, describing the move as a misuse of an exceptional legislative tool, typically reserved for urgent matters. They even accused the government of inconsistency, pointing out that the law on CRI reform had already been passed the previous year and questioning why this measure wasn’t included in that legislation. It is worth noting that the majority in the House of Councillors had proposed an amendment incorporating the content of this decree-law, but it was rejected by the former Minister of Investment.
Implementing Decree Expected in the Coming Weeks
SMEs and Very Small Enterprises are now awaiting the adoption of the implementing decree related to this support system. Despite being outlined in the new investment charter, the mechanism to support SMEs has yet to become operational. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch had pledged that the implementing decree would be adopted by the end of 2024. According to Karim Zidane, the text is in its final phase and is expected to be delivered to Parliament in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the minister has reiterated his awareness of the strategic role that SMEs play in the Moroccan economy, describing them as the backbone of the national economic fabric. The SME support system is one of the most significant government initiatives, targeting the largest segment of Moroccan enterprises and accounting for their diverse needs and the many challenges they face. To ensure its success, the government adopted a participatory approach that involves all stakeholders—public, private, and financial sectors—to develop a compelling and effective incentive package. This support offering is strategically designed with a regional outlook, focusing on high-value and job-generating sectors. It also emphasizes sound governance to guarantee the system’s effective implementation, the ministry noted.
Mohamed CHAOUI
