King Mohammed VI calls for more support for Moroccan expats

RABAT - Morocco's King Mohammed VI called for the creation of a special mechanism to be tasked with accompanying Moroccan experts and talents abroad and supporting their initiatives and projects, insisting on the need to create a lasting structural connection with these talents, including Moroccan Jews.

In a speech addressed to the Nation on Saturday evening on the occasion of the 69th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, the Sovereign stressed that this mechanism "will make it possible to identify expatriate Moroccans with competencies, to stay in touch with them on a continuous basis, and to inform them of their country's potential, including the current development and investment dynamic."

In this regard, the King called once again on Moroccan youths and on project holders residing abroad to make the most of the numerous investment opportunities in Morocco, as well as the incentives and guarantees offered by the new investment charter.

"For their part, public institutions and the national finance and corporate sector are invited to open up to investors from the expatriate community, and to adopt, to this end, effective mechanisms to sponsor, accompany and partner with Moroccans residing abroad," the Sovereign said.

 the King also noted that "given the aspirations of the Moroccan community abroad, the time has come to modernize and upgrade the institutional framework governing these cherished citizens."

Recalling the special attention given to the involvement of the Moroccan community in the country's development, the Sovereign pointed out that Morocco needs "all its sons and daughters today. It needs all the skills and expertise of the Moroccan community abroad, either to reside and work in Morocco, or to engage in different partnerships, from the country of residence."

"The Moroccan community abroad is known for its members' excellent skills and proficiency in various scientific, economic, political, cultural, sport and other sectors. This is, indeed, a source of pride for Morocco and all Moroccans," the King underlined.

It is a fact that the state is making significant efforts to receive Moroccans living abroad in the best conditions. However, that is not enough, the Sovereign observed.

"Regrettably, many members of our expatriate community are still facing a number of hurdles and difficulties with regard to administrative matters or the launch of their projects. These issues must be addressed," the King pointed out, adding that "the time has come to make sure the Moroccan community abroad gets the accompaniment it needs, to create the right conditions and to provide the means for our fellow citizens abroad to give their best and thus contribute to their country's development."

Recalling that Morocco has an expatriate community of about five million people, in addition to hundreds of thousands of Moroccan Jews around the world, the Sovereign noted that "Moroccans abroad are quite special in that they are deeply attached to the homeland and strongly committed to the nation's immutable values. They are also keen to serve their country's best interests, notwithstanding the problems and hardships they are facing."

The King took this opportunity to "salute and commend the members of the Moroccan expatriate community, who spare no effort to defend our territorial integrity on various platforms and in different venues."