On Saturday, July 25, a significant information and evaluation meeting took place, gathering hundreds of merchants and professionals from various neighborhoods in Rabat at the headquarters of the Moroccan Workers' Union (UMT) in the capital. This gathering, organized by the Provincial Branch of Rabat's Moroccan Union of Merchants and Professionals, was held under the compelling slogan, "The facades of our shops are part of our commercial assets… Let us all unite to protect them and defend local commerce."
During this pivotal meeting, participants engaged in a thorough discussion regarding the challenges and obstacles they face, particularly the repeated campaigns targeting the facades of their shops and the detrimental effects these actions have on their businesses. The attendees expressed their shared determination to confront all campaigns and measures that aim to disrupt their activities, especially those focused on shopfront regulations, which they regard as an integral part of their commercial assets. They called for a definitive resolution to the issue of permits, emphasizing that the Minister of Industry and Commerce has repeatedly affirmed that no authorization is required to engage in commercial activities.
The statement also highlighted the responsibilities of local authorities, as participants voiced their astonishment at the requests made by some representatives of the authority, urging merchants to store gas bottle cages inside their stores. They pointed out that gas distribution is a public service provided by merchants to the citizens, with an exceedingly low profit margin that does not exceed 4%. Merchants expressed their willingness to cease the sale of gas bottles if these conditions persist.
Furthermore, the merchants called upon the Rabat Municipal Council to simplify procedures and develop concrete solutions to regularize the status of storefronts, advertising signs, and public domain occupancy permits. They also urged the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services of Rabat to fully assume its responsibility in defending merchants, appealing to its president and board to advocate for their demands.
The Moroccan Union of Merchants and Professionals reaffirmed its commitment to addressing all the issues raised through serious and responsible dialogue with the concerned parties. In conclusion, the provincial office called upon all merchants and professionals in Rabat to continue their mobilization and to unite around their organization to defend their rights and interests.
As reported by telquel.ma.
