In a recent high-level conference held in Rabat, Morocco, Ali Sadiqi, the Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), emphasized the rapidly evolving expectations of investors and trade partners. During his opening remarks, Sadiqi highlighted that transparency in practices, traceability, and compliance with international standards have increasingly become crucial factors in investment decisions and market entry conditions. Consequently, responsible behavior has transformed into a tangible competitive challenge that businesses must address to thrive in the current economic landscape.
Attracting Quality Investment
Sadiqi linked this progressive approach to Morocco's strategic ambitions, recalling the royal speech delivered to Parliament on October 9, which reaffirmed the nation’s goal of becoming a reliable and emerging economic power. He pointed out that while attracting foreign investment remains a primary objective, the quality of this investment is equally significant. This quality is measured by its contribution to job creation, added value, skill development, and integration into national industrial systems. The national contact point, which AMDIE leads and coordinates, is dedicated to disseminating the guidelines of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), facilitating dialogue with stakeholders, and supporting companies in this endeavor.
In addition, Sadiqi noted that the fiftieth anniversary of these principles, coinciding with Morocco's fifteen years of commitment to them, serves as an important juncture for assessment and planning future steps.
OECD Insights: Market Conditions and Challenges
Alan Jorgensen, Director of the OECD's Responsible Business Conduct Centre, underscored the impact of the regional program for the Middle East and North Africa, which is led by Morocco with support from Germany and Switzerland. This initiative has reached thousands of stakeholders and hundreds of decision-makers. Referring to the OECD's recent report published in June, Jorgensen revealed that 69% of major companies, representing 95% of the global market value, have made clear commitments to responsible conduct. Furthermore, 84% of member countries have enacted legislation mandating due diligence and transparency in supply chains.
On a Moroccan scale, Jorgensen reminded attendees that four out of six agreements Morocco has signed since 2020 include provisions related to responsible business practices, the most notable being the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. He cautioned that the difficulties in implementation could deprive lagging companies of sustainable market opportunities. Jorgensen also pointed out that there are significant opportunities tied to international standards in sectors such as automotive, aviation, manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energies, and critical raw material supply chains.
During the event, Tarek Hattab, a representative from the National Agency for Strategic Management of State Contributions, emphasized that responsible behavior has transitioned over the past fifteen years from mere declarations and intentions to contractual conditions imposed by international markets, donors, and investors. He stressed the necessity of providing tangible evidence of compliance with standards at every stage of production and supply chains. In a global context characterized by geopolitical tensions and rising protectionist tendencies, Hattab presented Morocco as a trustworthy partner that honors its commitments.
Hattab further argued that responsible behavior is no longer merely a cost of market entry; instead, it has become a criterion that influences the selection of partners as global value chains are reshaped. He justified the centrality of public institutions and enterprises in this initiative for two main reasons: first, they provide direct services to citizens, managing essential utilities such as water, electricity, transport, and infrastructure, where responsible behavior is reflected in service quality, fair pricing, project safety, and procurement transparency. Secondly, these institutions are significant players in public demand, being the largest buyers in the national economy and dealing with thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises, making their standards a national benchmark.
Hattab concluded by sharing that the state's contribution policy has adopted an environmental, social, and institutional charter that aligns with OECD principles.
As a symbolic occasion, this conference spans two days, October 20 and 21, 2026, aligning with the fifteenth anniversary of Morocco's national contact point and the fiftieth anniversary of the OECD guidelines. During the event, five memoranda of understanding were signed between the agency and various partners, including the National Integrity Authority, the National Agency for Strategic Management of State Contributions, the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, the Moroccan Textile and Clothing Industry Association, and the National Federation of Food Industries.
As reported by hespress.com.
