The OECD and the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco signed today a Memorandum of Understanding to renew the Country Programme, for a period of three years, to support Morocco's reform agenda.
OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría and Mr. Saad Dine El Otmani, Head of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, signed the MoU in Paris on 25 June, 2019. Following the implementation of the first phase of the Country Programme, this signature is an important step towards the reinforcement of the collaboration between Morocco and the OECD. So far, the Programme has demonstrated its relevance and effectiveness in supporting the implementation of key reforms, including the enforcement of critical elements of the Constitution of Morocco; strengthening the articulation and coherence of public policies; encouraging a participatory and open government approach; supporting evidence-based policies; and reinforcing a culture of evaluation and monitoring.
"The Memorandum of Understanding we have signed lays the groundwork for an even more ambitious agenda of collaboration between Morocco and the OECD," said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría at the signing ceremony in Paris. "It will enable Morocco to intensify the implementation of recommendations of the first Country Programme and also address other important challenges, such as the fight against corruption, the promotion of investments and the undertaking of structural reforms that can boost inclusive and sustainable growth."
"The Country Programme has allowed Morocco to get closer to standards and good practices promoted by the OECD in different areas such as public governance, economic competitiveness and social inclusion," said Mr. Saad Dine El Otmani, Head of Government, Morocco. "It has therefore both served as a challenge and a catalyst for decision-makers to improve the design and implementation of public policies. Beyond this programme, Morocco aims to further deepen this fruitful relationship of co-operation by strengthening its presence in various OECD bodies, and aligning with the best practices developed by the Organisation."
The Country Programme is an innovative OECD tool that enables some partner economies to leverage OECD expertise and best practices, strengthen institutions, and build capacity for successful policy reforms. Morocco is one of four partner economies along with Kazakhstan, Peru and Thailand, which have been selected for this bilateral work programme covering multiple areas, including -but not limited to- investment, public governance, education and territorial development.
The Country Programme for Morocco comprises 15 projects and policy reviews, possible adherence to 20 OECD legal instruments and reinforced participation in six OECD bodies. It builds on four main pillars:
- Public governance, integrity and the fight against corruption
- Economic growth, investment and taxation
- Human capital, including education and gender equality
- Territorial development
During the ceremony, Mr. Mohamed Benchaaboun, Minister of Economy and Finance of Morocco, signed the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting. Signed by 89 jurisdictions, the Convention is the world's leading instrument for updating bilateral tax treaties to reduce opportunities for tax avoidance by multinational enterprises. In March 2019, Morocco joined the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting.
