UM6P hosted the National Industry Day 2024

The National Industry Day 2024, in its second edition, took place on October 16th at UM6P. The event brought together M. Aziz Akhannouch, Chief of Government of Morocco, along with other government ministers, experts in Moroccan industry, and various key sectors.

Throughout the event, speakers noted that industrial exports have continued to increase, reaching over 377 billion Dirhams this year. Indeed, huge investments in infrastructure and vocational training have enabled the country to build solid industrial ecosystems in each field, particularly in aeronautics and automobiles. Innovation plays an important role with the support of the "Tatwir Research & Development" program. Morocco has targeted attaining 52% renewable energy capacity by 2030, furthering its ambition for a low-carbon future. Tax reforms and easier access to public contracts make small and medium enterprises (SMEs) more competitive, while challenges persist-mainly regarding industrial sovereignty and the promotion of local production by means of the "Made in Morocco" label. More illuminating views came from M.Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry & Trade of the Kingdom of Morocco; M.Chakib Alj, Chairman of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, CGEM; and Ms. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition & Sustainable Development.

Here are some of the pertinent highlights:
•    Growth in exports: The exports of Moroccan industry reached 377 billion dirhams in 2023, helping the country to be stronger in economic terms.
•    Priority for renewable energies: Morocco is working towards the installation of 52% of renewable energy capacity by the year 2030 and is consolidating its position for a clean transition in energy.
•    Encouragement of innovation: Already, the "Tatwir Research and Development" program has financed 108 industrial projects.
•    Tax reform and access to public contracts: The reduction of corporation tax to 20% for SMEs, more access to public contracts, is reinforcing the competitiveness of Moroccan industry.

In this way, Morocco continues to maintain constant growth in industry and can multiply today's achievements 5 or 6 times, especially with the integration of the automotive sector value chain through batteries. Having reached 69% for industrial integration, it provides the country with energy competitiveness at a higher or equal level to that of China.

The aeronautics sector, with sales at 23 billion Dirhams and a rate of integration at 42%, is also booming. Morocco is positioning itself regarding future projects in innovative industries, such as assembling flying vehicles and aircraft. In addition, the fertilizer industry—in which Morocco is a world leader—contributes to global food security under the guidance of OCP group.

One of the most salient pieces of information to come out of this meeting is that a new car is manufactured every single minute in Morocco.
The country continues to head toward a new industrial era, Industry 5.0, anchored in sovereignty, innovation, long-term job creation, and sustainability, in line with the directions laid down by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.