فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
During the session of the House of Councilors held yesterday, Minister of Economic Integration, Small and Medium Enterprises, Employment, and Skills, Younes Skouri, discussed various points related to employment challenges in Morocco, particularly in rural areas and the agricultural sector.
The minister began by highlighting positive figures from official data, such as those released by the High Commission for Planning and the National Social Security Fund, which show that non-agricultural sectors have seen growth in recent months, with over 300,000 jobs created in the industrial, construction, and services sectors, including traditional industries.
However, the minister acknowledged significant challenges related to job losses in rural areas, especially in agriculture, which loses more than 150,000 jobs annually.
Skouri emphasized that the 2024 Finance Bill marks a departure from previous policies in this area, as it reflects the government’s genuine commitment to collectively addressing unemployment. He explained that the government has established a joint committee involving various concerned sectors to prepare a comprehensive program to combat unemployment, which will be completed in the coming weeks. The government has allocated a budget of 14 billion dirhams for this program, alongside other measures aimed at stimulating productive sectors and boosting economic growth, which is considered the foundation for job creation.
The minister also discussed the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up more than 85% of the country’s economic fabric. He noted that many of these businesses face difficulties due to high labor costs and competitiveness challenges. The government is supporting the National Agency for Employment and Skills with a 1 billion dirham fund to enhance the effectiveness of employment programs in this sector.
Skouri continued to address the unemployment crisis in rural areas, highlighting that many workers in this sector do not receive fixed wages. In this context, he added that the government aims to implement new policies to stimulate the labor market in rural areas, directing support more rationally and setting clear criteria for this assistance.
Regarding vocational training measures, the minister confirmed a focus on increasing support for this sector, particularly for individuals without educational qualifications. He mentioned that the government will rely on professional progression to provide these individuals with real training opportunities within companies. Skouri shared details about the success of the program last year, which benefited more than 35,000 individuals across 130 companies, noting that this experience would be central to future employment programs.
In conclusion, Younes Skouri stressed that reforming the employment system requires the development of Moroccan youth skills, while ensuring their rights to secure decent work. He explained that the government would work to improve working conditions, strengthen collective bargaining between employers and employees, and make improvements to labor legislation.
source : fesnews media
