National debate on territory development launched
Morocco, Economics, 1/27/2000

A six-month long national debate on territory planning and development meant to define a new policy in the matter was launched Wednesday.

King Mohammed VI sent to the launching session--chaired by Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi-- a message calling for a new territory development conception to reduce gaps between regions, maintain a balance between economic performance and resources preservation on the one hand and social justice and environment protection on the other.

The king, who renewed determination to consolidate solidarity ties within society, urged the participants in the debate to endeavor for fostering the solidarity spirit between regions and generations.

He also pledged to go ahead with the necessary reforms in all sectors so that the new territory development policy could be geared towards correcting defects of past dysfunction and stressed the necessity to preserve the authenticity of Moroccan architecture.

King Mohammed VI urged the participants in the debate to adopt a new approach based "on citizens' participation and shared responsibility" and where the state will continue to play its role in matters of organization, supervision and regulation.

The king who called for a rational management of strategic resources such as water, soil, forests, coasts and sea wealth, pointed out that this new approach should make of territory development the core of any development strategy and seek to promote poor regions to secure social justice to all areas and all citizens and so that all Moroccan regions be attractive to tourism, industrial, agricultural investments.

The national debate to cover all the regions of the kingdom will involve all partners at the local, regional and national scales and all the components of the civil society and will be crowned by the drafting of a national charter defining the priorities and broadlines of a comprehensive and integrated policy geared towards a lasting and balanced development.

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