King Mohammed VI: Shared prosperity, globalization with a human face tributary of skilled labor training in countries of the South
Morocco-Regional, Politics, 6/7/2004

Morocco's King Mohammed VI stressed Sunday that "it would be unrealistic to speak of shared prosperity, solidarity and globalization with a human face" unless "priority is given to training skilled labor in the countries of the South, and unless substantial investments are made to help these countries in their development effort."

In a speech read out in his name by his brother, Prince Moulay Rachid, at the opening here Sunday of the 35th World Congress of the International Trade Chamber (ICC), the sovereign said the holding of this meeting is "a message of hope being sent to all nations which are keen to uphold the values of peace, equality, dignity, tolerance and solidarity."

For king Mohammed VI, "It is up the corporate sector, in particular, to give a human face to globalization, by seeking to foster sustainable co-development, better governance and a global economy based on solidarity. "In doing so, he went on, the corporate sector would confirm, at global level, the role companies play locally as socially responsible entities."

Lauding the progress made in respect of the law in international trade relations, the monarch said "there is still much to be done in the fight against poverty and exclusion, and in the endeavors to promote active, democratic participation of developing countries in decision-making within international financial institutions."

He recalled in this regard that Morocco, which is "strongly committed to the ideals of democracy, human rights, tolerance and peace, was one of the first developing countries to opt for the multi-party system and economic liberalism."

While giving strong impetus to the policy of openness and liberalization, "I have also sought to see that democratic mechanisms for a just distribution of wealth are developed," said the king.

Morocco is forging ahead, "confidently and resolutely, with its plan to shape a "united, modern and democratic nation," greatly encouraged by the increasing number of foreign companies" which, while making productive investments and displaying socially-motivated attitudes, "have assured us of their trust, are standing by us and joining us in the fight against ignorance, social exclusion and poverty," king Mohammed said.

"To achieve our objectives in this respect, we have launched a major reform of the education and training system, with a view to integrating our country in the knowledge and communication economy. It is our strategic weapon in the unflagging struggle we are waging against the scourges of ostracism, hatred and terrorism, wherever they may be."

"Morocco getting ready to reap benefits from the trade arrangements of the coming decade, he said, underlining that "the free trade agreements concluded with the European Union and the United States of America, as well as with our partners south of the Mediterranean, within the framework of the 2001 Agadir Declaration, will start bearing their fruit by 2010."

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