World Bank commends Morocco's progress in social realms

"Morocco has scored tangible progress in poverty non-monetary indicators, but much is yet to be done," says Nicolas Stern, World Bank (WB) expert.

The expert, who follows the social policy implemented by the Moroccan government, told a meeting in Casablanca that the increase of public resources in social realms has helped to tangibly improve rural infrastructure (power, drinking water, roads).

During the 1990's the rate of rural population having access to drinking water went up from 14 to 42 percent. Rural girls schooling also increased from 28 to 47 percent, while maternal mortality in urban centers went down to 125 deaths per 100,000 births from 284, he said.

Stern cited a WB study on Morocco as saying that the decentralization and de-concentration policy currently implemented by Morocco is promising for a greater participation of the local population in decision-making.

The study also noted the amelioration of the business environment, revealing that 3 percent of industrial enterprises believe that the customs and ports services are a brake to export and import. The rate is very low compared to other countries, according to the study.

Despite these efforts, much remains to be done, especially regarding the quality of services, education. The educational sector is unable to train skilled human resources needed on the employment market, WB expert deplored, adding that red tape remains a major obstacle to the generalization of agricultural technological innovation suitable to Morocco's weather conditions.

The WB study, he said, showed that firms use half of their personnel to handle relations with bureaucratic administration.

Stern concluded that Morocco should operate major reforms into its administration for a better use of public resources with a view to decreasing poverty and promote the investments environment.