assignment on international business environment

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International Business Environment Assignment R

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Developing Country Studies

Yisau Abiodun Babalola

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Michael Porter's “diamond” framework has as its focus a set of home country national determinants of international competitiveness. For applications to international business this presents analytical difficulties because Dunning's eclectic theory of the multinational enterprise demonstrates that it is the interaction between national and international determinants that leads to the competitive success of global industries. This article suggests a method of extending Porter's framework to incorporate the modern theory of the multinational enterprise; in particular, a variant of SWOT analysis is used to operationalize the Porter diamond. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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The objective of any business organization is profit and sustainability. To attain this objective majority of business organizations follow a strategy to identify and encash all possible opportunities which include low-cost, product differentiation, high-tech products & services, international expansion, continuous value addition to products & services, and so on. As a result, many business organizations started in a given country, expanded their business to almost entire world and became global players. Such expansion strategy transformed them into multinational business firms having a number of subsidiaries or branches and through their huge structure, market share, and capability, and hence they became a prominent player in their industry/industry sector. Some of such firms further expanded their business to different industry and industry sectors and also started to use many business models to reach and cover the entire world. In this paper, we have discussed various business analysing frameworks used to analyse the business system and strategy used by many international firms and the environmental factors affecting their business. We have used ABCD listing methodology to identify the advantages, benefits, constraints, and disadvantages of these identified frameworks to analyse international business strategies and environmental analysis frameworks. Both criticism and suggestions on available framework usage are also given.

Gomatesh M Ravanavar , Poornima Charantimath

Abstract: SWOT (acronym for ‘Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats) is an instrument for analysis and evaluating various aspects of the functioning of an organisation. It is a tool that not only generates the data regarding the internal functioning of an organisation but also helps to outline the future course of action for its growth and development. While ‘Strengths’ and ‘Weaknesses’ will help to realise the data on internal functioning, analysis of ‘Opportunities’ and ‘Threats’ depicts the external factors that impinge upon its present day working. SWOT can also influence the decisions on the future prospects and plan of action of an organisation. Thus while it evaluates existing situation in an organisation, it is also futuristic. It shows the road that an organisation can take and the difficulties and problems it is likely to face in its march towards growth and development. Thus this is a tool many organisations use for strategic planning as well. The present paper describes the different steps to carryout SWOT analysis of an educational institution with a case study of a rural engineering college. The paper puts forward major recommendations in the form of strategic actions for bringing about significant quality improvements for making an engineering college more efficient, effective and responsive. Keywords: Strategic Planning, SWOT Analysis.

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In this paper, we first introduce the SWOT analysis method and of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and then, provide some charts in this regard. After that, way of connect with other Strategic SWOT method, Such as the balanced scorecard BSC and QFD quality. Also briefly, will introduce SWOT analysis method that helps us to be able to run at the same time in few companies. Finally, by providing examples of SWOT application in organizations and countries, will end our task.

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This requires an organization to be able to compete by always paying attention to the user's condition. Development strategy is one way to find out competitiveness in each of its power lines. To deal with user competition, especially in the face of global users, an organization must be able to establish a method as the basic foundation for the formulation of development strategies by increasing the value of competitiveness for its output or services. This strategy needs to be involved using the SWOT method as the main method to increase output, internal and external factors become the initial steps to carry out strategies to optimize business to achieve success. The use of an effective SWOT analysis can play an important role in determining the development strategy, in order to know the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by the company in maintaining the survival and continuity of the organization. The problem that the answer in this research is looking for i...

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The anteroom of this chapter begins with an analysis, which is carried out in three stages. As a result of this analysis, 2610 indicators were obtained from 30 institutions or bodies and 496 from different sources, including the 44 Competitiveness Agendas (CAs) of the priority tourist destinations (PTD) and the 83 Competitive Agendas of the Magical Towns (MV) . The representation of these indicators is structured in a matrix where each one of the indicators is grouped in the new components denominated like this, by the Secretary of Tourism (Sectur). The matrix presents a classification with a hierarchical depth of component, subcomponent, factor, subfactor and indicator. This classification is due to the nature of the indicator and the sources that feed it. In principle, it is composed of eight components and the project team 242853 proposes the ninth called Environment. In this chapter the matrix of the 2610 indicators is taken up to make a reduction, through an affinity analysis or correspondence of SWOT of the AC of tourist destinations and magical towns and 2610 indicators. This allows us to construct the elements for the SWOT analysis, which are related to the matrix of indicators. The result of this analysis reveals a reduction of 65% of indicators, that is 906 indicators, which allow observing the level of development, competitiveness and sustainability of priority tourist destinations and magical towns. It is important to mention that these indicators are available in priority tourist destinations, only in Magical Towns or both.

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5 International Business Examples to Learn From

Conference table with a map of the world illustrating global business

29 Jun 2021

Despite the rise in geopolitical conflicts and concerns around global health in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic , international business continues to thrive. According to a Profile Tree report , about 70 percent of international trade involves global value chains—meaning different stages of production are located across different countries.

“There has never in the history of the world been a more exciting time to be conducting business across international borders,” says Harvard Business School Professor Forest Reinhardt in the course Global Business . “The opportunities are enormous—to make money, to learn more about the world, and to make the world a better place.”

If you’re interested in entering this exciting sector, here’s an overview of what international business is and what factors can help make your company successful.

Access your free e-book today.

What Is International Business?

The term international business refers to any business that operates across international borders. At its most basic, it includes the sale of goods and services between countries.

Yet, other forms of international business do exist. For example, a business that produces components or products overseas but sells them domestically can be considered an international business, as can an organization that outsources services, such as customer service, to locations where labor expenses are cheaper.

For most organizations, decisions around building, producing, and selling products or services are informed by many factors.

Cost is an important one because businesses that primarily operate in developed markets, like the United States and Europe, can often source cheaper labor abroad.

Other factors play a role in decision-making, too. For example, an organization that makes a conscious effort to become more sustainable may produce its product as close as possible to the end user to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation, even if it might result in higher labor costs. Likewise, a business may take pride in sourcing local labor to create jobs and support the economy.

What Makes a Successful International Business?

Although international business can benefit the global economy, it also carries inherent risks. The fact that each country has its own government, regulations, inflation rates, and currency can complicate business models and must be weighed against the perceived benefits of operating internationally.

Some of the most common challenges of international businesses include language and cultural barriers, currency exchange rates, and foreign politics and policies.

“Although international business is extremely exciting, it can also be risky,” Reinhardt says in Global Business. “And it pays us to understand how to manage these risks.”

To be successful, international businesses must be resilient, adaptable, communicative, and resourceful. They need to have a deep understanding of international economics to anticipate how global markets will affect their bottom line and international marketing to effectively communicate their organization’s value to diverse audiences.

Are you interested in working with an international organization? Do you have plans and aspirations to take your business international?

Here are five well-known international businesses that have successfully—and not so successfully—navigated the global market.

Examples of International Businesses

Apple Inc., founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in the 1970s, is now considered one of the most influential international companies. Headquartered in the United States, Apple designs, develops, and sells electronics, software, streaming, and online services worldwide.

Apple opened its first international location in Tokyo, Japan, in 2003 after saturating the American market. Under Jobs, Apple touted ease-of-use, innovative design, and customer loyalty with the marketing slogan, “ Think Different ,” and it continues to use visionary strategic marketing and a tight ecosystem to overcome competition and attract creative audiences around the globe.

Apple not only sells products internationally but has supply chains from 43 countries that ship supplies to China for final production and assembly. By keeping a tight-knit and strong relationship with suppliers, strategic inventory, and a focus on sustainability, Apple stands as one of the world’s most successful companies.

2. Financial Times

The Financial Times is a formerly British daily newspaper that’s now owned by the Japanese holding company Nikkei. The Financial Times’ mission is to deliver unbiased, informed investment and economic information to empower individuals and companies to make secure investment decisions.

The Financial Times had a rocky start trying to break into the international market. Andrew Gilchrist, former managing director of the Financial Times , describes his experience at the publication in the online course Global Business .

During his tenure, the Financial Times prioritized entering the international market in India. Despite a large English-speaking population and strong government support, domestic journalism was considered culturally and legally suspect. In fact, the Financial Times was eventually tied up in legal knots because the local newspaper barons were able to challenge every move through the courts.

Global Business | Thrive in today's interconnected, global economy | Learn More

Eventually, the Financial Times’ attempt to go international in India led to an economic slowdown and sluggish company growth.

3. McDonald’s

Two brothers, Maurice and Richard McDonald, converted their drive-through barbecue restaurant in San Bernardino, California, into a burger and milkshake restaurant—now known as McDonald’s—in 1948.

The McDonald brothers focused on creating a better business system geared toward self-service and efficient and repeatable processes that relied on heating lamps instead of waiters. This model, known as “ Speedee ,” led to lower costs, cheaper products, and faster growth. It became the epitome of “fast food.”

Soon after, Ray Croc took McDonald’s a step further by bringing in franchisees and suppliers, leading to the creation of restaurants across the United States. McDonald’s model continued to expand, and, in 1967, the company opened locations in Canada and Puerto Rico .

McDonald’s has been internationally successful, thanks in large part to the consistency its business model allows. The fact that a Big Mac tastes the same regardless of which country you order it in is a testament to the company’s long history. Today, there are 38,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries.

4. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola was created by pharmacist John Pemberton in 1886 at a soda fountain in Atlanta, Georgia. It was used as a tonic for common ailments due, in part, to the addition of cocaine and caffeine derived from the kola nut, which was a major ingredient at the time. (This was later removed from the recipe in 1903.)

Although popular at its inception, Coca-Cola became the company it is today because of the marketing and business leadership of Asa Griggs Candler and future investors, who dramatically increased sales and expanded syrup factory production into Canada.

Eventually, an independent bottle company licensed the rights to Coca-Cola’s syrup production and distribution, streamlining production and generating massive profits. Coca-Cola later remarketed for Germany, China, and India, and it’s now sold everywhere except Cuba and North Korea .

Coca-Cola currently has over 900 bottling and manufacturing facilities worldwide , many of which are in North America, Asia, and Africa.

H-E-B is a popular American grocery company with more than 340 stores in Texas and northeast Mexico. It was founded by Florence Butt in 1905 and expanded into Mexico in 1997.

The primary driver of international expansion wasn’t a desire to capture greater market share, but rather, a desire to gain access to foreign produce markets in warmer climates, from which the company could source produce during its domestic suppliers’ off-season in the northeastern United States.

Craig Boyan, president of H-E-B, explains in Global Business that, upon becoming an international business, H-E-B bought blueberries from Chile and Peru to sell year-round. Despite it being expensive to ship blueberry crates to Texas, this enabled the company to continue meeting its customers’ needs. Since then, production has increased with demand, especially in Mexico, which has an ideal climate to produce blueberries year-round. H-E-B now sources blueberries mostly from Mexico, making them more available and affordable for customers.

Which HBS Online Business in Society Course is Right for You? | Download Your Free Flowchart

Why Study International Business?

Many global businesses succeed by expanding their markets, production operations, and supply chains internationally. But doing so requires savvy business leadership bolstered by economic knowledge, an understanding of markets, and the ability to learn political and cultural trends.

Furthering your education in global business is an effective way to gain these skills.

Acquiring them, along with experience, can lead to a successful career in global business. Some of these important skills include:

Strong communication
Emotional intelligence
Cultural awareness
Knowledge of finance and accounting
Entrepreneurship
Understanding of global economics

A graphic with icons representing the six critical skills for international business: strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, knowledge of finance and accounting, entrepreneurship, and an understanding of global economics

Start Expanding Your Business Internationally

Regardless of the role, professionals must stay current on all business practices. A global business education provides a wide range of opportunities to create and capture value for organizations. To bring this value to the workplace, individuals need to understand the economic, political, and social factors that drive change and how decisions affect global markets .

Strategists and entrepreneurs should learn about the broader macroeconomic and political landscape of their organizations to grow their business internationally and manage global teams. Professionals in heavily regulated industries can also use this knowledge to develop approaches and frameworks to navigate their complex industries.

If you’re considering joining a global business or thinking about ways to expand your organization internationally, completing an online Global Business course is an excellent way to quickly gain those skills.

Are you interested in breaking into a global market? Sharpen your knowledge of the international business world with our four-week online course Global Business , and explore our other business in society courses. Not sure which is right for you? Download our free course flowchart .

This article was updated on April 23, 2024. It was originally published on June 29, 2021.

assignment on international business environment

About the Author

200 International Business Topics

Exploring international business can unlock a world of opportunities and challenges for companies ready to expand their horizons. In this article, we’ll dive into 200 dynamic topics that will give you a comprehensive insight into the global business landscape.

The Impact of Globalization on Small Businesses
Understanding International Trade Laws
The Role of the World Trade Organization in Global Commerce
The Rise of Emerging Markets in the Global Economy
The Effects of Currency Exchange Rates on International Business
The Importance of Cross-Cultural Communication in International Business
Outsourcing: Boon or Bane for the Global Economy?
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Global Business Strategies
Analyzing the Global Supply Chain Management Challenges
The Influence of Political Instability on International Trade
Multinational Corporations: Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
The Role of International Financial Institutions in Economic Development
Emerging Trends in International Marketing
Protectionism vs. Free Trade: Which is the way forward?
The Effect of International Sanctions on Trade Relations
E-Commerce: Changing the Face of International Business
The Challenges of International Human Resources Management
Corporate Governance in the Context of Global Business
Foreign Direct Investment: Trends and Impacts
The Relationship between International Business and Environmental Sustainability
Climate Change: A New Frontier for International Business Strategy
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on International Business
The Dynamics of International Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances
The Role of Multilateral Trade Agreements in Shaping Business
The Effect of Brexit on International Business in the UK and EU
Crisis Management in International Business
International Business Negotiation Strategies and Tactics
The Growth of International Franchising
Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions: Opportunities and Challenges
The Role of Cultural Intelligence in International Business Success
The Competitive Advantage of Nations: A Study of Porter’s Diamond Model
The Influence of International Business on Global Politics
The Effects of Global Pandemics on International Trade and Investment
Big Data and Analytics in International Business Decision Making
The Role of Expatriates in International Business Development
The Significance of International Trade Blocks and Economic Unions
The Impact of Social Media on International Brand Management
Women in International Business: Challenges and Opportunities
Legal and Ethical Issues in International Business
The Importance of Intellectual Property Rights in Global Business
Sustainable Development Goals and International Business Practices
The Future of International Business Post COVID-19
The Role of International Entrepreneurship in Economic Growth
The Challenges of Managing a Global Workforce
The Importance of Logistics and Transportation in International Trade
The Impact of Technological Innovation on Global Business Operations
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Offshoring
International Business and the Fight Against Corruption
The Emergence of China as a Global Business Powerhouse
The Role of International Affairs in Business Education
The Use of International Business Simulation Games in Learning
The Effects of Terrorism on International Business Strategies
Regulation of International Business: A Comparative Analysis
The Role of Language in International Business Expansion
The Influence of International Business on Culture and Society
The Significance of BRICS Countries in the World Economy
The Role of Innovation in Sustaining Competitive Advantage Internationally
The Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility on Global Business
The Importance of Ethical Supply Chains in International Business
The Challenges of International Business in the Aerospace Industry
The Significance of Trade Missions in Expanding International Business
The Role of Governments in Promoting International Trade
The Impact of International Business on Local Economies
The Role of Diaspora in International Business Expansion
Cybersecurity Challenges in International Business Operations
The Impact of International Sporting Events on Local Businesses
The Role of International Business in Reducing Global Poverty
The Influence of Non-Governmental Organizations on International Trade Policies
International Business and the Rise of the Gig Economy
Cross-Border E-commerce: Trends and Regulatory Challenges
The Role of Immigrant Entrepreneurs in International Business
The Impact of Multicultural Teams in Global Organizations
The Challenges and Benefits of Doing Business in Africa
Foreign Exchange Risk Management in International Business
The Role of Microfinance in International Development
Analyzing the Business Models of International E-commerce Giants
The Impact of International Trade on Agriculture
The Role of Corporate Diplomacy in International Business Relations
International Business and the Rise of Consumerism
The Impact of International Business on Global Healthcare
The Challenges of Sustainable Tourism in International Business
The Influence of Religion on International Business Practices
The Role of International Business in Promoting Gender Equality
The Impact of International Business on Education and Knowledge Transfer
The Influence of International Trade on Food Security
Digital Currency and Its Impact on International Trade
The Rise of International Business Incubators and Accelerators
The Role of International Business in Urban Development
The Impact of Globalization on Indigenous Cultures and Businesses
The Effect of International Business on Peace and Security
The Role of International Business in Renewable Energy Development
The Significance of Bilateral Investment Treaties in International Business
The Challenges of Managing International Business Ethics across Cultures
Global Sourcing Strategies and Their Impact on Businesses
The Role of International Business in Combating Climate Change
The Challenges Facing International Business in the Retail Sector
The Importance of International Certifications and Standards in Business
The Role of Trade Unions in International Business Environments
The Impact of International Business on Rural Development
The Role of SMEs in International Economics and Trade
The Challenges of Building a Global Brand Identity
International Business Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy
The Influence of Digital Payments on International Business Transactions
The Role of International Business in the Pharmaceutical Industry
The Impact of Cultural Differences on Product and Service Design
The Economics of International Business and Foreign Exchange Markets
The Role of Commodity Markets in International Business
The Ethics of Data Privacy in International Business
The Challenges of Due Diligence in International Business
The Role of International Standards in Quality Assurance
The Impact of International Lobbying on Business Regulations
The Challenges of International Business in Conflict Zones
The Influence of Global Demographic Trends on International Business
The Impact of Political Relations on International Business Strategies
The Effect of Natural Disasters on International Supply Chains
The Importance of Business Incubators in International Entrepreneurship
The Role of Technology Transfer in International Development
The Challenges of International Business in the Textile and Garment Industry
The Impact of Intellectual Property Theft on International Business
The Role of Global Environmental Agreements in Business Operations
The Influence of National Culture on Corporate Governance Practices
The Significance of Social Entrepreneurship in International Business
The Challenges of Foreign Market Entry Strategies
The Role of Bilateral Trade Agreements in Shaping Global Business
The Impact of Telecommuting on International Business Operations
The Influence of Social Impact Investing on International Business
The Role of International Business in Global Food Distribution
The Impact of Corporate Social Investing on International Relations
The Importance of Transparency in International Business Conduct
The Role of Blockchain Technology in International Business Transactions
The Impact of Aviation on Global Business Connectivity
The Challenges of International Business Negotiations with Sovereign States
The Role of International Markets in Commodities Trade
The Influence of National Policies on International Business Operations
The Challenges of Scaling Small Businesses Internationally
The Importance of Global Regulatory Compliance in Business
The Role of International Collaboration in Science and Technology
The Impact of Sovereign Wealth Funds on International Investment
The Influence of Language Barriers on Global Business Expansion
The Importance of Cultural Diplomacy in International Business Relations
The Impact of International Business on Global Economic Inequality
The Role of International Business in Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy
The Importance of Location in Global Business Strategy
The Influence of Consumer Behavior on International Marketing
The Challenges of Running a Multinational Corporation
The Role of Export Credit Agencies in International Trade
The Impact of Automation on Global Employment and International Business
The Importance of International Trade Exhibitions and Fairs
The Role of Global Cities as Hubs of International Business
The Impact of Globalization on National Identity and Business Practices
The Influence of Trade Protectionism on Global Supply Chains
The Challenges of International Business in the Luxury Goods Sector
The Role of Trade Embargoes in International Relations
The Impact of Corporate Acquisitions on International Market Dynamics
The Importance of Cultural Adaptation in International Business Strategy
The Influence of Exports on National Economies
The Role of Consumer Advocacy in International Business Regulation
The Impact of International Business on the Development of Technology
The Challenges of International Taxation and Business Finance
The Importance of Social Responsibility in International Business Expansion
The Role of International Economic Organizations in Global Governance
The Impact of Foreign Labor Policies on International Business
The Influence of Nationalism on Global Business Practices
The Role of International Business in Promoting Fair Trade
The Impact of Cyber Espionage on International Business Confidence
The Importance of Global Partnerships in Business Innovation
The Role of International Arbitration in Business Disputes
The Influence of Global Media on International Business Perception
The Role of International Sales and Operations Planning
The Challenges and Opportunities of International E-learning Businesses
The Importance of Cross-Border Data Flow in International Business
The Role of International Business in the Circular Economy
The Impact of Space Commerce on International Business Strategies
The Influence of Emerging Technologies on Global Trade
The Role of International Mergers in Industry Consolidation
The Impact of Cultural Heritage on International Tourism Business
The Importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in International Market Research
The Role of International Environmental Agreements in Business Sustainability
The Influence of Digital Transformation on International Supply Chain Management
The Role of Digital Platforms in International Trade Efficiency
The Impact of Language Translation Technology on Global Business Communication
The Importance of Business Analytics in International Expansion
The Role of Corporate Philanthropy in International Business Reputation
The Impact of Social Innovation on International Business Models
The Influence of International Business on Global Urbanization Patterns
The Role of Ethical Investment in International Business Development
The Impact of International Product Standards on Consumer Choice
The Importance of Brand Protection in the Global Marketplace
The Role of International Expositions in Promoting Trade and Industry
The Impact of Political Campaigns on International Business Decisions
The Importance of Global Trade Compliance in Corporate Strategy
The Influence of International Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
The Impact of Demographic Changes on Global Business Strategies
The Role of Global Risk Management in International Business
The Importance of Sustainable Finance in International Business Growth
The Role of Digital Identification in Global Commerce
The Impact of Connectivity on International Business Collaboration
The Influence of Cultural Norms on Business Operations and Etiquette
The Role of Big Data in Understanding International Market Dynamics
The Impact of Global Economic Shifts on International Business Strategy

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18.7 The International Assignment

Learning objectives.

Describe how to prepare for an international assignment.
Discuss the acculturation process as an expatriate.
Describe effective strategies for living and working abroad.

Suppose you have the opportunity to work or study in a foreign country. You may find the prospect of an international assignment intriguing, challenging, or even frightening; indeed, most professionals employed abroad will tell you they pass through all three stages at some point during the assignment. They may also share their sense of adjustment, even embrace of their host culture, and the challenges of reintegration into their native country.

An international assignment, whether as a student or a career professional, requires work and preparation, and should be given the time and consideration of any major life change. When you lose a loved one, it takes time to come to terms with the loss. When someone you love is diagnosed with a serious illness, the news may take some time to sink in. When a new baby enters your family, a period of adjustment is predictable and prolonged. All these major life changes can stress an individual beyond their capacity to adjust. Similarly, in order to be a successful “expat,” or expatriate, one needs to prepare mentally and physically for the change.

International business assignments are a reflection of increased global trade, and as trade decreases, they may become an expensive luxury. As technology allows for instant face-to-face communication, and group collaboration on documents via cloud computing and storage, the need for physical travel may be reduced. But regardless of whether your assignment involves relocation abroad, supervision of managers in another country at a distance, or supervision by a foreign manager, you will need to learn more about the language, culture, and customs that are not your own. You will need to compare and contrast, and seek experiences that lend insight, in order to communicate more effectively.

An efficient, effective manager in any country is desirable, but one with international experience even more so. You will represent your company and they will represent you, including a considerable financial investment, either by your employer (in the case of a professional assignment) or by whoever is financing your education (in the case of studying abroad). That investment should not be taken lightly. As many as 40 percent of foreign-assigned employees terminate their assignments early (Tu, H. and Sullivan, S., 1994), at a considerable cost to their employers. Of those that remain, almost 50 percent are less than effective (Tu, H. and Sullivan, S., 1994).

Preparation

With this perspective in mind, let’s discuss how to prepare for the international assignment and strategies to make you a more effective professional as a stranger in a strange land. First we’ll dispel a couple of myths associated with an idealized or romantic view of living abroad. Next we’ll examine traits and skills of the successful expatriate. Finally, we’ll examine culture shock and the acculturation process.

Your experience with other cultures may have come firsthand, but for most, a foreign location like Paris is an idea formed from exposure to images via the mass media. Paris may be known for its art, as a place for lovers, or as a great place to buy bread. But if you have only ever known about a place through the lens of a camera, you have only seen the portraits designed and portrayed by others. You will lack the multidimensional view of one who lives and works in Paris, and even if you are aware of its history, its economic development, or its recent changes, these are all academic observations until the moment of experience.

That is not to say that research does not form a solid foundation in preparation for an international assignment, but it does reinforce the distinction between a media-fabricated ideal and real life. Awareness of this difference is an important step as you prepare yourself for life in a foreign culture.

If the decision is yours to make, take your time. If others are involved, and family is a consideration, you should take even more care with this important decision. Residence abroad requires some knowledge of the language, an ability to adapt, and an interest in learning about different cultures. If family members are not a part of the decision, or lack the language skills or interest, the assignment may prove overwhelming and lead to failure. Sixty-four percent of expatriate respondents who terminated their assignment early indicated that family concerns were the primary reason (Contreras, C. D., 2009).

Points to consider include the following:

How flexible are you?
Do you need everything spelled out or can you go with the flow?
Can you adapt to new ways of doing business?
Are you interested in the host culture and willing to dedicate the time and put forth the effort to learn more about it?
What has been your experience to date working with people from distinct cultures?
What are your language skills at present, and are you interested in learning a new language?
Is your family supportive of the assignment?
How will it affect your children’s education? Your spouse’s career? Your career?
Will this assignment benefit your family?
How long are you willing to commit to the assignment?
What resources are available to help you prepare, move, and adjust?
Can you stand being out of the loop, even if you are in daily written and oral communication with the home office?
What is your relationship with your employer, and can it withstand the anticipated stress and tension that will result as not everything goes according to plan?
Is the cultural framework of your assignment similar to—or unlike—your own, and how ready are you to adapt to differences in such areas as time horizon, masculinity versus femininity, or direct versus indirect styles of communication?

This list of questions could continue, and feel free to add your own as you explore the idea of an international assignment. An international assignment is not like a domestic move or reassignment. Within the same country, even if there are significantly different local customs in place, similar rules, laws, and ways of doing business are present. In a foreign country, you will lose those familiar traditions and institutions and have to learn many new ways of accomplishing your given tasks. What once took a five-minute phone call may now take a dozen meetings and a month to achieve, and that may cause you some frustration. It may also cause your employer frustration as you try to communicate how things are done locally, and why results are not immediate, as they lack even your limited understanding of your current context. Your relationship with your employer will experience stress, and your ability to communicate your situation will require tact and finesse.

Successful expatriates are adaptable, open to learning new languages, cultures, and skilled at finding common ground for communication. Rather than responding with frustration, they learn the new customs and find the advantage to get the job done. They form relationships and are not afraid to ask for help when it is warranted or required. They feel secure in their place as explorer, and understand that mistakes are a given, even as they are unpredictable. Being a stranger is no easy task, but they welcome the challenge with energy and enthusiasm.

Acculturation Process

Acculturation , or the transition to living abroad, is often described as an emotional rollercoaster. Steven Rhinesmith provides ten steps that show the process of acculturation, including culture shock, that you may experience:

Initial anxiety
Initial elation
Initial culture shock
Superficial adjustment
Depression-frustration
Acceptance of host culture
Return anxiety
Return elation
Reentry shock
Reintegration

Humans fear the unknown, and even if your tolerance for uncertainty is high, you may experience a degree of anxiety in anticipation of your arrival. At first the “honeymoon” period is observed, with a sense of elation at all the newfound wonders. You may adjust superficially at first, learning where to get familiar foods or new ways to meet your basic needs. As you live in the new culture, divergence will become a trend and you’ll notice many things that frustrate you. You won’t anticipate the need for two hours at a bank for a transaction that once took five minutes, or could be handled over the Internet, and find that businesses close during midday, preventing you from accomplishing your goals. At this stage, you will feel that living in this new culture is simply exhausting. Many expats advise that this is the time to tough it out—if you give in to the temptation to make a visit back home, you will only prolong your difficult adjustment.

Over time, if you persevere, you will come to accept and adjust to your host culture, and learn how to accomplish your goals with less frustration and ease. You may come to appreciate several cultural values or traits and come to embrace some aspects of your host culture. At some point, you will need to return to your first, or home, culture, but that transition will bring a sense of anxiety. People and places change, the familiar is no longer so familiar, and you too have changed. You may once again be elated at your return and the familiar, and experience a sense of comfort in home and family, but culture shock may again be part of your adjustment. You may look at your home culture in a new way and question things that are done in a particular way that you have always considered normal. You may hold onto some of the cultural traits you adopted while living abroad, and begin the process of reintegration.

Figure 18.3

The international assignment requires adaptability.

JT – Euro Note Currency – CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

You may also begin to feel that the “grass is greener” in your host country, and long to return. Expatriates are often noted for “going native,” or adopting the host culture’s way of life, but even the most confirmed expats still gather to hear the familiar sound of their first language, and find community in people like themselves who have blended cultural boundaries on a personal level.

Living and Working Abroad

In order to learn to swim you have to get in the water, and all the research and preparation cannot take the place of direct experience. Your awareness of culture shock may help you adjust, and your preparation by learning some of the language will assist you, but know that living and working abroad take time and effort. Still, there are several guidelines that can serve you well as you start your new life in a strange land:

Be open and creative . People will eat foods that seem strange or do things in a new way, and your openness and creativity can play a positive role in your adjustment. Staying close to your living quarters or surrounding yourself with similar expats can limit your exposure to and understanding of the local cultures. While the familiar may be comfortable, and the new setting may be uncomfortable, you will learn much more about your host culture and yourself if you make the effort to be open to new experiences. Being open involves getting out of your comfort zone.
Be self-reliant . Things that were once easy or took little time may now be challenging or consume your whole day. Focus on your ability to resolve issues, learn new ways to get the job done, and be prepared to do new things.
Keep a balanced perspective . Your host culture isn’t perfect. Humans aren’t perfect, and neither was your home culture. Each location and cultural community has strengths you can learn from if you are open to them.
Be patient . Take your time, and know a silent period is normal. The textbook language classes only provide a base from which you will learn how people who live in the host country actually communicate. You didn’t learn to walk in a day and won’t learn to successfully navigate this culture overnight either.
Be a student and a teacher . You are learning as the new member of the community, but as a full member of your culture, you can share your experiences as well.
Be an explorer . Get out and go beyond your boundaries when you feel safe and secure. Traveling to surrounding villages, or across neighboring borders, can expand your perspective and help you learn.
Protect yourself . Always keep all your essential documents, money, and medicines close to you, or where you know they will be safe. Trying to source a medicine in a country where you are not fluent in the language, or where the names of remedies are different, can be a challenge. Your passport is essential to your safety and you need to keep it safe. You may also consider vaccination records, birth certificates, or business documents in the same way, keeping them safe and accessible. You may want to consider a “bug-out bag,” with all the essentials you need, including food, water, keys, and small tools, as an essential part of planning in case of emergency.

Key Takeaways

Preparation is key to a successful international assignment. Living and working abroad takes time, effort, and patience.

Research one organization in a business or industry that relates to your major and has an international presence. Find a job announcement or similar document that discusses the business and its international activities. Share and compare with classmates.
Conduct a search on expat networks including online forum. Briefly describe your findings and share with classmates.
What would be the hardest part of an overseas assignment for you and why? What would be the easiest part of an overseas assignment for you and why?
Find an advertisement for an international assignment. Note the qualifications, and share with classmates.
Find an article or other first-person account of someone’s experience on an international assignment. Share your results with your classmates.

Contreras, C. D. (2009). Should you accept the international assignment? BNET . Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa5350/is_200308/ai_n21334696 .

Rhinesmith, S. (1984). Returning home . Ottawa, Canada: Canadian Bureau for International Education.

Tu, H., & Sullivan, S. (1994). Business horizons . Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1038/is_nl_v37/ai_14922926 .

Business Communication for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Intercultural and International Business Communication

The international assignment, learning objectives.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Describe how to prepare for an international assignment.
Discuss the acculturation process as an expatriate.
Describe effective strategies for living and working abroad.

An efficient, effective manager in any country is desirable, but one with international experience even more so. You will represent your company and they will represent you, including a considerable financial investment, either by your employer (in the case of a professional assignment) or by whoever is financing your education (in the case of studying abroad). That investment should not be taken lightly. As many as 40 percent of foreign-assigned employees terminate their assignments early, Tu, H., & Sullivan, S. (1994). Business horizons . Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1038/is_nl_v37/ai_14922926 at a considerable cost to their employers. Of those that remain, almost 50 percent are less than effective. Tu, H., & Sullivan, S. (1994). Business horizons . Retrieved from FindArticles.com: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1038/is_nl_v37/ai_14922926

Preparation

Points to consider include the following:

How flexible are you?
Do you need everything spelled out or can you go with the flow?
Can you adapt to new ways of doing business?
Are you interested in the host culture and willing to dedicate the time and put forth the effort to learn more about it?
What has been your experience to date working with people from distinct cultures?
What are your language skills at present, and are you interested in learning a new language?
Is your family supportive of the assignment?
How will it affect your children’s education? Your spouse’s career? Your career?
Will this assignment benefit your family?
How long are you willing to commit to the assignment?
What resources are available to help you prepare, move, and adjust?
Can you stand being out of the loop, even if you are in daily written and oral communication with the home office?
What is your relationship with your employer, and can it withstand the anticipated stress and tension that will result as not everything goes according to plan?
Is the cultural framework of your assignment similar to—or unlike—your own, and how ready are you to adapt to differences in such areas as time horizon, masculinity versus femininity, or direct versus indirect styles of communication?

Acculturation Process

Acculturation , or the transition to living abroad, is often described as an emotional rollercoaster. Steven Rhinesmith Rhinesmith, S. (1984). Returning home . Ottawa, Canada: Canadian Bureau for International Education. provides ten steps that show the process of acculturation, including culture shock, that you may experience:

Initial anxiety
Initial elation
Initial culture shock
Superficial adjustment
Depression-frustration
Acceptance of host culture
Return anxiety
Return elation
Reentry shock
Reintegration

The international assignment requires adaptability.

Living and Working Abroad

Be open and creative . People will eat foods that seem strange or do things in a new way, and your openness and creativity can play a positive role in your adjustment. Staying close to your living quarters or surrounding yourself with similar expats can limit your exposure to and understanding of the local cultures. While the familiar may be comfortable, and the new setting may be uncomfortable, you will learn much more about your host culture and yourself if you make the effort to be open to new experiences. Being open involves getting out of your comfort zone.
Be self-reliant . Things that were once easy or took little time may now be challenging or consume your whole day. Focus on your ability to resolve issues, learn new ways to get the job done, and be prepared to do new things.
Keep a balanced perspective . Your host culture isn’t perfect. Humans aren’t perfect, and neither was your home culture. Each location and cultural community has strengths you can learn from if you are open to them.
Be patient . Take your time, and know a silent period is normal. The textbook language classes only provide a base from which you will learn how people who live in the host country actually communicate. You didn’t learn to walk in a day and won’t learn to successfully navigate this culture overnight either.
Be a student and a teacher . You are learning as the new member of the community, but as a full member of your culture, you can share your experiences as well.
Be an explorer . Get out and go beyond your boundaries when you feel safe and secure. Traveling to surrounding villages, or across neighboring borders, can expand your perspective and help you learn.
Protect yourself . Always keep all your essential documents, money, and medicines close to you, or where you know they will be safe. Trying to source a medicine in a country where you are not fluent in the language, or where the names of remedies are different, can be a challenge. Your passport is essential to your safety and you need to keep it safe. You may also consider vaccination records, birth certificates, or business documents in the same way, keeping them safe and accessible. You may want to consider a “bug-out bag,” with all the essentials you need, including food, water, keys, and small tools, as an essential part of planning in case of emergency.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Research one organization in a business or industry that relates to your major and has an international presence. Find a job announcement or similar document that discusses the business and its international activities. Share and compare with classmates.
Conduct a search on expat networks including online forum. Briefly describe your findings and share with classmates.
What would be the hardest part of an overseas assignment for you and why? What would be the easiest part of an overseas assignment for you and why?
Find an advertisement for an international assignment. Note the qualifications, and share with classmates.
Find an article or other first-person account of someone’s experience on an international assignment. Share your results with your classmates.
Communication For Business Success. Authored by : anonymous. Located at : http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/communication-for-business-success/ . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

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Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

2024 Investment Climate Statements: Morocco

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

At the confluence of Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East, Morocco seeks to transform itself into a regional business and industrial hub by leveraging its geographically strategic location, political stability, and world-class infrastructure to expand as a regional manufacturing and export base for international companies. Morocco actively encourages and facilitates foreign investment, particularly in export sectors like manufacturing, through positive macro-economic policies, trade liberalization, investment incentives, and structural reforms. The Government of Morocco implements strategies aimed at boosting employment, attracting foreign investment, and raising performance and output, designating renewables, automotive, aeronautics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, outsourcing, and agro-industry as key industries. Morocco’s new Investment Charter, adopted in December 2022, significantly expands incentives for foreign investment.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 202 3 , Morocco attracted the fifth-most foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa in 2022. Inbound FDI decreased by 6 percent in 2022 to $2.1 billion, vice $2.2 billion in 2021, falling from a 2018 peak of $3.6 billion. In 2021, the latest year for which host country data is available, France (31 percent), the United Arab Emirates (21 percent), and Spain (eight percent) continued to hold the largest shares of FDI stocks, with the United States at five percent. Manufacturing attracted the highest share of FDI stocks (23.6 percent), followed by real estate (18.8 percent), telecommunications (12.1 percent), tourism, and energy and mines (6.3 percent) in 2021.

Morocco continues to market itself as the “gateway to Africa” through its return to the African Union in January 2017 and by joining the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) upon its launch in 2021. In June 2019, Morocco opened an extension of the Tangier-Med commercial shipping port, making it the largest port in Africa and the Mediterranean; the government is developing a third phase for the port which will increase capacity from nine to ten million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Tangier is connected to Morocco’s political capital in Rabat and commercial hub in Casablanca by Africa’s first high-speed train service.

However, inefficient government bureaucracy, corruption, and the slow pace of regulatory reform remain challenges. In addition to these structural issues, the government of Morocco lacks an investment screening process for critical industries such as telecommunications, critical minerals and rare earths, and renewable energy.

Morocco continues to make major investments in renewable energy and is on track to meet its stated goal of 52 percent total installed capacity by 2030. The New Development Model , an overarching plan for economic reform released in April 2021, lays out the country’s ambition to increase the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption from 19.5 percent in 2021 to 40 percent by 2035. Opportunities for green investment include smart grids, green hydrogen, energy storage, and renewable energy. In 2023, Morocco recorded over $10 billion in announced investments to build out an integrated battery manufacturing and electric vehicle production chain. In March 2024, Morocco announced it would allocate one million hectares of land to green hydrogen production and designated the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Development as responsible agency for facilitating investment in this sector.

In February 2023, Morocco was removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “grey list” of countries subjected to increased monitoring due to deficiencies in anti-money laundering and terrorist financing compliance following a series of reforms to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing legislation, regulations, and criminal penalties. In May 2023, the European Commission followed suit by removing Morocco from the European Union’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing “grey list.”

As of 2024, Morocco has ratified 72 investment treaties for the promotion and protection of investments and 62 economic agreements, including with the United States and most EU nations, that aim to eliminate the double taxation of income or gains. Morocco is the only country on the African continent with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, eliminating tariffs on more than 95 percent of qualifying consumer and industrial goods. The Government of Morocco plans to phase out tariffs for some additional products through 2030. The FTA supports Morocco’s goals to develop as a regional financial and trade hub, providing opportunities for the localization of services and the finishing and re-export of goods to markets in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Since the U.S.-Morocco FTA came into effect bilateral trade in goods has grown nearly five-fold. The U.S. and Moroccan governments work closely to increase trade and investment through high-level consultations, bilateral dialogue, and other fora to inform U.S. businesses of investment opportunities and strengthen business-to-business ties.

Table 1: Key Metrics and Rankings

	2022	94 of 180
	2023	7 of 132
	2022	379
	2022	$3,670

1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment

Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment

Morocco actively encourages foreign investment through macro-economic policies, trade liberalization, structural reforms, infrastructure improvements, and incentives for investors. The Investment Charter is the current foundational Moroccan text governing investment and applies to both domestic and foreign investment (direct and portfolio). Morocco is in the process of transitioning from its previous Investment Charter, Law 18-95 of October 1995 , to an updated Investment Charter adopted on December 9, 2022, through F ramework L aw 03-22 . The Government of Morocco has published the first implementing decree for the new charter outlining the investment support structure and geographic and sectoral bonuses, with additional decrees forthcoming on small and medium enterprises and the international expansion of Moroccan firms. Moroccan legislation governing FDI applies equally to Moroccan and foreign legal entities, except for certain protected sectors (see below).

The updated Investment Charter significantly expands incentives for foreign investment. It aims to increase the share of private investment to two-thirds of total investment by 2035, includes additional incentives to draw investment to promising sectors and historically less-favored regions, and provides additional support for the development of strategic industries such as defense and pharmaceuticals. (See Section 3 for additional information.)

Operating under the Ministry of Investment, Convergence and Evaluation of Public Policies, Morocco’s Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE) is the national agency responsible for the development and promotion of investments and exports. Each of the country’s 12 regions also leads its own investment promotion efforts through Regional Investment Centers (CRIs). The CRIs’ websites aggregate relevant information for interested investors and include investment maps, priority sectors, procedures for creating a business, production costs, applicable laws and regulations, and general business climate information, among other investment services. The websites vary by region, with some functioning better than others. AMDIE and the 12 CRIs work together throughout the phases of investment at the national and regional level. For example, AMDIE and the CRIs coordinate contact between investors and partners. Regional investment commissions examine investment applications and send recommendations to AMDIE. The inter-ministerial investment committee, for which AMDIE acts as the secretariat, approves any investment agreement or contract which requires financial contribution from the government. The CRIs also provide an “after care” service to support investments and assist in resolving issues that may arise.

Further information about Morocco’s investment laws and procedures is available on AMDIE’s “Morocco Now” website or through the individual websites of each of the CRIs. For information on agricultural investments, visit the Agricultural Development Agency website or the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture website .

When Morocco acceded to the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises in November 2009, it guaranteed national treatment of foreign investors except for delineated sectors closed to foreign investment (noted below). The National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct (NCP), whose presidency and secretariat are held by AMDIE, is the lead agency responsible for the adherence to this declaration.

Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment

Foreign and domestic private entities may establish and own business enterprises, barring certain restrictions by sector. While the U.S. Mission is unaware of any economy-wide limits on foreign ownership, Morocco places a 49 percent cap on foreign investment in air and maritime transport companies and maritime fisheries. Foreigners cannot own agricultural land, though they can lease it for up to 99 years. The government of Morocco holds a monopoly on phosphate extraction through the 95 percent state-owned Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP). The Moroccan Central Bank (Bank Al-Maghrib) may use regulatory discretion in authorizing the establishment of domestic and foreign-owned banks; the Moroccan state also has a discretionary right to limit all foreign majority stakes in the capital of large national banks, but it is unclear if the Moroccan state has ever exercised that right. In the oil and gas sector, the National Agency for Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) retains a compulsory share of 25 percent of any exploration license or development permit.

The U.S. Mission is not aware of instances in which the Government of Morocco has refused foreign investors for national security, economic, or other national policy reasons, nor is it aware of any U.S. investors disadvantaged or singled out relative to other foreign investors by ownership or control mechanisms, sector restrictions, or investment screening mechanisms.

In 2018, law 47-18 , governing the country’s Regional Investment Centers, consolidated the various approval authorities for investment projects into one “Unified Regional Commission.” This reform turned an approval process which averaged 180 days into a process which takes 30 days or less, and sometimes as little as one business day.

Other Investment Policy Reviews

The last third-party investment policy review of Morocco was the World Trade Organization (WTO) 2016 Trade Policy Review (TPR), which found that the trade reforms implemented since the prior TPR in 2009 contributed to the economy’s continued growth by stimulating competition in domestic markets, encouraging innovation, creating new jobs, and contributing to growth diversification. Although some civil society organizations have been critical of certain development projects/initiatives, particularly those with environmental or social impacts, Post is unaware of a comprehensive review focused on investment policy concerns.

Business Facilitation

Morocco is a signatory of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Joint Initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development . Prior to its discontinuation of the Doing Business Report, in 2020 the World Bank ranked Morocco 53 out of 190 economies, rising seven places since from the previous report in 2019 and climbing 75 places during the last decade from 128 in 2010. Since 2012, Morocco has implemented reforms that facilitate business registration, such as eliminating the need to file a declaration of business incorporation with the Ministry of Labor, reducing company registration fees, and eliminating minimum capital requirements for limited liability companies. Each of the 12 Regional Investment Centers (CRI) maintains a website which guides investors through the registration process.

Since 2021, Morocco has offered online registration of new businesses via the National Administration Portal , an electronic platform managed by the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC). All procedures related to the creation, registration, and publication of company data can be carried out via this platform. Foreign companies may use the online business registration mechanism. Foreign companies, except for French companies, are required to provide an apostilled Arabic translated copy of their articles of association and an extract of the registry of commerce in their country of origin. Moreover, foreign companies must report the incorporation of the subsidiary a posteriori to the Foreign Exchange Office (Office de Changes) to facilitate repatriation of funds abroad such as profits and dividends. According to the World Bank, registering a business in Morocco takes an average of nine days, significantly less than the Middle East and North Africa regional average of 20 days. Morocco does not require that the business owner deposit any paid-in minimum capital.

The business facilitation mechanisms provide for equitable treatment of women and underrepresented minorities in the economy. Notably, according to the World Bank, the procedure, length of time, and cost to register a new business is equal for men and women in Morocco. The U.S. Mission is unaware of any official assistance provided to women and underrepresented minorities through the business registration mechanisms. The government of Morocco, civil society, and the private sector have cooperated on several initiatives aimed at improving gender equality in the workplace and access to the workplace for foreign migrants, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa.

Outward Investment

The Government of Morocco prioritizes investment in Africa as part of its strategy to expand its commercial and trade connections throughout the continent and secure its self-proclaimed title of “Gateway to Africa”. OCP Africa, a subsidiary of Morocco’s state-owned phosphate giant OCP, has a presence in 16 African countries and continues to invest in infrastructure supporting its phosphate exports. According to Morocco’s Office of Exchange, under the supervision of Minister of Economy and Finance, $808 million, or 43 percent of Morocco’s total outward FDI, was invested in the African continent in 2021. The U.S. Mission is not aware of a standalone outward investment promotion agency, although AMDIE’s mission includes supporting Moroccans seeking to invest outside of the country for the purpose of boosting Moroccan exports. Nor is the U.S. Mission aware of any restrictions for domestic investors attempting to invest abroad. However, under the Moroccan investment code, repatriation of funds is limited to “convertible” Moroccan Dirham accounts.

In January 2024, Morocco’s Foreign Exchange Office (“Office des Changes,” OC) updated its rules to further liberalize the country’s foreign exchange regulations. Key changes include increased allowances for business travel, imports, and study abroad, along with easier import advance payments and smoother transactions for foreign residents. Banks can also use foreign currency accounts to finance investments in Morocco’s Industrial Acceleration Zones.

2. Bilateral Investment and Taxation Treaties

Morocco has had an active Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with the United States since 1991 and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) since 2006. Morocco has signed BITs with 75 countries , of which 51 were in force in 2024. Morocco is a signatory to several other FTAs (bilateral and multilateral) and Association Agreements; a complete list can be found here .

Morocco established a free-trade area with the EU through the 1996 EU-Morocco Association Agreement, with an additional agreement in 2012 on trade in agricultural, agro-food, and fisheries products and a protocol establishing a bilateral dispute settlement mechanism. In 2021, the European Court of Justice annulled two bilateral EU-Morocco agreements, the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement, citing invalid rules of origin provisions in each agreement. There is an ongoing appeal, with both Morocco and the EU hoping to resolve and reinstate both agreements.

In March 2018, Morocco joined 54 other African states in forming the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), establishing a market of over 1.2 billion people with a combined gross product of over $3 trillion. The AfCFTA agreement came into force on January 1, 2021, and Morocco deposited its instruments of ratification to the AU in April 2022.

The United States signed an income tax treaty with Morocco in 1977. Morocco is also a member of the OECD Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting including the October 2021 deal on the two-pillar solution to global tax challenges, including a global minimum corporate tax.

Morocco’s 2023 budget law introduced a progressive overhaul of the corporate tax regime that will take effect through 2026. Companies with a net profit below $10 million, as well as companies established in Industrial Acceleration Zones (ZAI) or Casablanca Finance City, will see a reduction of the corporate tax rate from 31 to 20 percent. Unless they are linked to these locations, companies with a net profit over $10 million will see a tax rate increase from 31 to 35 percent. The tax rate for credit establishments and “assimilated organizations” such as banks and insurance companies will increase from 38 to 40 percent.

3. Legal Regime

Transparency of the Regulatory System

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament and a mixed legal system of civil law based primarily on French law, with some influences from Islamic law. Legislative acts are subject to judicial review by the Constitutional Court excluding royal decrees (Dahirs) issued by the King, which have the force of law. Legislative power in Morocco is vested in both the government and the two chambers of Parliament, the Chamber of Representatives (Majlis Al-Nuwab) and the Chamber of Councilors (Majlis Al Mustashareen). The principal sources of commercial legislation in Morocco are the Code of Obligations and Contracts of 1913 and Law No. 15-95 establishing the Commercial Code. The Competition Council and the National Authority for Detecting, Preventing, and Fighting Corruption (INPPLC) have responsibility for improving public governance and advocating for further market liberalization. All levels of regulations exist (local, state, national, and supra-national). The most relevant regulations for foreign businesses depend on the sector in question. Ministries develop their own regulations and draft laws, including those related to investment, through their administrative departments, with approval by the respective minister. Each regulation and draft law is made available for public comment. Key regulatory actions are published in their entirety in Arabic and usually French in the official bulletin on the website of the General Secretariat of the Government. Once published, the law is final. Public enterprises and establishments can adopt their own specific regulations provided they comply with regulations regarding competition and transparency.

Morocco’s regulatory enforcement mechanisms depend on the sector in question; enforcement is legally reviewable and made publicly available via the different agencies’ websites. The National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT), for example, is the public body responsible for the control and regulation of the telecommunications sector. The agency regulates telecommunications by participating in the development of the legislative and regulatory framework. Morocco does not have specific regulatory impact assessment guidelines, nor are impact assessments required by law. Morocco does not have a specialized government body tasked with reviewing and monitoring regulatory impact assessments conducted by other individual agencies or government bodies.

The U.S. Mission is not aware of any informal regulatory processes managed by nongovernmental organizations or private sector associations. The Moroccan Ministry of Finance posts quarterly statistics (compiled in accordance with IMF recommendations) on public finance and debt on their website. A report on public debt is published on the Ministry of Economy and Finance’s website and is used as part of the budget bill formulation and voting processes. The fiscal year 2024 debt report was published on December 25, 2023.

International Regulatory Considerations

Morocco joined the WTO in 1995 and reports technical regulations that could affect trade with other member countries to the WTO. Morocco is a signatory to the Trade Facilitation Agreement and had a 91.2 percent implementation rate of TFA requirements as of 2024. European standards are widely referenced in Morocco’s regulatory system. In some cases, U.S. or international standards, guidelines, and recommendations are also accepted.

Legal System and Judicial Independence

The Moroccan legal system is a hybrid of civil law (French system) and some Islamic law, regulated by the Decree of Obligations and Contracts of 1913 as amended, the 1996 Code of Commerce, and Law No. 53-95 on Commercial Courts. These courts also have sole competence to entertain industrial property disputes, as provided for in Law No. 17-97 on the Protection of Industrial Property, irrespective of the legal status of the parties. Royal Decree No. 1-97-65 (1997) established commercial court jurisdiction over commercial cases including insolvency. Although this led to some improvement in the handling of commercial disputes, the lack of training for judges on general commercial matters remains a key challenge to effective commercial dispute resolution in the country.

In general, litigation procedures are time consuming and resource-intensive, and there is no legal requirement with respect to case publishing. Disputes may be brought before one of eight Commercial Courts located in Morocco’s main cities and one of three Commercial Courts of Appeal located in Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech. There are other special courts such as the Military and Administrative Courts. Title VII of the Constitution provides that the judiciary shall be independent from the legislative and executive branches of government. The 2011 Constitution also authorized the creation of the Supreme Judicial Council, headed by the King, which has the authority to hire, dismiss, and promote judges. Enforcement actions are appealable at the Courts of Appeal, which hear appeals against decisions from the court of first instance.

Laws and Regulations on Foreign Direct Investment

The principal source of investment legislation in Morocco is the new Investment Charter adopted in December 2022, framework law 03-22 (see Section 1 for additional background). The new Investment Charter applies to both foreign and domestic investment but excludes investment in agriculture, which remains subject to sectoral legislation. Real estate and commercial sector investors are also excluded from the coverage of specific provisions of the Charter. Morocco’s CRIs and AMDIE provide users with investment-related information on laws and regulations, both general and specific, for various industry sectors and geographic jurisdictions along with procedural information, calls for tenders, and additional resources for business creation. Each CRI hosts a website that is meant to act as an entry point to their “one-stop-shop” services that guide investors through the investment process. These websites have improved significantly since launch and are regularly updated. Further information about Morocco’s investment laws and procedures is available on AMDIE’s “Morocco Now” website or through the individual websites of each of the CRIs.

On 26 January 2022, the Government Council issued a Decree detailing key elements of the “investment support system,” which includes the following three categories:

Under the common scheme, a grant corresponding to a percentage of the invested amount is provided according to criteria relating to: the number of permanent jobs created (5 to 10 percent of the investment amount, depending on the number of jobs), gender (3 percent), type of occupations (3 percent for high technological content or technology-upgrading projects), sustainable development impact (3 percent) and local integration (3 percent).
Under the territorial scheme, grants are provided for enhancing the attractiveness of investment in the provinces and prefectures, and for reducing territorial disparities. The provinces and prefectures will be classified into: Category A (10 percent of the investment), and Category B (15 percent). The lists will be defined at a later stage and may be revised.
Under the sectoral scheme, up to 5 percent of the eligible investment amount is granted to all projects in priority sectors such as industry, tourism and leisure, cultural industries, digital, renewable energies, waste recycling, transportation, and logistics.

The National Commission on Projects may also confer “strategic” status to investments greater than or equal to two billion dirhams (approximately $544.5 million) and meeting one of the following criteria: contributes effectively to water, energy, food or health security in Morocco; creates a significant number of jobs; contributes to the economic influence and strategic positioning of Morocco at the regional, continental or international level; significantly impacts the development of sectoral ecosystems, and contributes significantly to the development of new technologies. For these projects, support measures are to be specifically discussed within the framework of an agreement with the State and the projects must be carried out within five years of the signing of the investment agreement, unless otherwise stated in this agreement.

Competition and Antitrust Laws

Morocco’s Competition Law No. 06-99 on Free Pricing and Competition outlines the authority of the Competition Council as an independent executive body with investigatory powers. The Competition Council’s responsibilities include making decisions on anti-competition practices and controlling concentrations, with powers of investigation and sanction; providing opinions in official consultations by government authorities; and publishing reviews and studies on the state of competition. In January 2022, in partnership with Morocco’s employers’ association, the Confederation General des Entreprises du Maroc (CGEM), the Competition Council published a legal compliance guide to provide additional guidance for companies and professional organizations in establishing a competition law compliance program. In 2022, the Council issued 31 antitrust fines with a total value of MAD 72 billion ($7.2 billion).

In November 2023, the Council fined the nine fuel companies operating in Morocco, including French TotalEnergies and Anglo-Dutch Vivo Energy (Shell), 1.84 billion dirhams ($180 million) for non-compliance with free competition rules and price fixing following a five-year investigation into the oil sector, where three companies hold more than 60 percent of market share.

In April 2022, the Competition Council imposed a $1 million “gun jumping” fine, the first of its kind, on Swiss-owned construction chemicals firm Sika AG for its acquisition of French-owned Financière Dry Mix Solutions SAS. The competition legislation also contains provisions on the abuse of buyer power, but the Competition Council has not yet issued a decision in this area. While anticompetitive conduct is criminalized in Morocco, criminal charges have yet to be brought against any infringing entity.

Expropriation and Compensation

Expropriation may only occur in the public interest for public use by a state entity. However, private entities that are public service “concessionaires,” mixed economy companies, or general interest companies have previously also been granted expropriation rights. Article 3 of Law No. 7-81 (May 1982) on expropriation, the associated Royal Decree of May 6, 1982, and Decree No. 2-82-328 of April 16, 1983, regulate government authority to expropriate property. The process of expropriation has two phases: in the administrative phase, the State declares public interest in expropriating specific land and verifies ownership, titles, and appraised value of the land. If the State and owner can come to agreement on the value, the expropriation is complete. If the owner appeals, the judicial phase begins, whereby the property is taken, a judge oversees the transfer of the property, and payment compensation is made to the owner based on the judgment. The U.S. Mission is not aware of any recent, confirmed instances of private property being expropriated for other than public purposes (eminent domain), or in a manner that is discriminatory or not in accordance with established principles of international law.

Dispute Settlement

ICSID Convention and New York Convention

Morocco is a member of the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and signed its convention in June 1967. Morocco is a party to the New York Convention of 1958 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. Law No. 08-05 provides for enforcement of awards made under these conventions.

Investor-State Dispute Settlement

Morocco is signatory to over 70 bilateral treaties recognizing binding international arbitration of trade disputes, including one with the United States. Law No. 08-05 established a system of conventional arbitration and mediation, while allowing parties to apply the Code of Civil Procedure in their dispute resolution. Foreign investors commonly rely on international arbitration to resolve contractual disputes. Commercial courts recognize and enforce foreign arbitration awards. Generally, investor rights are backed by a transparent, impartial procedure for dispute settlement. There have been no claims brought by foreign investors under the investment chapter of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement since it came into effect in 2006. The U.S. Mission is not aware of any investment disputes over the last year involving U.S. investors. Morocco officially recognizes foreign arbitration awards issued against the government. Domestic arbitration awards are also enforceable subject to an enforcement order issued by the President of the Commercial Court, who verifies that no elements of the award violate public order or the defense rights of the parties. As Morocco is a member of the New York Convention, international awards are also enforceable in accordance with the provisions of the convention. Morocco is also a member of the Washington Convention for the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), and as such agrees to enforce and uphold ICSID arbitral awards. The U.S. Mission is not aware of extrajudicial action against foreign investors.

International Commercial Arbitration and Foreign Courts

Morocco has a national commission on Alternative Dispute Resolution with a mandate to regulate mediation training centers and develop mediator certification systems. The Center of Arbitration and Mediation in Rabat and the Casablanca International Mediation and Arbitration Center see most investment disputes. The U.S. Mission is aware of several investment and commercial disputes and has advocated on behalf of U.S. companies to resolve the disputes.

Bankruptcy Regulations

Morocco’s bankruptcy law is based on French law. Commercial courts have jurisdiction over all cases related to insolvency, as set forth in Royal Decree No. 1-97-65 (1997). The Commercial Court in the debtor’s place of business holds jurisdiction in insolvency cases. The law gives secured debtors priority claim on assets and proceeds over unsecured debtors, who in turn have priority over equity shareholders. Bankruptcy is not criminalized. The World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business report ranked Morocco 73 out of 190 economies in “Resolving Insolvency.”

4. Industrial Policies

Investment Incentives

As set out in the Investment Code, Morocco offers incentives designed to encourage foreign and local investment. Morocco’s existing Investment Charter gives the same benefits to all investors regardless of the industry in which they operate (except agriculture and phosphates, which remain outside the scope of the Charter). Post is unaware of any special incentives designated for businesses owned by underrepresented investors. With respect to agricultural incentives, Morocco’s Green Generation 2020-2030 plan aims to improve the competitiveness of the agribusiness industry by supporting value chains and making the industry more resilient and environmentally sound. Agricultural companies with revenues exceeding $500,000 qualify for a lower corporate tax rate of 20 percent.

The government of Morocco launched its “investment reform plan” in 2016 to create a favorable environment for the private sector to drive growth. The plan includes the adoption of investment incentives to support the industrial ecosystem, tax and customs advantages to support investors and new investment projects, import duty exemptions, and a value added tax (VAT) exemption. Special VAT exemptions are available for medical products and vaccines and products/materials related to solar panel production. AMDIE’s website has more details on investment incentives, but generally these incentives are based on the agency’s sectoral priorities (automotive, aerospace, textile, agro-food industry, pharmaceuticals, and outsourcing). Investments of $5 million or above qualify for government subsidies of land cost (20 percent), external infrastructure costs (5 percent), and training costs (20 percent).

The government of Morocco offers several guarantee funds and sources of financing for investment projects to both Moroccan and foreign investors. For example, the Caisse Centrale de Garantie (CCG), a public finance institution, offers co-financing, equity financing, and guarantees.

Beyond tax exemptions granted under ordinary law, Moroccan regulations provide specific advantages for investors with investment agreements or contracts with the government of Morocco if they meet the required criteria. These advantages include subsidies for certain expenses related to investment through the Industrial Development and Investment Fund, subsidies of certain expenses for the promotion of investment in specific industrial sectors and the development of new technologies through the Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development, exemption from customs duties within the framework of Article 7.I of the Finance Law 12-98, and exemption from the Value Added Tax (VAT) on imports and domestic sales.

Morocco’s “Tatwir” program encourages industrial decarbonization and the creation of new green industrial sectors, with a particular focus on energy transition projects, the development of eco-designed products with a positive carbon footprint, and the use of clean technologies in manufacturing processes and material flows. The program’s incentives include:

A 30 percent investment bonus to support the financing of industrial equipment.
Reimbursable aid of 5 percent to investment projects to contribute to financing seed projects in new green industries.
Coverage of up to 50 percent of expenses incurred in innovation and product development, in particular the costs of technical studies, development models and prototypes, laboratory tests and analyses, patents and trademarks, etc.
Coverage of up to 80 percent for SMEs and 90 percent for VSEs of advisory and technical expertise relating to energy and environmental audits, compliance with standards and labels, impact analysis environment of a product, etc.

There are also green subsidies to encourage environmental preservation offered by National Fund for the Protection and Enhancement of the Environment (FNE), the Industrial Depollution Fund (FODEP), the Mechanism for Clean Development (MDP).

Foreign Trade Zones/Free Ports/Trade Facilitation

Morocco has several free zones offering companies incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, and reduced customs duties. These zones aim to attract investment by companies seeking to export products from Morocco.

As part of a government-wide strategy to strengthen its position as an African financial hub, Morocco offers incentives for firms that locate their regional headquarters in Morocco at Casablanca Finance City (CFC), Morocco’s flagship financial and business hub launched in 2010. The CFC regime, which applies to both financial (such as investment services and holding companies) and non-financial (such as advisory and regional headquarters and distribution centers) firms, is open to both Moroccan and foreign companies and provides the same tax benefits. For details on CFC eligibility, see CFC’s website .

In 2021, Morocco was removed from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes (the so-called “EU Tax Haven Grey List,” not to be confused with FATF AML/CFT grey list), after amending some tax policy measures deemed as potentially harmful based on the tax advantages offered to export companies, companies operating in free zones, and CFC. To enhance its competitiveness and investment attractiveness and to be aligned with international best practices, Morocco’s 2020 budget law transformed the country’s free zones into “Industrial Acceleration Zones.”

Under the 2023 budget law, companies registered in Industrial Acceleration Zones or holding CFC status are now subject to a corporate tax rate of 20 percent, compared to a 15 percent corporate tax rate following an initial five years of exemption under the 2020 budget law. The zones also allow for flat 20 percent income tax applicable for all employees working within the zone until January 2025, much lower than the graduated income tax which can reach up to 38 percent. Additionally, the government of Morocco also offers a VAT exemption for investors using and importing equipment goods, materials, and tools needed to achieve investment projects whose value is at least $20 million.

Performance and Data Localization Requirements

The government of Morocco views foreign investment as an important vehicle for creating local employment. Visa issuance for foreign employees is contingent upon a company’s inability to find a qualified local employee for a specific position and can only be issued after the company has verified the unavailability of such an employee with the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Competency (ANAPEC). If these conditions are met, the government of Morocco allows the hiring of foreign employees, including for senior management. The process for obtaining and renewing visas and work permits can be onerous and may take up to six months, except for CFC members, where the processing time is reportedly one week.

Although there is no formal requirement to use domestic content in goods or technology, the government has announced its intent to pursue an industrial import-substitution policy as part of its COVID-19-related recovery plan and has amended its finance law to increase custom duties on finished products coming from non-FTA countries. Additionally, the plan established a special industrial project bank with the goal of supporting projects in 11 target sectors.

The WTO Trade Related Investment Measures’ (TRIMs) database does not indicate any reported Moroccan measures that are inconsistent with TRIMs requirements. Though not required, tenders in some industries, including solar and wind energy, are written with targets for local content percentages, and issuing authorities for public tenders are required by law to increase offers from foreign companies by 15 percent when comparing bids to give preference to offers from Moroccan firms. Both performance requirements and investment incentives are uniformly applied to both domestic and foreign investors depending on the size of the investment.

Morocco’s foundational cybersecurity law, No. 05-20, which aimed to strengthen the government’s legal arsenal in the fight against cyber-attacks and cybercrime, and Decree No. 2.21, which defined measures for the protection of information systems in government administrations, public institutions, enterprises, and critical infrastructure, combine to create a burdensome data localization requirement. The 05-20 law and subsequent decree issued by the Directorate General for Information Systems Security (DGSSI), does not include limitations on untrusted vendors and requires covered Moroccan entities to classify data into three categories: non-sensitive; sensitive or personally identifiable; and national security data. Although the 05-20 law and implementing decree allow data classified as non-sensitive and sensitive or personally identifiable to be held outside the country, including in secure hyperscaled clouds, in practice covered Moroccan entities are either not technically capable of classifying comingled data or find it too costly to do so. Moroccan operators therefore default to handling all data under the strictest requirements, including restrictions that bar companies from freely transmitting data outside the country’s territory.

The Moroccan Data Protection Act (Act 09-08 ) stipulates that data controllers may only transfer data if a foreign nation ensures an adequate level of protection of privacy and fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals with regard to the treatment of their personal data. Morocco’s National Data Protection Commission (CNDP) defines the exceptions according to Moroccan law. Local regulation requires the release of source code for certain telecommunications hardware products. However, the U.S. Mission is not aware of any Moroccan government requirement that foreign IT companies should allow the government of Morocco to review or have backdoor access to their source-code or systems.

5. Protection of Property Rights

Real Property

Morocco permits foreign individuals and foreign companies to own land, except agricultural land. Passed in 2021, Land Reform bill 62-19, which will open rural land acquisition to joint ventures and limited partnerships, is awaiting the publication of regulatory texts. Foreigners may acquire agricultural land to carry out an investment or other economic project that is not agricultural in nature, subject to first obtaining a certificate of non-agricultural use from the authorities. Morocco has a formal registration system maintained by the National Agency for Real Estate Conservation, Property Registries, and Cartography (ANCFCC), which issues titles of land ownership.

Approximately 30 percent of land is registered in the formal system, and almost all of that is in urban areas. In addition to the formal registration system, there are customary documents called moulkiya issued by traditional notaries called adouls . While not providing the same level of certainty as a title, a moulkiya can provide some level of security of ownership. Morocco also recognizes prescriptive rights whereby an occupant of a land under the moulkiya system (not lands duly registered with ANCFCC) can establish ownership of that land upon fulfillment of all the legal requirements, including occupation of the land for a certain period (10 years if the occupant and the landlord are not related and 40 years if the occupant is a family member). There are other specific legal regimes applicable to some types of lands, including:

Collective lands: lands which are owned collectively by some tribes, whose members only benefit from rights of usufruct;
Public lands: lands which are owned by the Moroccan State;
Guich lands: lands which are owned by the Moroccan State, but whose usufruct rights are vested upon some tribes;
Habous lands: lands which are owned by a party (the State, a certain family, a religious or charity organization, etc.) subsequent to a donation, and the usufruct rights of which are vested upon such party (usually with the obligation to allocate the proceeds to a specific use or to use the property in a certain way).

While land traditionally has been transmitted from father to son, a series of laws since 2009 have progressively improved protections for women’s rights to land ownership. The most recent reform in 2019, Law 62-17, extended inheritance protections to tribal collective lands. According to the law, women are entitled to a share of inherited property, but a woman’s share of inheritance is generally half of what a man would receive. A sole male heir would receive the entire estate, while a sole female heir would receive one-half the estate with the rest going to other relatives. Since the adoption of this law, 128 hectares have been distributed to 867 women, who have since maintained control over the land, according to the World Bank. In addition, the Millennium Challenge Corporation has partnered with the Government of Morocco to title traditionally held lands in the Gharb and Haouz regions, with 40 percent of the 55,000 hectares of land titled since 2020 going to women, compared to 1 percent that would have been otherwise issued to women without claiming their inheritance.

Morocco’s rating for “Registering Property” dropped in 2020 by 13 places, resulting in a ranking of 81 out of 190 countries worldwide in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report in this category. Despite reducing the time it takes to obtain a non-encumbrance certificate, Morocco made property registration less transparent by not publishing statistics on the number of property transactions and land disputes for the previous calendar year, resulting in a lower score than in 2019.

Intellectual Property Rights

Morocco is not listed in USTR’s 2024 Special 301 Report List, although it is referenced in the first section of the Report for concerns about digital piracy. Morocco is not listed in USTR’s 2023 Notorious Markets List report.

Morocco has been a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) since 1971. It is a signatory to various international agreements on intellectual property rights. The Ministry of Industry and Trade oversees the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC), which serves as a registry for patents and trademarks in the industrial and commercial sectors. The Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication oversees the Moroccan Copyright Office (BMDA), which registers copyrights for literary and artistic works (including software), enforces copyright protection, and coordinates with Moroccan and international partners to combat piracy.

In 2016, OMPIC partnered with the European Patent Office (EPO) to develop an agreement for validating European patents in Morocco, and it now receives roughly 80 percent of total applications via this channel. In 2021, OMPIC was certified to classify technical documents using the Cooperative Patent Classification, an extension of the International Patent Classification program which is jointly managed by the EPO and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In 2022, OMPIC registered 26,527 trademarks, 4,871 industrial designs, and 2,913 patents.

Law No. 23-13 on Intellectual Property Rights increased penalties for violation of those rights and better defined civil and criminal jurisdiction and legal remedies in 2013. It also set in motion an accreditation system for patent attorneys to better systematize and regulate the practice of patent law. Law No. 34-05, amending and supplementing Law No. 2-00 on Copyright and Related Rights, includes 15 items (Articles 61 to 65) devoted to punitive measures against piracy and other copyright offenses. These range from civil and criminal penalties to the seizure and destruction of seized copies. Judges’ authority in sentencing and criminal procedures is proscribed, with little power to issue harsher sentences that would serve as stronger deterrents.

Moroccan authorities continue to express a commitment to cracking down on all types of counterfeiting, but due to resource constraints, only focus enforcement efforts on the most problematic areas, specifically those with public safety and/or significant economic impacts. In 2019, the Customs and Indirect Tax Administration (ADII) seized 700,000 items and received 689 requests to stop the sale of counterfeit goods. In 2020, ADII seized 939,000 counterfeit items and received 621 specific requests. In 2021, ADII seized 740,120 counterfeit items valued at $2.58 million (MAD 26.75 million) and received 619 requests. In 2022, ADII seized 1,821,886 individual counterfeit items such as cosmetics, electrical equipment, leather goods, clothing, and footwear valued at $2.05 million (MAD 21.23 million.) There were 629 detention requests.

In 2015, Morocco and the European Union concluded an agreement on the protection of Geographic Indications (GIs), which is pending ratification by both the Moroccan and European parliaments. Should it enter into force, the agreement would grant Moroccan GIs sui generis, which is especially relevant as it is a prominent element of its Green Generation 2020-2030 agricultural development plan. The U.S. government continues to urge Morocco to pursue a transparent and substantive assessment process for the EU GIs in a manner consistent with Morocco’s existing obligations, including those under the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement.

For assistance, please refer to the U.S. Embassy local lawyers’ list, as well as to the regional U.S. IP Attaché.

Resources for Intellectual Property Rights Holders: Aisha Y. Salem-Howey, LL.M. Intellectual Property Attaché for the Middle East & North Africa U.S. Patent & Trademark Office | U.S. Department of Commerce [email protected]

For additional information about national laws and points of contact at local IP offices, please see WIPO’s country profiles at http://www.wipo.int/directory/en/.

6. Financial Sector

Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment

Morocco encourages foreign portfolio investment and Moroccan legislation applies equally to Moroccan and foreign legal entities and to both domestic and foreign portfolio investment. The Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE), founded in 1929 and re-launched as a private institution in 1993, is one of the few exchanges in the region with no restrictions on foreign participation. The CSE is regulated by the Moroccan Capital Markets Authority. Local and foreign investors have identical tax exposure on dividends (10 percent) and pay no capital gains tax. With a market capitalization of around $68 billion and 75 listed companies, CSE is the second largest exchange in Africa (after the Johannesburg Stock Exchange). Nonetheless, the CSE saw only 10 new listings between 2012-2022. There were only two initial public offering (IPO) in 2022. Short selling, which could provide liquidity to the market, is not permitted. The government of Morocco initiated the Futures Market Act (Act 42-12) in 2015 to define the institutional framework of the futures market in Morocco and the role of the regulatory and supervisory authorities. As of March 2022, futures trading was still pending implementation and is not expected to commence until the second quarter of 2024.

The Casablanca Stock Exchange demutualized in November of 2015. This change allowed the CSE greater flexibility and more access to global markets, and better positioned it as an integrated financial hub for the region. The government of Morocco holds a 25 percent share of the CSE but has announced its desire to sell to another major exchange to bring additional capital and expertise to the market. Morocco has accepted the obligations of IMF Article VIII, sections 2(a), 3, and 4, and its exchange system is free of restrictions on making payments and transfers on current international transactions. Credit is allocated on market terms, and foreign investors can obtain credit on the local market.

Money and Banking System

Morocco has a well-developed banking sector, where penetration is rising rapidly and recent improvements in macroeconomic fundamentals have helped resolve previous liquidity shortages. Morocco has some of Africa’s largest banks, and several are major players on the continent and continue to expand their footprint. The sector has several large, homegrown institutions with international footprints, as well as several subsidiaries of foreign banks. According to Bank Al-Maghrib (the Moroccan central bank) there are 24 banks operating in Morocco (five of which are Islamic “participatory” banks), six offshore institutions, 28 finance companies, 11 micro-credit associations, and 20 intermediary companies operating in funds transfer. Among the 19 traditional banks, the top seven banks comprise 90 percent of the system’s assets (including both on- and off-balance-sheet items). Attijariwafa, Morocco’s largest bank, is the sixth largest bank in Africa by total assets (approximately $65 billion in December 2023) and operates in 25 countries, most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. Al Mada, the Moroccan royal family’s holding company, is the largest shareholder, holding 47 percent of the company’s stock. Foreign (mainly French) financial institutions are majority stakeholders in seven banks and nine finance companies. Moroccan banks have built up their presence overseas mainly through the acquisition of local banks, thus local deposits largely fund their subsidiaries.

The overall strength of the banking sector has grown significantly in recent years. Since financial liberalization, credit is allocated freely and Bank Al-Maghrib has used indirect methods to control the interest rate and volume of credit. According to the World Bank, only 41 percent of Moroccan adults use formal financial products or services, leaving significant opportunities remaining for firms pursuing rural and less-affluent segments of the market. At the start of 2017, Bank Al-Maghrib approved five requests to open Islamic banks in the country. By mid-2018, over 80 branches specializing in Islamic banking services were operating in Morocco. The first Islamic bonds (sukuk) were issued in October 2018. In 2019, Islamic banks in Morocco granted $930 million in financing. The GOM passed a law authorizing Islamic insurance products (takaful) in 2019, which became commercially available in early 2022.

Outstanding loans increased 7.6 percent in 2022 to $105 billion, driven mainly by loans to the private sector (+10.9 percent). Liquidity loans (short term) increased by 16 percent to $26.1 billion, while equipment loans increased by 8.8 percent to $18.3 billion. Non-performing loans (NPLs) increased by 5.5 percent to $8.9 billion. NPLs have been stable at around 8.3 percent between 2020 and 2022, compared to around 7.3 percent between 2017 and 2019. The IMF judges that Moroccan banks have healthy NPL provisioning, adequate capitalization, and relatively low risks from large credit exposures compared to pre-crisis levels.

Morocco’s accounting, legal, and regulatory procedures are transparent and consistent with international norms. Morocco is a member of UNCTAD’s international network of transparent investment procedures. Bank Al-Maghrib is responsible for issuing accounting standards for banks and financial institutions. Bank Al Maghrib requires that all entities under its supervision use International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The Securities Commission is responsible for issuing financial reporting and accounting standards for public companies. Moroccan Stock Exchange Law ( Law 52-01 ) stipulates that all companies listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE), other than banks and similar financial institutions, can choose between IFRS and Moroccan Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). In practice, most public companies use IFRS.

Legal provisions regulating the banking sector include Law No. 76-03 on the Charter of Bank Al-Maghrib, which created an independent board of directors and prohibits the Ministry of Finance and Economy from borrowing from the Central Bank except under exceptional circumstances. Even with the financial crisis caused by COVID-19, the central bank did not provide financing directly to the state, but instead used other monetary tools (such as reducing reserve requirements) to intervene and reinforce the banking sector. Law No. 51-20, passed in 2021, aims to further the strengthen the financial systems by reinforcing the supervision of financial conglomerates, improving interest rate targeting to protect consumers, increasing financial inclusion, and providing enhanced privacy protections.

Foreign banks and branches are allowed to establish operations in Morocco and are subject to provisions regulating the banking sector. At present, the U.S. Mission is not aware of Morocco losing correspondent banking relationships. There are no restrictions on foreigners’ abilities to establish bank accounts. However, foreigners who wish to establish a bank account are required to open a “convertible” account with foreign currency. The account holder may only deposit foreign currency into that account; at no time can they deposit dirhams. There are anecdotal reports that Moroccan banks have closed accounts without giving appropriate warning and that it has been difficult for some foreigners to open bank accounts.

A Crowdfunding Law (15-18) was passed into law in 2021, establishing a legal regulatory and legal framework for collaborative financing. The law aims to increase the financial inclusion by providing new source of financing to entrepreneurs. Morocco prohibits the use of cryptocurrencies, noting that they carry significant risks that may lead to penalties. Notwithstanding the current ban, Bitcoin trading in Morocco is among the highest in North Africa, with an estimated 2.4 percent of the population owning the cryptocurrency. The Central Bank is currently working to prepare a legal framework for cryptocurrency with the support of the World Bank, but it is unclear when this framework will be released.

Foreign Exchange and Remittances

Foreign Exchange

The income from foreign investments financed in foreign currency can be transferred tax-free, without amount or duration limits. This income can be dividends, attendance fees, rental income, benefits, or interest. Capital contributions made in convertible currency, contributions made by debit of forward convertible accounts, and net transfer capital gains may also be repatriated. For the transfer of dividends, bonuses, or benefit shares, the investor must provide balance sheets and profit and loss statements, annexed documents relating to the fiscal year in which the transfer is requested, as well as the statement of extra-accounting adjustments made to obtain the taxable income.

A currency-convertibility regime is available to foreign investors, including Moroccans living abroad, who invest in Morocco. This regime facilitates their investments in Morocco, repatriation of income, and profits on investments. Morocco guarantees full currency convertibility for capital transactions, free transfer of profits, and free repatriation of invested capital when such investment is governed by the convertibility arrangement. Generally, the investors must notify the government of the investment transaction, providing the necessary legal and financial documentation. With respect to the cross-border transfer of investment proceeds to foreign investors, the rules vary depending on the type of investment. Investors may import freely without any value limits to traveler’s checks, bank or postal checks, letters of credit, payment cards or any other means of payment denominated in foreign currency. For cash and/or negotiable instruments in bearer form with a value equal to or greater than 100,000 Moroccan Dirham, importers must file a declaration with Moroccan Customs at the port of entry. Declarations are available at all border crossings, ports, and airports.

Morocco has achieved relatively stable macroeconomic and financial conditions under an exchange rate peg (60/40 Euro/Dollar split), which has helped achieve price stability and insulated the economy from nominal shocks. In March of 2020, the Moroccan Ministry of Economy and Finance, in consultation with the Central Bank, adopted a new exchange regime in which the Moroccan dirham may now fluctuate within a band of ± 5 percent compared to the Bank’s central rate (peg). The change loosened the fluctuation band from its previous ± 2.5 percent. The change is designed to strengthen the capacity of the Moroccan economy to absorb external shocks, support its competitiveness, and contribute to improving growth.

Remittance Policies

Amounts received from abroad must pass through a convertible dirham account. This type of account facilitates investment transactions in Morocco and guarantees the transfer of proceeds for the investment, as well as the repatriation of the proceeds and the capital gains from any resale. AMDIE recommends that investors open a convertible account in dirhams on arrival in Morocco to quickly access the funds necessary for notarial transactions.

Sovereign Wealth Funds

Ithmar Capital is Morocco’s investment fund and financial vehicle, which aims to support the national sectorial strategies. Ithmar Capital is a full member of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds and follows the Santiago Principles. The $1.8 billion fund was launched in 2011 by the government of Morocco, supported by the royal Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development. This fund initially supported the government’s long-term Vision 2020 strategic plan for tourism and has several large-scale development projects under development. The fund is currently part of the long-term development plan initiated by the government in multiple economic sectors.

The government of Morocco created the Mohammed VI Investment Fund (the Fund) in 2021 as part of a COVID economic recovery plan. A public-limited company with an initial capital of $1.5 billion from the central government budget, the Fund seeks to serve as an anchor investor to catalyze private sector investment. To maintain the Fund’s status as a public-limited company, private operators cannot control more than 33 percent of its capital. The Fund is intended to finance and support growth-generating projects through PPPs and to contribute directly to the capital of large public and private companies operating in priority areas, including infrastructure and the automotive sector, through financial instruments such as advances and repayable loans. The Fund will also provide capital to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through sector-oriented or thematic funds. These thematic funds will operate as private equity funds – to be selected following a competitive bid process – and will prioritize projects in the fields of industry, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism. The Fund issued its first call for proposals for its sectoral and thematic funds in May 2023 and launched a subordinated debt product for Moroccan companies, “CapAccess,” in March 2024. In April 2024, the Fund issued a call for expressions of interest for funds dedicated to startups.

7. State-Owned Enterprises

Morocco’s public portfolio consists of 225 public administrative agencies (which include quasi-public corporations) and 44 limited liability companies held directly by the Treasury, according to a 2023 World Bank report . A list of SOEs is available on the Ministry of Finance’s website . Boards of directors (in single-tier boards) or supervisory boards (in dual-tier boards) oversee Moroccan SOEs. The Financial Control Act and the Limited Liability Companies Act govern these bodies. The Ministry of Economy and Finance’s Department of Public Enterprises and Privatization monitors SOE governance. Pursuant to Law No. 69-00, SOE annual accounts are publicly available. Under Law No. 62-99, or the Financial Jurisdictions Code, the Court of Accounts and the Regional Courts of Accounts audit the management of a number of public enterprises.

Several sectors remain under public monopoly, managed either directly by public institutions (rail transport, some postal services, and airport services) or by municipalities (wholesale distribution of fruit and vegetables, fish, and slaughterhouses). The Office Cherifien des Phosphates (OCP), a public limited company that is 95 percent held by the government of Morocco, is a world-leading exporter of phosphate and derived products. Phosphates are seen as the sole property of the state and are exclusively mined by OCP; outside operators are precluded from entering the market. In the 2021 Resource Governance Index (RGI), Morocco dropped 15 points from “good” to “weak” performance compared to 2020 due to “failing” commodity sales rules and disclosures and OCP’s quasi-fiscal activities, which use revenues to fund numerous social development projects.

Morocco has opened several traditional government activities using delegated-management or concession arrangements to private domestic or foreign operators, which are generally subject to tendering procedures. Examples include water and electricity distribution, construction and operation of motorways, and the management of non-hazardous wastes. In some cases, SOEs continue to control the infrastructure while allowing private-sector competition through concessions. SOEs benefit from budgetary transfers from the state treasury for investment expenditures.

Morocco established the Moroccan National Commission on Corporate Governance in 2007. It prepared the first Moroccan Code of Good Corporate Governance Practices in 2008. In 2011, the Commission drafted a code dedicated to SOEs, drawing on the OECD Guidelines on Corporate Governance of SOEs. The code, which came into effect in 2012, aims to enhance SOEs’ overall performance. It requires greater use of standardized public procurement and accounting rules, outside audits, the inclusion of independent directors, board evaluations, greater transparency, and better disclosure. The government of Morocco prioritizes several governance-related initiatives including an initiative to help SOEs contribute to the emergence of regional development clusters. The government is also attempting to improve the use of multi-year contracts with major SOEs as a tool to enhance performance and transparency.

In July 2021, the government of Morocco adopted Law 50-21 on the Reform of Public Enterprises with a view to restructuring SOEs, consolidating their strategic role in the implementation of public policies, resizing the public sector and rationalizing public expenditure, and improving governance. During the same year, the government adopted Law 82-20 on the National Agency in charge of the Management of State Participation. This entity will decide on the establishment of SOEs, manage their performance, and propose privatization operations, Significant implementation challenges lie ahead, beginning with making the Agency fully operational and ensuring that it effectively pursues market neutrality between public and private sector companies, including by breaking SOEs’ monopolistic position in key sectors of Morocco’s economy.

Privatization Program

The government relaunched Morocco’s privatization program in the 2019 budget. Parliament enacted the updated annex to Law 38-89 (which authorizes the transfer of publicly held shares to the private sector) in February 2019 through publication in the official bulletin, including the list of entities to be privatized. The state still holds significant shares in the main telecommunications companies, banks, and insurance companies, as well as railway and air transport companies. In 2020, King Mohamed VI called for sweeping reforms to address the structural deficiencies of SOEs, after which the Ministry of Economy and Finance announced plans to consolidate SOEs with overlapping missions, dissolve unproductive SOEs, and reorganize others to increase efficiencies, but since the mandate, only two privatization or reorganization actions have been finalized.

8. Responsible Business Conduct

Responsible business conduct (RBC) has gained strength in the broader business community in tandem with Morocco’s economic expansion and stability. The government of Morocco does not have any regulations requiring companies to practice RBC, nor does it give any preference to such companies. However, companies generally inform Moroccan authorities of their planned RBC involvement. Foreign firms and some local enterprises follow generally accepted principles, such as the OECD RBC guidelines for multinational companies. NGOs and Morocco’s active civil society are also taking an increasingly active role in monitoring corporations’ RBC performance.

Morocco joined the UN Global Compact network in 2006 and in 2022 counted 24 private signatories, including the Confederation General des Entreprises du Maroc (CGEM), Morocco’s employers’ organization and largest private sector lobbying group that represents more than 90,000 private companies. The Compact provides support to companies that affirm their commitment to social responsibility. In 2017 a non-governmental National Observatory for RBC (ORSEM) was created with the objective of promoting responsible business practices. In 2021, ORSEM partnered with AtlantaSanad Assurance, a Moroccan insurance company, to publish its first corporate social responsibility guide.

Morocco does not currently participate in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) or the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, though it has held some consultations aimed at eventually joining EITI. No domestic transparency measures exist that require disclosure of payments made to governments. There have not been any instances of private sector involvement or impact on human rights issues in the recent past.

Morocco is not a signatory of the Montreux Document on Private Military and Security Companies, and Post is unaware of any private military companies operating in the country.

Additional Resources

Department of State

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices ;
Trafficking in Persons Report ;
Guidance on Implementing the “UN Guiding Principles” for Transactions Linked to Foreign Government End-Users for Products or Services with Surveillance Capabilities
U.S. National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises ; and;
Xinjiang Supply Chain Business Advisory

Department of the Treasury

OFAC Recent Actions

Department of Labor

Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor Report ;
List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor ;
Sweat & Toil: Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking Around the World and;
Comply Chain .

Morocco’s climate strategy is outlined in the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 , and climate objectives make up two of the five pillars of the New Development Model , the country’s overarching economic plan released in April 2021. The New Development Model seeks to ensure that new economic initiatives consider environmental, economic, and social impacts, to strengthen the sustainable management of natural resources, and to generally promote environmentally friendly economic activities. It lays out the country’s ambition to increase the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption from 19.5 percent in 2021 to 40 percent by 2035.

At the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in 2021 (COP26), Morocco signed on to several climate-change commitments, including the U.S.-led Global Methane Pledge to reduce overall methane emissions by 30 percent (from 2020 levels) by 2030. Morocco has also signed on to the Global Green Growth Initiative (GGGI), which supports the government of Morocco’s commitment to transition to a green economy, one of the pillars of the National Sustainable Development Strategy. In June 2021, Morocco submitted a revised Nationally Defined Contribution (NDC) to greenhouse gas reductions, strengthening the Kingdom’s 2030 unconditional targets for emission reduction from 17 percent to 18.3 percent. At COP28 in 2023, Morocco joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance and committed to develop a plan to phase out coal, which currently accounts for approximately 70 percent of Morocco’s electricity generation. Morocco is an implementing country of the UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA). The SEEA 2022 Global Assessment report ranked Morocco as a stage I implementer, meaning Morocco compiles, but does not publish, an SEEA account.

Since 2014, Morocco has lifted nearly all subsidies for fossil fuels except butane gas, although the government reinstituted a diesel fuel subsidy for transportation providers in 2022. While Morocco currently does not offer decarbonization incentives, Morocco’s Low Carbon Strategy 2050, submitted at the end of 2021 to the United Nations, calls for the establishment of a carbon tax system and incentive tools to support Morocco’s decarbonation transition.

Through Morocco’s 2008 Plan Vert and subsequent Green Generation 2020-2030 national strategies, the government committed to increasing energy production using renewables, removing subsidies on fossil fuels, expanding employment in sustainable industries, and improving the management of its water and ocean resources. Through numerous solar and wind renewable energy projects, Morocco is pursuing an ambitious goal to generate 52 percent of its electricity needs from renewables and is expected to meet that goal by 2030. Ranking as the 27th most water-scarce country in 2023 by the World Resource Institute, Morocco directed significant resources over the past five years to managing the country’s water resources, earmarking $12 billion in 2020 for a seven-year program that will focus on building dams to increase water storage capacity, improving water consumption, preserving water resources, and increasing water supply in rural areas.

To further reduce emissions, Morocco aspires to be a global leader in the future industrial production, domestic consumption, and export of green hydrogen fuel. Morocco’s aspirations are tied to its renewable energy potential and proximity to existing energy connections with Europe and Africa. The Ministry of Energy Transition has accelerated the “ National Strategy for Green Hydrogen ,” originally announced in August 2021, with a goal to capture up to four percent of the global green hydrogen market through 2050. In 2022, the Ministry launched a “GreenH2 Morocco” initiative to bring together public and private sector players in the field to prepare an appropriate regulatory framework. Prospects for the green hydrogen sector in Morocco are promising as the initial sources of manufacturing energy, solar and wind, are plentiful and the country already has extensive export connections for green products with Europe. In March 2024, Morocco announced it would allocate one million hectares of land to green hydrogen production and designated the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Development as responsible agency for facilitating investment in this sector.

9. Corruption

In Transparency International’s 202 3 Corruption Perceptions Index , Morocco ranked 94th out of 180 countries. According to the State Department’s 2022 Country Report on Human Rights Practices , Moroccan law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government generally did not implement the law effectively. Observers generally considered corruption a persistent problem, with insufficient governmental checks and balances to reduce its occurrence, and local media reported that corruption continued to hamper the country’s development. Per the Arab Barometer, 72 percent of surveyed citizens viewed corruption as prevalent in state institutions and agencies in 2022. There were reports of government corruption in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches during the year.

According to a 2023 AfroBarometer report , 43 percent of Moroccans surveyed in 2022 think corruption increased in the previous 12 months, 38 percent of public service users surveyed in 2022 reported paying a bribe in the past 12 months, and 79 percent of 2022 survey respondents believe the government is doing a bad job in tackling corruption.

Morocco’s National Authority for Probity, Prevention, and Fighting Corruption (INPLCC) is tasked with initiating, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of policies for the prevention and fight against corruption, as well as gathering and disseminating information on the issue. In 2021 parliament passed Law No 19-46 to strengthen INPPLC’s effectiveness in its fight against corruption, creating an integrated framework aimed at improving cooperation and coordination, criminalizing corruption, and improving prevention efforts. Additionally, Morocco’s anti-corruption efforts include enhancing the transparency of public tenders and implementation of a requirement that senior government officials submit financial disclosure statements at the start and end of their government service, although their family members are not required to make such disclosures. Few public officials submitted such disclosures, and there are no effective penalties for failing to comply. Morocco does not have conflict of interest legislation. In 2018, thanks to the passage of an Access to Information (AI) law, Morocco joined the Open Government Partnership, a multilateral effort to make governments more transparent. As part of its 2021-2023 Open Government National Action Plan, Morocco launched a national portal for open government , to share its various commitments and allow its citizens to monitor progress and submit their suggestions and concerns.

Although the government of Morocco does not require that private companies establish internal codes of conduct, the Moroccan Institute of Directors (IMA) was established in June 2009 with the goal of bringing together individuals, companies, and institutions willing to promote corporate governance and conduct. IMA published the four Moroccan Codes of Good Corporate Governance Practices. Some private companies use internal controls, ethics, and compliance programs to detect and prevent bribery of government officials. Morocco signed the UN Convention against Corruption in 2007 and hosted the States Parties to the Convention’s Fourth Session in 2011. However, Morocco does not provide any formal protections to NGOs involved in investigating corruption. For more information on corruption issues, please view the Human Rights Report . Although the U.S. Mission is not aware of cases involving corruption regarding customs or taxation issues, American businesses report encountering unexpected delays and requests for documentation that are not required under the FTA or standardized shipping norms.

Resources to Report Corruption

Contact at the government agency or agencies that are responsible for combating corruption:

National Authority for Probity, Prevention, and Fighting Corruption (INPLCC) INPPLC Avenue Annakhil, Immeuble High Tech, Hall B, 3ème étage, Hay Ryad-Rabat +212 5 37 57 86 60 [email protected] or via form submission at https://inpplc.ma/fr/form/contact

National Point of Contact for Responsible Business Conduct (PCN) https://pcnmaroc.ma/fr/

Submission via online form – select “Saisir le PCN” to submit a complaint. The PCN estimates three months to determine whether a complaint is actionable.

Contact at a “watchdog” organization:

Transparency Maroc 24 Rue Khouribga, 3e étage Casablanca 20 000 +212-22-542 699 [email protected] Or via form submission at https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/morocco

10. Political and Security Environment

Morocco enjoys political stability. There has not been any recent damage to commercial facilities and/or installations with a continued impact on the investment environment. Demonstrations occur in Morocco and are usually focused on economic, social, or labor issues. Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel and the Israeli incursion into the Gaza Strip, there have been widespread demonstrations across Morocco in support of the Palestinians and opposed to the Moroccan government’s relations with Israel. These demonstrations have reached tens of thousands of demonstrators on a number of occasions in Rabat and numbered in the low thousands in Tangier and Casablanca. More typically, the demonstrations attract less than a hundred participants. There have been no reports of violence or property damage associated with these protests.

Morocco has historically experienced terrorist attacks. Travelers should generally exercise increased caution due to terrorism as terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Morocco. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Visitors are encouraged to consult the Department of State’s Morocco Travel Advisory for the most current information.

11. Labor Policies and Practices

In the Moroccan labor market, many Moroccan university graduates cannot find jobs commensurate with their education and training, and employers report insufficient skilled candidates. According to the Moroccan High Commission for Planning, the unemployment rate in Morocco was 13 percent in 2023. The rate of unemployment was 6.3 percent in rural areas and 16.8 in urban areas. Youth unemployment was especially high, with around 35.8 percent of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 lacking employment. The World Bank and other international institutions estimate that actual unemployment – and underemployment – rates may be higher. Regarding women’s participation in the labor force, Morocco ranks last in the MENA region with female labor participation standing at 20 percent, according to a World Bank report in May of 2022.

A 2023 report by Morocco’s Ministry of Finance and the African Development Bank noted that 70 percent of Morocco’s labor market operates in the informal economy, the highest in the region. According to a 2021 central bank study, Morocco’s informal economy accounts for slightly below 30 percent of GDP, versus a MENA regional average of 25 percent. To address these issues, the Government of Aziz Akhannouch announced it would overhaul Morocco’s education system to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 in line with the government’s objectives under the government’s New Development Model.

The government of Morocco has regularized the status of over 50,000 sub-Saharan migrants between 2014 and 2017. Regularization provides these migrants with legal access to employment, employment services, and education and vocation training. In addition, there are thousands of migrants working legally in Morocco after completing their education at Moroccan universities. Most legally employed sub-Saharan migrants in Morocco work in call centers and education institutes, if they have strong French or English skills. However, there are also tens of thousands of irregular migrants living and working in Morocco’s informal economy. These irregular migrants have access to the Moroccan education and health systems but have no legal right to work in Morocco. Many of these irregular migrants work in the informal economy as domestic help or in construction in major cities like Casablanca and Marrakesh.

Under Moroccan Labor Code, Law Number 65-99, there are two types of employment contracts: fixed-term and permanent. Under a fixed-term labor contract, the duration of employment ends on a defined date and early termination initiated by the employer will result in damages equivalent to corresponding wages for the remainder of the contract. A permanent employment contract can be terminated at any time through the implementation of a well-defined dismissal procedure. The law prohibits the dismissal of an employee without a valid reason and failure to follow these very strict procedure would likely result in the Labor Court ruling the dismissal to be unfair and result in damages being awarded to the dismissed employee. In the case of economic or structural layoffs, the employer must notify the employee’s union representative and seek permission from the provincial governor prior to conducting any layoffs. In the case of dismissal for misconduct, the bar of proving gross misconduct is typically high and it is common for labor courts to rule in the favor of the dismissed employee – even those who commit a blatant act of gross misconduct – if the employer does not follow the dismissal procedure properly.

Dismissals deemed as unfair carry heavy financial penalties to employers. In the case of a dismissal determined to be unfair of an employee who has worked six months or more in the same company, the Labor Code dictates the employer must compensate the dismissed employee including pay-in-lieu of notice, indemnity, damages, and other miscellaneous costs. These costs balloon as the seniority and base salary of the dismissed employee increases. Cases where employers and employees go to court are rare, as both sides typically opt for an amicable resolution settled out of court which allows employers to negotiate reduced compensation payments and quicker payouts to the employee. Businesses have the added incentive to settle outside of court since Labor Courts have a reputation of siding with the employee on wrongful dismissal lawsuits. Labor law is applicable in all sectors of employment; there are no specific labor laws to foreign trade zones or other sectors. More information is available from the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Economic Diplomacy unit.

Morocco has roughly 20 collective bargaining agreements in the following sectors: Telecommunications, automotive industry, refining industry, road transport, fish canning industry, aircraft cable factories, collection of domestic waste, ceramics, naval construction and repair, paper industry, communication and information technology, land transport, and banks. The sectoral agreements that exist to date are in the banking, energy, printing, chemicals, ports, and agricultural sectors.

According to the State Department’s Country Report on Human Rights Practices, the Moroccan constitution grants workers the right to form and join unions, strike, and bargain collectively, with some restrictions (S 396-429 Labor Code Act 1999, 65-99). The law prohibits certain categories of government employees, including members of the armed forces, police, and some members of the judiciary, from forming or joining unions and from conducting strikes. The law allows several independent unions to exist but requires 35 percent of the total employee base to be associated with a union for the union to be representative and engage in collective bargaining. The government generally respected freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. Employers limited the scope of collective bargaining, frequently setting wages unilaterally for most unionized and nonunionized workers. Domestic NGOs reported that employers often used temporary contracts to discourage employees from affiliating with or organizing unions. Legally, unions can negotiate with the government on national-level labor issues.

Labor disputes (S 549-581 Labor Code Act 1999, 65-99) are common, and in some cases result in employers failing to implement collective bargaining agreements and withholding wages. Trade unions complain that the government sometimes uses Article 288 of the penal code to prosecute workers for striking and to suppress strikes. Labor inspectors are tasked with mediation of labor disputes. In general, strikes occur in heavily unionized sectors such as education and government services, and such strikes can lead to disruptions in government services but usually remain peaceful.

Chapter 16 of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA) addresses labor issues and commits both parties to respecting international labor standards.

12. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and Other Investment Insurance or Development Finance Programs

The United States has a long history of supporting projects in Morocco and has provided finance or insurance support to 20 deals over the past five decades. In December 2020, DFC leadership signed a non-binding MOU with the Government of Morocco to invest up to $3 billion over the next four years for projects in Morocco and with Moroccan partners in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2021, a $30 million DFC equity investment in AfricInvest Fund IV LLC supported the fund’s investment in CMGP-CAS Group, a major regional manufacturer and distributor of irrigation equipment, crop protection, fertilizers, seeds, and other critical farm inputs. Equipment such as drip and pivot irrigation, micro-sprinklers, and greenhouses supplied by CMGP have equipped 170,000 hectares of land in Morocco. In October 2023, DFC signed a commitment letter with Ifria Cold Chain Development Company to provide $9.3 million in financing for the development of a cold chain warehouse in Morocco.

13. Foreign Direct Investment Statistics

Table 2: Key Macroeconomic Data, U.S. FDI in Host Country/Economy


Host Country Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ($M USD)	2021	141,800	2021	141,820

U.S. FDI in host country ($M USD, stock positions)	2021	3,800	2021	385	BEA data available at
Host country’s FDI in the United States ($M USD, stock positions)	2021	17	2021	-29	BEA data available at
Total inbound stock of FDI as % host GDP	2021	53.1%	2021	51.5%	UNCTAD data available at

* Source for Host Country Data: Host Country FDI stock data is sourced from Morocco’s Foreign Exchange Office’s (Office des Changes) 2021 year-end FDI data, published July 2023. Host Country GDP is sourced from Morocco’s Central Bank 2022 Report, published November 2023. Conflicts in host country and international statistics are likely due to methodological differences.

Table 3: Sources and Destination of FDI



Total Inward	34,989	100%	Total Outward	6,163	100%
UAE	11,465	33%	France	1,095	18%
France	10,254	29%	Côte d’Ivoire	959	16%
Spain	2,104	6%	Luxembourg	434	7%
Switzerland	2,019	6%	Mauritius	390	6%
Singapore	1,018	3%	India	259	4%
“0” reflects amounts rounded to +/- USD 500,000.




Total Inward	75,351	100%	Total Outward	7,562	100%
France	23,231	31%	Cote d’Ivoire	1,208	16%
UAE	15,287	20%	Luxemburg	608	8%
Spain	6,050	8%	France	448	6%
Switzerland	4,260	6%	Mauritius	403	5%
USA	3,781	5%	Egypt	258	3%
“0” reflects amounts rounded to +/- USD 500,000.

14. Contact for More Information

Foreign Commercial Service U.S. Consulate General Casablanca, Morocco +212522642082 [email protected]

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270 flights canceled in Frankfurt as environmental activists target airports across Europe

Emergency vehicles stand on a runway at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a few climate activists glued themselves to the ground blocking air traffic for several hours. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

Emergency vehicles from the police, fire department and airport security are parked on the apron of Frankfurt Airport, where a few activists have taped themselves up, in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, July 25, 2024. (Arne Dedert/dpa via AP)

Police patrol the terminal at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, July 25 ,2024. (Helmut Fricke/dpa via AP)

Emergency vehicles and police cars stand on a runway at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a few climate activists glued themselves to the ground blocking air traffic for several hours. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

Police vehicles are parked not far from the tarmac at Frankfurt Airport, Thursday, July 25, 2024. Air traffic has been temporarily suspended due to an action by climate activists. ( Mike Seeboth/TNN/dpa via AP)

Travelers stand in front of a display board in the terminal at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany Thursday, July 25, 2024. Flights at the airport were suspended temporarily Thursday as climate activists glued themselves to the ground inside the airport grounds, authorities said. (Helmut Fricke/dpa via AP)

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FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — A total of 270 flights were canceled at Germany’s busiest airport Thursday after environmental activists launched a coordinated effort to disrupt air travel across Europe at the height of the summer vacation season to highlight the threat posed by climate change .

Frankfurt Airport said flights were halted for safety reasons after climate activists breached security fences in the early morning. Its runways were back in operation by 7:50 a.m. local time.

By Thursday evening, airport operator Fraport said 270 flights had been canceled out of 1,400 scheduled for the day, German news agency dpa reported.

Police said seven people damaged the perimeter fence and entered the airport premises at 5 a.m., then attached themselves to the tarmac in various places. An eighth person attached themself to the fence. All were detained.

Environmental groups said they planned to target airports around Europe this summer to remind people about the link between fossil fuels, such as those used by airliners, and climate change. The groups are calling for governments to end the extraction and burning of fossil fuels by 2030.

Climate data showed that Monday was the hottest day ever recorded as human-caused climate change continues to drive unprecedented heat and growing weather extremes. Global investments in planet-warming oil and gas are expected to increase by 7% this year, according to the International Energy Agency , despite global promises to slash fossil fuel use.

Flying is considered one of the most carbon-intensive activities, but the aviation industry is expected to grow steadily over the coming decades despite efforts to contain the climate crisis.

It was the second time in as many days that a protest by the Last Generation group caused disruption at a German airport.

On Wednesday, five protesters glued themselves to a taxiway at Cologne-Bonn Airport , forcing a roughly three-hour halt to flights. That protest resulted in 31 flights being canceled.

Climate activists staged or attempted similar actions in Finland, Norway, Switzerland and Spain on Wednesday.

At Helsinki Airport, a handful of protesters blocked the main check-in area for about 30 minutes, but police said the demonstration caused no delays to flights or other disruption.

At Oslo’s main Gardermoen airport, three activists managed to enter the runway area early Wednesday, waving banners and disrupting air traffic for about half an hour. Police said there were no major flight delays.

Police in London said Wednesday that they prevented a planned protest at Heathrow Airport. Seven members of the group known as Just Stop Oil were arrested at Heathrow and three others were taken into custody at other locations as part of an “intelligence-led” operation, the Metropolitan Police Service said in a statement.

One of those arrested in London was Sean Callaghan, 29, who described himself as an environmental educator.

“I’m taking action at airports this summer because it is impossible for me to see a way in which we can inspire and enthuse students about the future of our planet,″ Callaghan said in a video posted on social media.

Last week, the German Cabinet approved legislation that would impose tougher penalties on people who break through airport perimeters.

The bill, which still requires approval by lawmakers, foresees punishment ranging up to a two-year prison sentence for people who intentionally intrude on airside areas of airports such as taxiways or runways, endanger civil aviation, or enable someone else to. Currently such intrusions only draw a fine.

Chevron Ruling to Create Instability at Lower Courts, Kagan Says

By Suzanne Monyak

Justice Elena Kagan predicted “instability” and “uncertainty” at lower courts in cases following the Supreme Court’s blockbuster decision to overturn a longstanding regulatory doctrine governing how unclear laws are interpreted.

It’s “unclear how it plays out,” Kagan told the Ninth Circuit judicial conference on Thursday in Sacramento, California.

The high court ruled 6-3 June 28 to throw out Chevron deference that for four decades required courts to defer to federal agency interpretations of ambiguous statutes when reasonable.

The reversal gives federal judges more leeway when handling challenges to regulations and has already prompted litigation.

Congress could still act to change ...

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. At the confluence of Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East, Morocco seeks to transform itself into a regional business and industrial hub by leveraging its geographically strategic location, political stability, and world-class infrastructure to expand as a regional manufacturing and export base for international companies.
270 flights canceled in Frankfurt as environmental activists target
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Chevron Ruling to Create Instability at Lower Courts, Kagan Says
Justice Elena Kagan predicted "instability" and "uncertainty" at lower courts in cases following the Supreme Court's blockbuster decision to overturn a longstanding regulatory doctrine governing how unclear laws are interpreted.
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Vice President Kamala Harris officially joined TikTok with her first personal account on the viral video-sharing site, capitalizing on a surge in popularity of posts set off by the announcement of ...
IBO
8. Unit-2 - International Business Environment. International Business Environment83% (6) 9. Block-1 IBO-1 Unit-1. International Business Environment76% (49) Discover more from: International Business EnvironmentIBO-1. Indira Gandhi National Open University.
China's Industrial Profits Climb, Showing Manufacturing Strength
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world

International Business Environment Assignment R

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18.7 The International Assignment

Preparation

Acculturation Process

Living and Working Abroad

Key Takeaways

Pardon Our Interruption

Intercultural and International Business Communication

Preparation

Acculturation Process

Living and Working Abroad

KEY TAKEAWAYS

2024 Investment Climate Statements: Morocco

1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment

3. Legal Regime

Dispute Settlement

4. Industrial Policies

5. Protection of Property Rights

6. Financial Sector

Foreign Exchange and Remittances

7. State-Owned Enterprises

8. Responsible Business Conduct

9. Corruption

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270 flights canceled in Frankfurt as environmental activists target airports across Europe

Chevron Ruling to Create Instability at Lower Courts, Kagan Says

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