Government Council Meeting on Thursday, March 28, 2024
On Thursday, 17 Ramadan 1445 (corresponding to March 28, 2024), a meeting of the Government Council was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Aziz Akhannouch. This meeting was dedicated to the presentation of a sectoral briefing, the examination of several legal texts projects, the review of an international agreement, and the discussion of proposals for appointments to senior positions, in accordance with Article 92 of the Constitution.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Government Council received a presentation on the developments regarding the draft law on the preservation of cultural, natural, and geological heritage, presented by the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Ben Saïd.
The minister emphasized the importance of this project following significant recent archaeological discoveries in Morocco, which place the Kingdom on the global map of archaeology and geology. He highlighted the need to preserve both tangible and intangible heritage, to digitize it, and to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural goods. He also stressed the importance of showcasing the richness and authenticity of the national heritage and strengthening its legal framework.
During his presentation, the minister underscored that this legal reform aims to enhance the protection of the national heritage by aligning it with the international standards ratified by Morocco. The project also aims to support the societal and institutional development of the Kingdom, in accordance with the provisions of the 2011 Constitution. The goal is to make the national cultural heritage a driver of wealth and employment creation, while ensuring national funding through partnerships between the public and private sectors, particularly in the fields of cultural and creative industries and archaeological research.
Subsequently, the Government Council examined and approved the draft decree no. 2.22.92 setting out the modalities and procedures for the creation of companies electronically and their support, presented by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ryad Mezzour.
The Government Council then reviewed and approved the draft decree no. 2.24.295 amending decree no. 2.77.862 of 25 Chaoual 1397 (October 9, 1977) concerning the application of the Customs and Indirect Taxes Code under the Customs and Indirect Taxes Administration, approved by the Law Decree no. 1.77.339 dated 25 Chaoual 1397 (October 9, 1977), presented by the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa.
The Government Council continued its work by being informed of a mutual administrative assistance agreement in customs matters between the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Government of the Republic of The Gambia, signed on January 25, 2024, in Dakhla, as well as draft law no. 08.24 approving the said agreement. Both texts were presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan expatriates, Nasser Bourita.
This agreement aims to promote cooperation between the two countries in combating customs offenses through mutual assistance between the customs administrations of both countries in accordance with the conditions set out in the agreement, to enforce customs legislation, prevent, investigate, and prosecute customs offenses.
The Government Council concluded its work by examining and approving proposals for appointments to senior positions, in accordance with the provisions of Article 92 of the Constitution.
The following appointments were made:
- At the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development - Department of Energy Transition:
- Mr. Abdelali Lefdaoui was appointed as Director of Electricity Transmission, Storage, and Distribution Networks
- Mr. Mohamed Ouhmid was appointed as Director of Hydrocarbons and Metallurgical Industries
- At the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development - Department of Sustainable Development:
- Ms. Farah Bouqartacha was appointed as Director of Strategy and Sustainable Development
- Mr. Mohamed Beroui was appointed as Director of Climate and Biodiversity
- At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan expatriates:
- Mr. Hicham Ghaziri was appointed as Director of Human Resources.
