The International VSE Forum was held in Tangier over the space of a day. It is above all a process of reflection led by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs.

The working method adopted is based, in each region where the event stops, on dialogue between private institutions (banks, insurance companies, NGOs…) and public (support organisations) and entrepreneurs. The event was marked by the organisation of conferences and round tables between entrepreneurs.

The regional speakers worked to provide the answers expected by VSEs/SMEs. The Forum in the regions indeed allows for the collection of proposals from entrepreneurs, their organisations and other stakeholders in the economic world with a view to an International VSE Forum scheduled for Casablanca in 2015. The ambition is to generate different reflections capable of strengthening companies, with a view to more active contribution from public and private operators. After the success of the first edition which took place in 2013, Attitudes Conseil launched the 2nd edition in Agadir on 31 May, followed on 21 June by the 2nd stage in Tangier. "The success of the first edition of the Forum gave us enough motivation to launch this second edition, to which we wanted to give a resolutely pragmatic spirit," declared Amal Cherif Haouat, DG of Attitudes Conseil and president of the Forum, stressing that VSEs represent 80% of Moroccan companies. "VSEs are one of the main sources of job creation and growth in the regions. They constitute the bulk of business creations and allow our economic fabric to be densified. VSEs are a driving element of regional planning and contribute to maintaining a local economy, essential for balanced and harmonious growth. They are also among the most innovative and are created according to new markets by adapting to changing consumer needs.

Finally, the diversity of activities they cover constitutes an economic buffer in difficult times. For all these reasons, we wanted to create a meeting space, the FITPE, where creators and business leaders, who lack time, can derive immediate and tangible benefits from their visit to the Forum," she indicated. It should be remembered that VSEs in the regions, more than other forms of companies, encounter difficulties in accessing financing and training, and are also confronted with increasingly complex choices and decisions. On all current topics as well as on classic issues, the objective of the forum is clear: to concentrate in a single place and for one day in several regions of the Kingdom exhibitors, experts, reference entrepreneurs and facilitators so that visitors leave with precise answers, adapted to their needs as creators and leaders of small businesses. "We have succeeded in the space of 11 years in our challenge of pre- and post-creation support for young businesses, through various actions of support, technical assistance, coaching, training and networking," affirmed the president of the Forum. The event was also marked by the organisation of three round tables led by experts and officials of certain institutions, followed by rich and fruitful debates. At the closing of the Forum, the secretary general of Attitudes Conseil proceeded to read the recommendations. Taking the floor, Amal Cherif Haouat wished to thank all the institutions that were behind the success of this meeting, including the Groupe Maroc Soir. In a statement to "Le Matin", she stressed that "this meeting was a real success thanks to the collaboration and support of all the public and private institutions and establishments that mobilised with us and opened their arms to us, in addition to the authorities of the wilaya of Tangier and the Region for their involvement. In Agadir as in Tangier, our Forum was a great success". The appointment is thus set for 20 September 2014 in Khouribga, for a third meeting of the FITPE.

Objectives of the Forum The FITPE has more than one ambition. It is a question of consolidating the relationship of trust with entrepreneurs in the regions and obtaining tailor-made advice from qualified professionals by establishing a dialogue with them. It is also a question of promoting exchanges between the various support networks (financial and non-financial) to create a more collaborative ecosystem in the region. General public communication is not left out, in order to arouse the desire to undertake, particularly among young people and women. The FITPE also sets itself the objective of federating local actors in order to create the conditions for public and private mobilisation and support. Finally, the Forum campaigns for the initiation of meetings with companies, local economic actors, the general public and the media.