The Minister of Economy and Finance presents a report on the general guidelines of the 2016 Finance Bill

H.M. King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, chaired a Council of Ministers on Tuesday at the Marshan Palace in Tangier. At the end of this Council, the spokesperson for the Royal Palace, Mr. Abdelhak Lamrini, read a statement, the translation of which follows.

"H.M. King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, chaired a Council of Ministers on Tuesday, 29 Dhu al-Hijjah 1436 H, corresponding to 13 October 2015, at the Marshan Palace in Tangier.

At the beginning of the Council's proceedings, the Minister of Economy and Finance presented a report on the general guidelines of the 2016 Finance Bill.

He specified that this project, developed in application of the High Royal guidelines, is structured around four priorities:

- The consolidation of the foundations for balanced economic growth, continuing to support demand and encourage supply through, in particular, the stimulation of industrialisation, the encouragement of private investment, support for businesses, and the acceleration of sectoral plans,

- The strengthening of the pillars of integrated economic development that reduces social and spatial disparities and offers decent employment opportunities,

- The acceleration of the implementation of regionalisation and the pace of major structural reforms,

- The implementation of the reform of the Organic Finance Law and the continuation of efforts for the progressive recovery of macroeconomic balances.

This project also aims to implement the ambitious programme announced by H.M. the King, may God assist Him, in the Throne Speech, relating to the fight against deficits in public and basic services in rural areas, particularly in remote and landlocked regions.

Subsequently, and in accordance with the Kingdom's international commitments, and within the framework of strengthening the policy of cooperation and solidarity with brotherly African countries, the Council of Ministers approved seven international conventions, including two multilateral ones, relating to working conditions in hotels, restaurants, and similar establishments, and the creation of the advisory group for international research as an international organisation.

The bilateral conventions concern the strengthening of cooperation with the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and the Republic of Senegal in the areas of investment promotion and protection, the avoidance of double taxation and the fight against tax evasion, security and territorial governance, maritime fishing and aquaculture, as well as administrative assistance in customs matters.

In accordance with the provisions of Article 49 of the Constitution, and upon the proposal of the Head of Government and at the initiative of the Minister of the Interior, H.M. the King, may God assist Him, proceeded to appoint the Walis of the regions, according to the administrative division of the Kingdom. They are:

- Mr. Mohamed EL Yaacoubi, Wali of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, Governor of the Tangier-Assilah prefecture

,

- Mr. Mohamed Mhidia, Wali of the Oriental region, Governor of the Oujda-Angad prefecture,

- Mr. Said Zniber, Wali of the Fes-Meknes region, Governor of the Fes prefecture,

- Mr. Abdelouafi Laftit, Wali of the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region, Governor of the Rabat prefecture,

- Mr. Mohamed Derdouri, Wali of the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, Governor of the Beni Mellal province,

- Mr. Khalid Safir, Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region, Governor of the Casablanca prefecture,

- Mr. Mohamed Moufakir, Wali of the Marrakech-Safi region, Governor of the Marrakech prefecture,

- Mr. Mohamed Fanid, Wali of the Draa-Tafilalet region, Governor of the Errachidia province,

- Mrs. Zineb El Adaoui, Wali of the Souss-Massa region, Governor of the Agadir Idda Outanan prefecture,

- Mr. Mohamed Benribak, Wali of the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, Governor of the Guelmim province,

- Mr. Bouchaab Yahdih, Wali of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Governor of the Laayoune province,

- Mr. Lamine Benomar, Wali of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, Governor of the Oued Eddahab province.