Although mining and trade have long played a crucial role, the Eastern Region has always depended heavily on its agricultural sector for economic growth. With an array of different climates and about 8.5% of the national usable agricultural land, the region has the natural setting for production of several goods. According to the Ministry of...
One of the first consequences of the Royal Initiative for Development of the Oriental Region was the establishment of a fund to invest in the region’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Investment Fund for the Eastern Region (Fonds d’Investissement de la Région de l’Oriental, FIRO) was designed to buttress governmental investment in...
Historically, the exploitation of mineral reserves in the Eastern Region has played a big role in the economic performance of the Oriental. It has also shaped the social fabric of communities. For decades, coal mining was essential for the livelihood of whole towns, providing jobs as well energy for the region. Despite a reduction in mining’s...
The region’s capital city is under renovation with new roads and low-income housing being built. Located just 15 km from the country’s border with Algeria, and home to about 500,000 inhabitants, the city of Oujda has historically been a trading conduit between Morocco and its eastern neighbour, and serves as the capital of the Oriental region....
Official statistics place unemployment in Morocco at 9.1%. However, these measures do not take into account seasonal workers, those who have given up looking for work or the informal working economy, making it difficult to accurately gauge the employment situation. Nevertheless, seven out of every 10 households in Morocco say finding work is a...
In 2008 the EU upgraded its Association Agreement with Morocco to “advanced status”, granting the kingdom most of the commercial advantages of being part of the EU but without participation in the bloc’s political institutions. The kingdom now is undertaking the painstaking work of harmonising its laws and regulations with EU requirements, which...
Stay updated on how some of the world’s most promising markets are being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and what actions governments and private businesses are taking to mitigate challenges and ensure their long-term growth story continues.
Register now and also receive a complimentary 2-month licence to the OBG Research Terminal.
Register Here×