Global competitiveness
 

Prospective studies on the global system have shed light on the existence of great uncertainties about the configuration of the post-crisis world and provided highly contrasting scenarios for the new geopolitical landscape in the making. Nevertheless, most of the scenarios envisaged are driven by two basic trends: an unprecedented shift of economic power from West to East, foreshadowing the emergence of new world powers, and a shift towards a globalized world with increased influence of non-state actors.

Morocco is all the more concerned by these transformations since it has opted for opening up its economy as a strategic choice. Since joining the GATT in 1987, the Moroccan economy has continued to open up, through a gradual process of economic and trade liberalization, backed up by a large network of free trade agreements and a policy aimed at improving the sectoral aspects of competitiveness: infrastructure, transport, logistics, etc.

In light of the medium and long term structural transformations, IRES has, since 2009, carried out a number of studies as part of the programme of studies on "Global competitiveness and positioning of Morocco in the globalized system" in order to examine the state of the country’s competitiveness and to determine the strengths and weaknesses of its international positioning.

The objective pursued is also to propose strategic directions that will enable Morocco to enhance its competitive advantages on a sustainable basis and to secure the construction of its development project.

The innovative feature of this programme of studies lies in the fact that competitiveness is addressed according to a global and multidimensional approach that goes beyond economic and financial factors. The approach adopted is also of a structural nature, since it aims at apprehending the medium- and long-term evolution of Morocco’s overall competitiveness and is not limited to a short-term analysis of the country’s situation.

Eight thematic reports, divided into two major components have been finalized by IRES.

The first component, relating to the structural drivers of competitiveness, including human capital, also concerned the analysis of the strategic option of green economy.

The second component focused on studies related to the dynamics of reforms, i.e. the impact of reforms on overall competitiveness and the overall coherence of the free trade agreements concluded by Morocco.

A strategic summary report was prepared at the end of 2012, highlighting the main conclusions of the thematic studies, supplemented by a prospective analysis of major trends in the national and international context in order to identify scenarios for the evolution of Morocco, in terms of global competitiveness and to suggest directions for public policy, likely to strengthen the competitive capacity of the Kingdom internally and externally.

Strategic directions proposed include reviewing the Moroccan development model and seeking a better positioning of Morocco in globalization by improving its status as an attractive power.

In addition to implementing the two components of the global competitiveness programme, an additional study was conducted in 2014 on industrialization as a lever for transforming the specialization profile of the Moroccan economy. An initial study was carried out in 2015 on the System of National Accounts and the level of consideration given to structural changes in the national economy.

Etudes Comp globale ANG small

Publication :

Forum :