Moroccan Government Council Approves Key Decrees, WTO Fisheries Protocol, and Senior Appointments

Rabat, The Gulf Observer: The government council, chaired on Thursday by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, convened to review and approve a series of regulatory texts, an international agreement, and several high-level appointments across key ministries.

Transfer Pricing Oversight Strengthened

The Council approved Decree No. 2.22.1020, presented by Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui, establishing new rules governing the documentation and reporting of transfer pricing to tax authorities. The reform brings Morocco’s fiscal system further in line with international standards and enhances monitoring of intra-group transactions conducted by multinational corporations.

Reform of Youth Holiday Centers

In the social sector, the government adopted Decree No. 2.25.530, amending the 2021 framework regulating youth holiday centers under the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication. The decree aims to improve service quality, broaden access to summer programs for children, and reinforce governance within the national “Vacances pour Tous” initiative.

Enhancing the Competition Council

The Council also endorsed Decree No. 2.25.687, updating the legal status of the staff of the Competition Council. Introduced by the Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, the measure aligns the institution’s framework with recent legislative developments and introduces provisions designed to attract skilled personnel and strengthen human resources management.

Government Reviews WTO Protocol on Fisheries Subsidies

During the session, the government examined a protocol amending the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization, specifically concerning the 2022 agreement on fisheries subsidies. The protocol commits member states to eliminating subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as those linked to overexploited stocks.

Government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas stated that the measure supports sustainable management of marine resources, enhances transparency, and helps countries better meet their international obligations.

Senior Appointments Across Government Institutions

The meeting concluded with the approval of several senior appointments:

• Ministry of Equipment and Water: Ithar Khairallah appointed Director of the Oum Er-Rbia Basin Agency
• Ministry of National Education: Fadwa Bouamzakan named Director of Communication, Cooperation, and Promotion of Private Education; Abdeljabbar Krimi appointed Director of the Marrakech-Safi Regional Education and Training Center; Abdeljalil Chouki appointed Director of the Souss-Massa Regional Center
• Ministry of Economic Inclusion: Abdellah Achouikh appointed Director of ANAPEC
• Ministry of Higher Education: Redouane Benaïni named Dean of the Faculty of Sciences in Rabat; Abdelatif Kaddai appointed Dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences
• Ministry of Investment: Sophia Bouziane appointed Director of the Drâa-Tafilalet Regional Investment Center; Mahfoud Messaad appointed Director of the Marrakech-Safi Regional Investment Center
• Ministry of Energy Transition: Bouzekri Razi named Director of Climate and Biodiversity

The next government council session is expected to continue reviewing additional legislative and regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening governance, economic competitiveness, and administrative modernization.