Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour has warned that imposing price caps could damage certain economic sectors, even as the government works to ease pressure on household budgets.
Speaking during a parliamentary session on consumer protection, Mezzour said safeguarding purchasing power and ensuring public health are central priorities.
He noted that Morocco follows a policy of price liberalization and transparent competition, though the government retains exceptional authority to cap prices when necessary.
Such measures, he cautioned, must avoid “destroying an entire sector,” citing the meat industry as an example where some actors exploited gaps in state procedures.
Mezzour said the government has taken steps that helped reduce inflation to below 7% for two consecutive years, while also implementing measures to stabilize the national livestock supply.
Turning to industrial policy, the minister said Morocco now operates under a “new industrial policy” shaped by royal directives issued in March 2023, aimed at strengthening economic sovereignty and creating stable, high‑quality jobs. He said the industrial sector remains a major engine of employment, with nearly one million jobs registered with the National Social Security Fund.
Mezzour highlighted a one‑billion‑dirham program to support 1,000 small and medium‑sized industrial units in Casablanca, Tangier and Salé, helping relocate vulnerable workshops into regulated industrial zones.
He also defended recent decisions to demolish illegal industrial areas, saying the government is providing alternatives, including new zones near Casablanca with land priced at 600 dirhams per square meter.
On promoting local products, Mezzour emphasized the importance of food sovereignty and strengthening domestic production at competitive prices. Recent rainfall, he said, is expected to improve agricultural output and livestock conditions after years of drought.
Morocco’s industrial sector produces 900 billion dirhams annually and exports 400 billion dirhams, Mezzour said, adding that Moroccan goods — including some plastic products — are now competing even in China.
He said the country must continue improving product quality, branding, innovation and logistics costs.
The minister also outlined government support for companies of all sizes, whether Moroccan or foreign, including assistance with administrative issues, financing and workforce needs.
He said the ministry backs 100 innovation projects each year, covering up to 80% of patent‑related studies, 60% of prototype development and 30% of pilot manufacturing, with funding that can reach up to 5 million dirhams per project.