Day: April 24, 2024

Posted on

Morocco, Saudi Arabia Ink Agreement to Speed Patent Processing

Casablanca – In a bid to expedite the processing of patent applications, the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC) and the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) inked a significant agreement on Tuesday in Casablanca. The agreement, focused on the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program, aims to streamline the issuance of invention patents.

The signing ceremony took place during a joint commission meeting chaired by Abdelaziz Babqiqi, the Director General of OMPIC, and Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Suwailem, the Executive President of SAIP.

According to a statement released by OMPIC, the initiative rests on the premise of sharing examination outcomes, with the overarching goal of slashing the time required for processing patent applications while simultaneously enhancing the quality of granted patents.

The meeting also served as a platform to deliberate on collaborative ventures between the two offices. Discussions primarily revolved around exchanging insights into the
latest developments in industrial property within their respective nations. Furthermore, experiences and best practices in managing and scrutinizing applications for industrial property protection were shared, paving the way for a more robust framework.

Geographical indications protection and valorization systems also took center stage during the discussions. Participants exchanged experiences in this domain, alongside activities aimed at promoting awareness among enterprises regarding the significance of industrial property protection and rights compliance. Notably, training programs devised by both offices to bolster the capabilities of pertinent stakeholders were underscored.

In a forward-looking gesture, the two offices agreed to broaden the scope of their cooperation, venturing into novel realms such as artificial intelligence and information and communication technologies.

The agreement signifies a concerted effort to foster innovation and strengthen intellectual property frameworks, marking a milest
one in the bilateral relationship between Morocco and Saudi Arabia.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Posted on

Morocco-Spain: Common Responses to Climate Change Challenges (Spanish Minister)

Meknes – Morocco and Spain have common responses to climate change challenges, Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, said Tuesday in Meknes.

In a statement to the press following talks with Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki, on the sidelines of the 16th Morocco International Agriculture Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM), Planas welcomed the ‘very great’ mutual trust which allows the two countries to work together to successfully meet these challenges.

“The identification of common responses to climate challenges makes me very optimistic about the future and reinforces my conviction in the great mutual trust that drives us,’ the Spanish minister said, adding that this trust is the foundation of the two countries’ capacity to work together to progress and overcome these challenges.

Planas also underlined that this meeting was an opportunity to discuss trade exchanges which testify to the solidity of bilateral relations and joint co
mmitment, reaffirming the common willingness to strengthen cooperation and increase these exchanges.

Exports play a crucial role in supporting farmers, he noted, recalling the efforts made by Spain and Morocco to support farmers in facing current climate challenges.

For his part, Sadiki said the choice of Spain as guest of honor of the 16th SIAM, testifies above all to the “strong and very solid” relations between the two Kingdoms in all areas.

“We share a common history and the Mediterranean culture, and in the agricultural sector we share the same challenges and enjoy excellent relations. Moroccan farmers’ challenges are also those of Spanish farmers,’ he said.

“As two countries located in the western Mediterranean, we face challenges, but we also have enormous potential unique to our region. Our farming populations are innovative when it comes to coping with climate change and environmental shocks, particularly the impact on water resources which are difficult to manage”, he added.

Sadiki stressed the
importance of strengthening cooperation around these themes. ‘It is through innovation and research that we will solve the equation of doing more with less in terms of resources. Spain and Morocco have the privilege of carrying out leading research together”.

Held on April 22-28 under the theme ‘Climate and Agriculture: Advocating Sustainable and Resilient Production Systems’, the 2024 SIAM brings together 70 countries and 1,500 exhibitors with 40 conferences and round tables on the program.

It offers visitors a wide range of products and the latest generation of agricultural machinery, designed to promote agricultural and livestock production, as well as key sectors of the regional economy, including agri-food and its corollary, the food industry.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Posted on

SIAM: Morocco, FAO Pact for Enhanced Water Resilience

Meknes – In a move towards enhancing water resilience, Morocco and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) inked a project document on water resilience, part of the 2013 Water Scarcity Initiative. This project, comes as part of the 2013 Water Scarcity Initiative, was signed on the sidelines of the 16th International Agriculture Exhibition (SIAM) in Morocco’s Meknes.

With a budget of around 31.5 million dollars, this project, whose document was signed by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki, and the FAO representative in Morocco, Jean Senahoun, will run from June 2024 to September 2028.

The expected results are to strengthen governance, improve the resilience of food systems and water services to climate change, and share and disseminate knowledge and experience to enhance food and water security.

This project follows on from the positive results of a first project entitled ‘Water Efficiency, Productivity and Sustainability in the NENA Region’ (Nea
r East and North Africa), carried out between 2016 and 2022 with the financial support of the Swedish Internantional Development Cooperation Agency for an amount of $14 million for the benefit of 8 countries, including Morocco.

Organized until April 28 under the theme ‘Climate and agriculture: For sustainable and resilient production systems’, the 16th SIAM will see the participation of nearly 70 countries, including Spain as guest of honor, and 1,500 exhibitors.

More than 950,000 visitors are expected to attend this major Moroccan and international agricultural event, which features a rich program of 40 conferences and round tables on crucial topical issues.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Posted on

FM Albares Reaffirms Spain’s ‘Excellent’ Ties with Morocco


Madrid – In a congress debate on Wednesday, Spanish foreign minister José Manuel Albares reaffirmed the “excellent” relations between his country and Morocco. The top diplomat’s statement came during a debate on Madrid’s foreign policy at the Congress of Deputies.

In this context, Albares emphasized the cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism and human trafficking, as well as the sustained development of their economic relations. ‘Our excellent relations with Morocco are beneficial for both countries,’ he stressed, praising bilateral cooperation in a variety of fields.

The head of Spanish diplomacy welcomed the steady growth in trade between the two countries, as well as the number of Spanish companies operating in the Kingdom, further highlighting the human links between the two countries and pointing out that nearly 14,000 Spanish nationals live in Morocco, while over a million Moroccans live in Spain.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Posted on

Mid-Term Achievements ‘Beyond Expectations’ (Govt. Head)


Rabat – The Government’s mid-term achievements “have exceeded forecasts and expectations”, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch said on Wednesday.

Presenting the progress report on Government action before the two Houses of Parliament, Akhannouch said the achievements reflect the Government’s firm determination to honor all commitments instead of looking for pretexts face to the complex crises that the country has experienced.

He expressed the Government’s determination to boldly implement its commitments, stressing that this is a choice stemming from its responsibilities towards citizens and the trust placed in a strong and homogeneous majority responding to their expectations thanks to its clear commitments.

This determination is also based on a proactive vision of the changes that the world is experiencing, including the repercussions of the health crisis as well as the uncertainty prevailing internationally, a situation which requires an effort of adaptation to limit the repercussions of crises on socio-
economic development, while preserving the structural components of the State and strengthening our capacities, he pointed out.

Aware of these challenges, he continued, the Government, under the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, has managed successive crises, considering them as a structural phenomenon part of continuity, like the drought crisis for three successive years.

The Head of Government, who presented a detailed presentation with figures on priority sectors, noted that the conclusion that can be drawn from the Government’s progress report relates to the need to make the most of Moroccan skills and to strengthen capacities to build the country.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Posted on

Akhannouch Links Morocco’s Achievements in Several Demains to Enlightened Royal Vision


Rabat – The achievements of Morocco in the fields of constitution, democracy, development, diplomacy, and sport are the result of the enlightened Royal Vision, which has always been the foundation for the establishment of the modern state, affirmed the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, in Rabat on Wednesday.

In accordance with the insightful Royal Vision, Moroccan diplomacy has achieved several breakthroughs in the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, leading to successive international recognitions of the Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, which affirm the relevance of the Royal Approach in managing this artificial dispute, Akhannouch emphasized during the joint plenary session held by the House of Representatives and Councilors to present the progress report of the government’s actions in accordance with Article 101 of the Constitution.

This insightful Approach aims to make the southern provinces of the Kingdom a geopolitical reference point, carrying peace, stability, and prosperity for the Euro-African r
egion, thus mobilizing further international support for the primary national cause and the autonomy initiative, he noted.

Similarly, the seriousness and solidity of the Moroccan position within the UN process also offer promising prospects for establishing the Moroccan Sahara as a “gateway” from the world to Africa and the primary passage point for economic and humanitarian flows to the subcontinent, considering the rich historical common heritage between the Kingdom and the rest of the African peoples, thus reinforcing Morocco’s strategic position in its continental environment and creating favorable conditions for attracting major global investments, he said.

He also highlighted that under the wise leadership of His Majesty the King, the Kingdom is engaged in a new generation of partnerships with many brotherly and friendly countries, citing as an example Morocco’s success, alongside Spain and Portugal, in securing the joint organization of the 2030 World Cup, a renewed opportunity to strengthen cooperat
ion and partnership with these two countries in sports, economic, and civilizational aspects.

Akhannouch also recalled the signing of several agreements and the Declaration “towards an innovative, renewed, and rooted partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates,” which present an opportunity to develop various aspects of economic, commercial, and investment cooperation between the two countries.

He clarified that this dynamic has been reinforced by His Majesty the King’s announcement of an international initiative aimed at facilitating access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, which should contribute to affirming Morocco’s African dimension.

After highly praising the relevance of these Royal projects, Akhannouch expressed the full readiness and commitment of the government to mobilize its resources for effective support of these major projects, whether in terms of improving infrastructure quality or through consolidating cooperation ties with friendly and brotherly partne
r countries.

To this end, he recalled the initiatives and positions of the Sovereign in support of the Palestinian cause, which unequivocally demonstrate that Morocco, King and people, is committed to making this issue a national cause.

On another note, Akhannouch highlighted the significant position that Morocco holds on the international stage in the field of human rights, considering the election of the Kingdom to the presidency of the United Nations Human Rights Council as a recognition of Morocco’s efforts in human rights and a clear expression of the trust and credibility enjoyed by the Kingdom in this field.

He continued that His Majesty the King’s decision to establish the Amazigh New Year as an official national paid holiday constituted a significant historic moment that will help consolidate the major achievements made in this field.

Emphasizing the High Solicitude with which the Sovereign addresses women’s and family issues in general, and His constant concern to preserve family cohesion, Akhan
nouch recalled the Royal Letter addressed on September 26, 2023, to the Head of Government regarding the revision of the Family Code as well as the extensive consultations and participatory hearings conducted by the Body responsible for this revision with the various stakeholders concerned.

The Royal High Instructions stipulated submitting the proposed amendments resulting from these extensive participatory consultations for the High appreciation of His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful, the guarantor of the rights and freedoms of citizens, within a maximum period of six months before the government drafts the relevant bill and submits it to parliament for adoption, he noted.

In this regard, the Head of Government expressed his honor in having submitted to the High appreciation of His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful, the proposals of the Body responsible for the revision of the Family Code within the deadline set by the Sovereign.

In conclusion, Akhannouch expressed his profound grati
tude to His Majesty the King for the achievements and renaissance that Morocco has witnessed on all fronts, asserting that the government is honored to assume the responsibility for implementing the Royal High Directives.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse