CGEM President Meets Souss Massa Business Leaders to Boost Investment, Growth

Rabat – Chakib Alj, President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), held a meeting yesterday with members of CGEM Souss Massa to support local entrepreneurs, encourage investment, and address key economic challenges in the region.

The meeting saw the participation of Driss Boutti, President of CGEM Souss Massa, Mohammed Fikrat, Vice-President of CGEM, Aziz Bouslikhane, member of the CGEM parliamentary group, and Samia Terhzaz, Deputy Director General of CGEM.  

CGEM said in a press release today that the gathering was part of its efforts to support business leaders in different regions, encourage investment, and promote local development. 

During the meeting, Alj commended the resilience of entrepreneurs in Souss Massa and spoke of the region’s key role in the national economy. He noted that Souss Massa contributes 6.6% of Morocco’s GDP and is a leader in agriculture, fishing, and tourism. 

Souss Massa is the country’s top producer of early-season vegetables and citrus fruits, contributing 17.3% to the regional GDP and 9% to the national GDP.  The region is home to 451,165 hectares of farmland, with 106,664 hectares using a drip irrigation system.  

As Morocco’s top agricultural hub, the region plays a key role in food security and exports, Alj remarked.

Read also: Souss-Massa Region Adopts Desalination to Tackle Water Stress

Alj’s discussions with regional business leaders focused on the main challenges facing local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Key issues included access to financing, workforce training, and reducing administrative hurdles. 

They notably tackled the need to attract more investment to create jobs and add value to the region. Alj encouraged local businesses to take advantage of the Investment Charter, with a special mechanism for SMEs set to launch soon.  

CGEM President Chakib Alj meeting with Souss Massa business leaders

He also reaffirmed CGEM’s commitment to helping businesses navigate current challenges, including advocating for a balanced labor code and improving vocational training.  

The confederation said that the meeting served as a “valuable platform for direct dialogue between business leaders and CGEM.” 

Alj concluded his remarks by urging entrepreneurs to remain committed and innovative with the ultimate goal of ensuring that Souss Massa continues to be a hub for sustainable growth.