Moroccan govt to control public deficit, develop new forms of financing: official

Rabat, January 4, 2012 (MAP)

Moroccan Economy and Finance Minister Nizar Baraka announced on Wednesday that a series of measures will be taken on the financial, economic and social levels in order to enable the new government to carry out its priority programs.

These measures aim to “control the public deficit, ensure better targeting of public policies and develop new forms of financing through public-private partnerships, particularly in social areas of education and health” the minister said in an interview to news Satellite channel “France 24.”

He also noted that unemployment among young graduates is “one of the major issues” that the government will face, adding that the new cabinet will focus on boosting growth, encouraging job-creating actions, and promoting small businesses.

The minister also stressed the need of establishing a “better governance,” strengthening transparency and fighting against corruption.

Baraka said he is confident about the ability of the new government to carry out its projects, thanks to Morocco’s macroeconomic stability and the gains achieved by the outgoing government in the social area.

He also noted the significant growth achieved in Morocco with an average of 4.5% over the last four years, which is, as he said, “a real growth driver.”