Morocco's AMDIE, OECD prone responsible business conduct for sustainable, competitive economy

Responsible business conduct in Morocco as a strategic lever for sustainability and competitiveness was the focus of a high-level event held Tuesday in Rabat.

The event was organized by the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), in its capacity as chair of the Moroccan National Contact Point (NCP), in partnership with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Part of the OECD regional program “Responsible Business Conduct for Sustainable Development: Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye,” launched in December 2023, this two-day meeting aims to bolster the engagement of economic and institutional stakeholders regarding responsible business conduct (RBC) and to foster the integration of international standards into the practices of the national business sector.

Speaking at the opening session of this event, AMDIE Director General and Chair of the Moroccan NCP for Responsible Business Conduct Ali Seddiki noted that the expectations of investors and business partners are evolving, with transparency in practices, traceability, and respect of international standards playing a significant role in investment decisions and market access requirements.

Seddiki also highlighted the role of the NCP in promoting OECD guidelines, engaging in dialogue with stakeholders, and providing support to businesses.

For his part, the Head of the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct, Allan Jorgensen, explained that this approach involves aligning business activities with the needs of societies and stakeholders regarding social, economic, and environmental progress.

He emphasized the need to integrate these practices into both corporate decision-making and public policy to ensure an environment that encourages and values them.

President of General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) for the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region Bouthaina Iraqui Houssaini, stated that the challenge now lies in transforming the principles of responsible conduct into concrete practices and a competitive advantage for the national economy.

Iraqui Houssaini highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the CGEM regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR), notably its CSR charter, its CSR label, and the upcoming 2025 launch of the “Responsible SME” label.

On this occasion, Swiss Ambassador to Morocco Valentin Zellweger emphasized that responsible business conduct has become a crucial factor for economic competitiveness, investment attraction, and sustainable integration into global values.

The opening session of this event featured inking several memoranda of understanding between AMDIE and many institutional and economic partners specialized in different areas including probity, strategy, industry and agri-food.

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