In an international context marked by rising protectionism and tighter restrictions on trade, the Moroccan legislature played a leading role in defending the openness of the national economy and strengthening its competitiveness during Morocco’s participation in the 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, held in Istanbul from April 15 to 19.
In this context, Parliamentary Advisor Hassan Shamis delivered a comprehensive presentation to the Sustainable Development Committee, highlighting a package of reforms initiated by the Moroccan Parliament in coordination with the government, aimed primarily at reducing customs duties on a number of essential goods, in a move designed to support citizens’ purchasing power and stimulate the national market, in line with the provisions of the 2025 Finance Act.
Shamis explained that these reforms were not limited to customs matters but also included a comprehensive overhaul of the tax system, through strengthening mechanisms to combat tax evasion and integrating the informal sector into the formal economy by adopting modern digital solutions to track activities and transactions.
In this regard, he noted the establishment of an advanced system for monitoring petroleum products in partnership with the Ministry of Energy Transition, as well as a review of income tax and value-added tax, and an increase in the tax exemption threshold, which will have a positive impact on the middle class.
The spokesperson also highlighted Parliament’s involvement in strengthening international cooperation in the field of taxation through the ratification of a series of bilateral agreements aimed at avoiding double taxation and combating tax evasion, involving African countries including Chad, Burundi, Ghana, and Benin, as part of Morocco’s commitment to implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement and fostering balanced economic partnerships within the continent.
Speaking about global economic shifts, Shamis warned of the growing repercussions of protectionist policies on emerging economies, noting that the Moroccan Parliament has, on more than one occasion, expressed its concern about this phenomenon, given its direct impact on widening trade deficits and limiting access to international markets.
This international parliamentary event was attended by a high-level Moroccan delegation led by the Speaker of the House of Councillors, Mohamed Ould Rachid, along with several members of the National Parliamentary Division, underscoring Morocco’s active presence in international parliamentary forums and its commitment to advancing its economic and strategic interests.
Sarah Al-Ramshi
