In a statement to the House of Councillors regarding the government’s strategy to reduce the trade deficit, Parliamentary Advisor Hassan Ait Asha stressed the need to move from analysis to action, calling for urgent measures that would have a direct impact on the economic and living conditions of citizens.
The parliamentary advisor emphasized that the government’s efforts in this area remain important and reflect a clear commitment to reform; however, their effectiveness depends on the extent to which they actually contribute to reducing the trade deficit and improving purchasing power—outcomes that citizens expect to see tangibly in their daily lives.
He explained that the continuing widening of the trade deficit, despite rising exports, reveals structural imbalances in the national economy, most notably the lack of diversification in high-value-added exports and the continued heavy reliance on imports, which places a burden on the budget and negatively affects economic balances.
He also noted that global geo-economic shifts are further complicating the situation, particularly given the disruptions affecting supply chains and rising import costs, and warned of the implications for the supply of the domestic market and price stability.
Ait Asha called for the adoption of a clear, forward-looking vision to address these challenges, one based on diversifying trade partners, boosting domestic production to serve as a genuine alternative to imports, and strengthening industrial policies while supporting sectors capable of generating high added value.
He concluded his remarks by emphasizing that successfully reducing the trade deficit requires bold decisions and far-reaching reforms capable of restoring economic balance and safeguarding citizens’ purchasing power amid an uncertain international climate.
Media Coverage: Sarah Al-Ramshi and Yassin Al-Zahrawi
