The Royal speech highlights the “important” contribution of MREs to the dynamics of national development (Professor at the City University of New York)
New York – The speech delivered by His Majesty King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the glorious Green March underlines the “important” contribution of Moroccans around the world to the all-out development dynamic experienced by the Kingdom, indicated Abdeslam El Idrissi, professor at the City University of New York.
His Majesty the King “transmitted a clear message on the importance of the Moroccan diaspora” and its strong contribution to the consolidation of the development structure in the motherland, as well as to the defense of the sacred causes of the Kingdom, noted this neuroscience specialist in a statement to MAP.
He also noted that the Royal speech charts the path for more substantial participation of MREs economically as well as at the level of society in general.
El Idrissi, also director of the developmental neurobiology laboratory within the same university, welcomed the transformation announced by His Majesty the King concerning the MRE business management system.
This innovative dynamic is capable of revitalizing the role of bodies dedicated to the Moroccan community living abroad, while ensuring in particular that they meet the expectations of this category in a constantly changing world, he recalled.
He further stressed that the implementation of this new strategy will allow MREs to give the full measure of their potential and to contribute more strongly to the development of the Homeland, within an institutional framework with well-defined contours.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Professor Abdeslam El Idrissi. It’s a pleasure to have you here today. Your insights on the recent royal speech marking the 49th anniversary of the Green March have sparked considerable interest. What were your initial thoughts on His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s remarks regarding the contributions of Moroccans residing abroad?
Professor Abdeslam El Idrissi: Thank you for having me. The royal speech was indeed profound and highlighted a vital aspect of national development. King Mohammed VI’s acknowledgment of the significant contributions of Moroccans living abroad, or MREs, underlines the pivotal role they play in the economic and social spheres of Morocco. Their remittances, investments, and skill transfers are indispensable for the Kingdom’s growth.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how the Royal family recognizes the diaspora’s role. Can you elaborate on how these contributions are shaping Morocco’s development dynamics?
Professor El Idrissi: Absolutely! MREs contribute to the national economy primarily through remittances, which are a substantial source of income for many families. Beyond financial contributions, they also bring back valuable skills and experiences that help modernize various sectors in Morocco, such as technology and entrepreneurship. The call for greater collaboration between the Moroccan government and its diaspora is essential for leveraging these contributions fully.
Time.news Editor: In your view, what specific policies could the Moroccan government implement to enhance this collaboration with the MREs?
Professor El Idrissi: One critical area is improving access to investment opportunities for MREs. The government could establish frameworks that make it easier for them to invest back home. Additionally, developing mentorship programs where experienced expatriates can guide young entrepreneurs in Morocco could bridge the gap between aspiration and realization. We also need policies that encourage knowledge transfer in various sectors including healthcare, education, and technology.
Time.news Editor: Those suggestions certainly sound promising. Speaking of knowledge transfer, how do you perceive the cultural impact of Moroccans abroad on their home country?
Professor El Idrissi: The cultural impact is significant. MREs help sustain Moroccan culture globally while also encouraging cultural exchanges. Their experiences abroad lead to a blend of ideas that can enrich Moroccan society. For instance, exposure to different education systems and work cultures can inspire innovation and adaptability back home. The government could promote cultural diplomacy initiatives that facilitate these exchanges more formally.
Time.news Editor: That’s a valuable perspective. Lastly, given the ongoing challenges and opportunities for Morocco in the global arena, what do you hope to see as the next steps following the Royal speech?
Professor El Idrissi: I hope to see actionable commitments from the government towards integrating the MREs into the national development strategy. It’s crucial to not only recognize their significance verbally but also to provide a clear pathway for collaboration and participation. Establishing a structured dialogue that includes voices from the diaspora can lead to more innovative solutions to the challenges Morocco faces and ultimately, foster a more inclusive national identity.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Professor El Idrissi, for your enriching insights into this vital topic. It’s clear that the relationship between Morocco and its diaspora is one of immense potential, and I look forward to seeing how it evolves in the future.
Professor El Idrissi: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues.