Morocco strengthens regional investment centers through legislative reforms

Morocco’s government has adopted a new legislation enhancing Regional Investment Centers (CRI) capabilities,integrating support systems for small and medium enterprises into their core missions as part of comprehensive investment framework reforms. The legislation also provides for the creation of Unified Regional Investment Commissions (CRUI).

The reform text specifically incorporates management and approval of special support systems for very small,small,and medium enterprises (VSMEs).

Under the reforms,CRIs will activate VSME support systems while CRUIs will handle approval of investment agreements prepared under this framework.

The National Agency for SME Promotion and other public bodies will support CRIs in implementing these mechanisms,marking a significant shift in Morocco’s investment architecture since reforms began in 2019.

The new legislation introduces key modifications including effective decentralization of investment processes for projects under 250 million dirhams,honoring advanced regionalization principles. The reforms grant urban planning exemptions for hospitality and industrial projects while reducing processing deadlines from 30 to 20 days and establishing appeal mechanisms for unfavorable investor decisions.

Broader derogations now require exclusive approval from the head of government after CRUI consultation,ensuring alignment with national strategic priorities.

Reforms have culminated in the new Investment Charter’s implementation through framework law 03-22 and its application texts. These include principal support mechanisms,specific support systems,and regulatory texts defining the Investment Ministry’s organization.