Highlights

Mr. Mohammed BOUSSAID, Minister of Economy and Finance, headed, Thursday December 21st 2017 in Rabat, the signing ceremony of a loan agreement of the World Bank amounting to 172 million euros, for the support of the Grand- Casablanca development Plan (PDGC), particularly regarding the Improvement of Living, the promotion of economic competitiveness and business climate and the strengthening of the attractiveness of the place.

Besides the Minister, this agreement was signed by the World Bank Country Director for the Maghreb and Malta, Mrs. Marie Françoise MARIE-NELLY and the Mayor of Casablanca, Mr. Abdelaziz EL OMARI.

This subnational lending, that comes a few days after its approval by the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors for the purpose of supporting the (PDGC 2015-2020),aims at strengthening the investment potential of Casablanca, where 12% of the population is concentrated and which produces 20% of the national PIB, while increasing the city revenue management system and attracting private funding through Public –Private Partnership (PPP)

The objective of this agreement is also to improve the urban environment and access to basic services by means of connecting to electricity, water and sewage network for some 10.000 homes in a number of disadvantaged areas of Grand- Casablanca, as well as the improvement of the city roads, sidewalks, public lighting, green spaces and traffic lights.

The loan is also intended to encourage citizens commitment through setting up a transparent claims management system and an electronic platform for access to administrative services.