MOROCCO HOSTS BRITISH FILM WEEK FROM NOV 13-20
Morocco’s capital, Rabat, will host a British Film Week on November 13-20, a program initiated by the British Council-Rabat in collaboration with the Moroccan Film Center and the Institute Specializing in Film and Broadcasting (ISCA).
This British Film Festival will include the projection of five movies from the 13th to 17th of November by British directors in four categories, namely comedy, fantasy, romance, and tragedy, the British Council says in a statement
The line-up includes Never Let Me Go (2010) by director Mark Romanek (November 13th), Monster (2010) by Gareth Edwards (November 14th), Let Me In (2010) by Matt Reeves (November 15th), Submarine (2010) by Richard Ayaode (November 16th), and Four Lions (2010) by Christopher Morris (November 17th).
This week’s program also includes training in documentary filmmaking provided by two directors of the British Documentary Film Institute in the UK, to be held between the 14 and 20 of November in collaboration with the ISCA.
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Morocco’s capital, Rabat, will host a British Film Week on November 13-20, a program initiated by the British Council-Rabat in collaboration with the Moroccan Film Center and the Institute Specializing in Film and Broadcasting (ISCA).
This British Film Festival will include the projection of five movies from the 13th to 17th of November by British directors in four categories, namely comedy, fantasy, romance, and tragedy, the British Council says in a statement
The line-up includes Never Let Me Go (2010) by director Mark Romanek (November 13th), Monster (2010) by Gareth Edwards (November 14th), Let Me In (2010) by Matt Reeves (November 15th), Submarine (2010) by Richard Ayaode (November 16th), and Four Lions (2010) by Christopher Morris (November 17th).
This week’s program also includes training in documentary filmmaking provided by two directors of the British Documentary Film Institute in the UK, to be held between the 14 and 20 of November in collaboration with the ISCA.
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MOROCCO APPROVES KING MOHAMMED'S NEW CONSTITUTION
MOROCCO APPROVES KING MOHAMMED'S NEW CONSTITUTION
Moroccans have approved constitutional reforms put forward by King Mohammed VI in response to recent pro-democracy protests. The reforms grant executive powers to a prime minister, but the king is retained as head of the military, religious authorities and judiciary. The concessions come after protests inspired by the so-called Arab Spring.
Popular uprisings have toppled Presidents Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia and Hosni Mubarak of Egypt. The turnout in Friday's constitutional referendum - the first under King Mohammed's 12-year rule - was nearly 73%, officials said. The king did not say anything as he cast his vote in the capital, Rabat, but he has described the reforms as a ''decisive historic transition''.
All the country's main political parties, unions, civic groups, religious leaders and media urged Moroccans to vote in favour of the new constitution. If the results are confirmed, the king will remain the head of state, the military, and the Islamic faith in Morocco, but the prime minister - to be chosen from the largest party elected to parliament - will take over as head of the government.
The king has pledged that the reforms will reinforce the independence of the judiciary, boost efforts to tackle corruption, guarantee freedom of expression and gender rights and make Berber an official language, alongside Arabic. The reform plan has been welcomed abroad, with the European Union saying it ''signals a clear commitment to democracy''. King Mohammed, 47, acceded to the throne in 1999 following the death of his father, Hassan II, and now heads the Arab world's longest-serving dynasty.
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Moroccans have approved constitutional reforms put forward by King Mohammed VI in response to recent pro-democracy protests. The reforms grant executive powers to a prime minister, but the king is retained as head of the military, religious authorities and judiciary. The concessions come after protests inspired by the so-called Arab Spring.
Popular uprisings have toppled Presidents Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia and Hosni Mubarak of Egypt. The turnout in Friday's constitutional referendum - the first under King Mohammed's 12-year rule - was nearly 73%, officials said. The king did not say anything as he cast his vote in the capital, Rabat, but he has described the reforms as a ''decisive historic transition''.
All the country's main political parties, unions, civic groups, religious leaders and media urged Moroccans to vote in favour of the new constitution. If the results are confirmed, the king will remain the head of state, the military, and the Islamic faith in Morocco, but the prime minister - to be chosen from the largest party elected to parliament - will take over as head of the government.
The king has pledged that the reforms will reinforce the independence of the judiciary, boost efforts to tackle corruption, guarantee freedom of expression and gender rights and make Berber an official language, alongside Arabic. The reform plan has been welcomed abroad, with the European Union saying it ''signals a clear commitment to democracy''. King Mohammed, 47, acceded to the throne in 1999 following the death of his father, Hassan II, and now heads the Arab world's longest-serving dynasty.
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MOROCCO HAS SUCCEEDED IN RESISTING GLOBAL SLOWDOWN
MOROCCO HAS SUCCEEDED IN RESISTING GLOBAL SLOWDOWN
Morocco succeeded in resisting the global slowdown thanks to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and privatization receipts, head of the Private Sector Development Division at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Anthony O'Sullivan said, underlining that the Kingdom showed commitment to economic openness by concluding several free trade agreements.
''By the increase of the FDI sixfold in five years, in addition to the receipts of privatization, we got results despite the fact that Morocco is impacted by the downturn like the rest of the region's countries,'' O'Sullivan told French-speaking paper ''Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb''.
This country set up an anti-poverty program called the INDH to help the underprivileged, and developed its tertiary sector which stands for 60% of the GDP, thus reducing its dependence on agriculture, he added, recalling reforms implemented to improve the business climate, mainly the creation of the National Committee for Business Environment, the Moroccan Investment Development Agency and regional investment centers.
He went on saying that Morocco is among the countries of the region which have many development plans in relation to the different sectors: plan Emergence, vision 2020 for tourism, green Morocco plan, digital Morocco 2013 plan, and the energy plan. ''All these plans complement each other and seek to promote growth and employment.''
He highlighted the interest Morocco takes in infrastructure development including building the Tanger Med port, tourist centers, airports and highways, developing the electricity, water and telecommunication sectors, and slashing taxes in favor of businesses with a code of good governance.
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Morocco succeeded in resisting the global slowdown thanks to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and privatization receipts, head of the Private Sector Development Division at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Anthony O'Sullivan said, underlining that the Kingdom showed commitment to economic openness by concluding several free trade agreements.
''By the increase of the FDI sixfold in five years, in addition to the receipts of privatization, we got results despite the fact that Morocco is impacted by the downturn like the rest of the region's countries,'' O'Sullivan told French-speaking paper ''Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb''.
This country set up an anti-poverty program called the INDH to help the underprivileged, and developed its tertiary sector which stands for 60% of the GDP, thus reducing its dependence on agriculture, he added, recalling reforms implemented to improve the business climate, mainly the creation of the National Committee for Business Environment, the Moroccan Investment Development Agency and regional investment centers.
He went on saying that Morocco is among the countries of the region which have many development plans in relation to the different sectors: plan Emergence, vision 2020 for tourism, green Morocco plan, digital Morocco 2013 plan, and the energy plan. ''All these plans complement each other and seek to promote growth and employment.''
He highlighted the interest Morocco takes in infrastructure development including building the Tanger Med port, tourist centers, airports and highways, developing the electricity, water and telecommunication sectors, and slashing taxes in favor of businesses with a code of good governance.
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MOROCCO TOURISM GROWS DESPITE WORLD SITUATION
MOROCCO TOURISM GROWS DESPITE WORLD SITUATION
The number of tourists visiting Morocco was up by one percent last year, at just over 9.34 million, despite the world economic downturn, tourism official Kamal Bensouda said Thursday.
Tourist income was also up, by four percent, at 59 billion dirhams (5.36 billion euros, $7.12 billion), he told MAP news agency.
The steady results came despite recession in Europe, a continent which accounts for 80 percent of Morocco’s tourists, Bensouda said.
Most visitors are French, Spanish, or Moroccans living abroad, he added. Morocco was the only North African country which did not see a drop in tourism last year, when Arab Spring revolutions swept away the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.
Agadir, one of the preferred destinations for tour operators, illustrates 2011′s drop in tourist activity.
Last January, Agadir registered in its classified hotels a total of 48,367 arrivals and 266,633 overnight stays, a drop of 19.93 percent and 23.36 percent respectively compared to the same period in 2011.
Meanwhile, the new Moroccan Minister of Tourism Lahcen Haddad believes that 2011 was still a good year. Despite the local and regional events, Moroccan tourism has had good achievements, he said.
“The sector, which contributes about 9 percent of the GDP, achieved satisfactory results in 2011 despite a difficult world and declining travel demand due to the economic crisis which hit the main tourist source markets of Morocco,” said the Moroccan minister, whose remarks were reported by the MAP news agency.
Tourism is one of Morocco’s main foreign income earners.
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The number of tourists visiting Morocco was up by one percent last year, at just over 9.34 million, despite the world economic downturn, tourism official Kamal Bensouda said Thursday.
Tourist income was also up, by four percent, at 59 billion dirhams (5.36 billion euros, $7.12 billion), he told MAP news agency.
The steady results came despite recession in Europe, a continent which accounts for 80 percent of Morocco’s tourists, Bensouda said.
Most visitors are French, Spanish, or Moroccans living abroad, he added. Morocco was the only North African country which did not see a drop in tourism last year, when Arab Spring revolutions swept away the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.
Agadir, one of the preferred destinations for tour operators, illustrates 2011′s drop in tourist activity.
Last January, Agadir registered in its classified hotels a total of 48,367 arrivals and 266,633 overnight stays, a drop of 19.93 percent and 23.36 percent respectively compared to the same period in 2011.
Meanwhile, the new Moroccan Minister of Tourism Lahcen Haddad believes that 2011 was still a good year. Despite the local and regional events, Moroccan tourism has had good achievements, he said.
“The sector, which contributes about 9 percent of the GDP, achieved satisfactory results in 2011 despite a difficult world and declining travel demand due to the economic crisis which hit the main tourist source markets of Morocco,” said the Moroccan minister, whose remarks were reported by the MAP news agency.
Tourism is one of Morocco’s main foreign income earners.
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MOROCCAN PROPERTY BUYER'S GUIDE
Morocco sits just 14 kilometres from the shores of Southern Spain and is easily accessible. Its progressive government is making Morocco a truly viable place in which to own property.
For many, Spain’s comparatively high prices and overcrowded resorts are making exotic Morocco the ideal choice. Property in Morocco remains good value and ripe for investment, with property prices having risen in the past 7 years and then correcting significantly with the recent global recession.
The buying process is much the same as in Spain or France and obtaining expert advice over any possible pitfalls is relatively simple. There are already many French homeowners present, a fact that continues to reassure other European buyers. Property purchase is straightforward and Morocco is well set up to receive overseas buyers.
The Process
Local agents, or Simsaars assist in finding you a property. A good Simsaar will know which properties already have clear ownership that avoids any legal wrangles. A Simsaar will charge 2.5% of the purchase price at completion and many of them work solely for commission. Find a suitable property in the right location and find an architect or structural engineer to take a careful look.
Pay a deposit of approx. 10% of the purchase price. Note: the vendor can still sell to somebody else if they offer more money for the property. They are then obliged to return your deposit in full. However, if you pay a further 20-30% of the purchase price with the 10% deposit you will secure the property as yours.
Wait 6-8 weeks while searches are done on the property.
Sign the purchase contract at the Notary office, in person or appoint a power of attorney. Finally, change the lock! It is likely that a number of people have the key. It’s also strongly recommended to have someone stay in the property at night if you are not there. You can hire a guardian for about 1,000 DH (100) per month, but be certain this is someone you can trust.
The Notary
The Notary performs a similar role to those in France or Spain. They check there are no debts due on the property, that paperwork is in order and in Morocco, unlike France and Spain, the Notary actually creates and signs all the papers. Notaries do not represent either the seller or the buyer so there is never any conflict of interest. Their fees are up to 1% of the total costs.
Mortgages
Mortgages are available in Morocco, but the most an overseas buyer can get is 50% of the valuation price. The purchase can be paid in Euros, US Dollars or Sterling, and needs to be transferred from a foreign account into a Moroccan bank, where the transaction is processed into Dirhams.
Titles & Deeds
Older properties in Morocco often have no deeds as such, but rather historic scrolls which document ownership, often detailing centuries of ownership. You could create an official deed and title by paying an additional fee of 1% to the notary during the transaction process but these can take months or years to be processed.
An official title on a property ensures that banks will allow mortgages and any future re-sale can fetch a higher price with the presence of deeds. New properties tend to have existing deeds and many proactive resale owners have already organised an up to date title so it’s worth checking.
Inheritance Law
Be aware that inheritance laws in Morocco can confuse the process of purchasing property. Each person with a claim to a property must give the go-ahead for a sale. A local Simsaar will deal with all the legalities that may arise from this, but the process can be lengthy.
Tax Considerations
The Moroccan tax system is based on the French model. Any capital gains from rentals are subject to annual Personal Income Tax at 15%, although an owner is exempt from this for the first 3 years of ownership. Property taxes are based on the property’s annual rental value with up to a 75% discount if the property is your permanent home or regular holiday destination.
Family members are exempt from Inheritance Tax, but a buyer must ensure they enlist local, professional expertise to draw up a Moroccan will, which does not revoke their existing one.
Legal Fees
Legal fees should set you back around 5-6%, much less than the 10 to 15% in France and Spain. However, they may rise to 10% if building work needs to be done on the property.
Areas
One of the arrival ports to Morocco is Tangier. It was traditionally a truly cosmopolitan and fashionable haunt in the 1950s to 1970s amongst French and Spanish tourists and residents alike. With its return to Moroccan rule, it has changed vastly into the rather tatty and undesirable port city it is today.
However Tangier will reduce its industrial intake of freight, redirecting it to the new Golden Mediterranean port being built between Tangier and Tetouan.
Meanwhile, the major property areas offering the widest choice of property are located around Tangier, along the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coasts. Tangier is only 35 minutes hydrofoil ride from mainland Spain. It is near to the Atlantic coast resorts and, in time, is predicted to return to its exclusive former status.
New developments are going up along the Atlantic coast, offering good value for money, while infrastructures such as road and rail links are constantly improving.
Inland areas such as Marrakech and Fez are already very cosmopolitan and popular. Properties are high in demand and more expensive than in other areas. Riads (old traditional houses set around a courtyard) are to be found in most cities and still represent realistic prices, whilst some may need some tender, loving care or renovation.
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OVER 5M TOURISTS VISITED MOROCCO UP TO JULY 11
OVER 5M TOURISTS VISITED MOROCCO UP TO JULY 11
Some 5.8 million tourists have visited Morocco up to July 2011, a rise of 3.4% compared to the same period of last year, according to statistics of the Ministry of Tourism.
This upward trend has concerned the Kingdom’s major markets, namely France (+3%), Germany (+13%), the United Kingdom (+9%), Belgium (+14%) and the Netherlands (+9%), said the Ministry, adding that tourist arrivals from Spain have decreased 3%.
The night stays fell 2.4%, except for Agadir where they stabilized in the reporting period.
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Some 5.8 million tourists have visited Morocco up to July 2011, a rise of 3.4% compared to the same period of last year, according to statistics of the Ministry of Tourism.
This upward trend has concerned the Kingdom’s major markets, namely France (+3%), Germany (+13%), the United Kingdom (+9%), Belgium (+14%) and the Netherlands (+9%), said the Ministry, adding that tourist arrivals from Spain have decreased 3%.
The night stays fell 2.4%, except for Agadir where they stabilized in the reporting period.
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