Rabat – Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch approved a draft decree in support of the cinema sector during the meeting of the Council of Government on Thursday, March 3.
The government held its weekly cabinet meeting, headed by Akhannouch, to discuss a number of draft decrees, as well as proposals for appointments to senior positions, in accordance with article 92 of the constitution.
Akhannouch approved draft decree number 2.22.67, which modifies decree number 2.12.325 issued on August 17, 2012.
Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mehdi Bensaid submitted the draft decree to set new conditions and procedures for supporting film production, digitizing, renovating, and establishing cinema halls, and organizing film festivals.
The draft aims at increasing the percentage of support granted to the foreign production of audiovisual and cinematographic works in Morocco by 30%, against the current 20%.
The increase in support accorded to foreign cinema productions in Morocco will create job opportunities and enhance Morocco’s global presence.
In addition, the draft strives to strengthen Morocco’s capacities in terms of attracting world productions, indicated Mustapha Baitas, the minister delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Relations with Parliament, Government Spokesman, during a press meeting after the meeting.
This economic measure is expected to increase the value of foreign investments in Morocco in the field of film and audiovisual production. The legislative changes aim to contribute particularly to the ambition of bringing in 1% of the total value of global investments, estimated at 30 billion euros ($33 billion) by the year 2025.
Morocco introduced a stimulus package in February 2018. The stimulus grants financial support for foreign productions of audiovisual and cinematographic works eligible for a subsidy, at a rate of 20% of the production’s total expenses in Morocco.
The country has since received a total of 30 requests for support from production companies belonging to different countries, increasing foreign investment in Morocco to more than MAD 1.5 billion ($155 million).
