Finance and Economic Development Committee Holds Meeting on Draft Decree Establishing Special Fund Called “Special Fund to Manage Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic”
The Finance and Economic Development Committee held a meeting chaired by Chairperson of the Committee Abdellah Bouanou, with the participation of Minister of Economy, Finance, and Administration Reform Mohamed Benchaaboun. The meeting was to present a draft decree establishing a special fund called “Special Fund to Manage Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic.”
In his statement, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Administration Reform recalled the exceptional circumstances imposed by this pandemic. He also recalled the great efforts of our country to face it by taking several urgent precautionary measures. The Minister also noted that this pandemic would have social and economic effects on numerous economic sectors like tourism, cafes, restaurants, and other areas.
In this respect, Mr. Benchaaboun affirmed that the initiative of HM King Mohammed VI to create a special fund to manage the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic came as a step to reduce the economic and social effects resulting from the precautionary measures. The initiative also aims at enabling and mobilizing the health system to face the outbreak of this pandemic.
The Minister also highlighted that public authorities have allocated a sum of ten billion dirhams from the state budget. He also commended the solidarity shown by the private sector, whose contributions will offer additional resources for the fund.
Besides, Mr. Benchaaboun noted, in his presentation of the draft decree, that a sum of one billion dirhams was allotted to develop the health system. He also emphasized the simplification of procedures relative to special orders under the Ministry of Health to respond to the situations stipulated in the Public Contract Code.
Following the Minister’s statement, the members of the Finance and Economic Development Committee, representing all deputies, intervened to laud the national consensus on fighting the pandemic. They also expressed their pride regarding the continuous accompanying and consecutive initiatives of HM King Mohammed VI, may God protect Him, which aim at preserving the health of citizens and address the economic, social and security repercussions of this pandemic.
The Committee members also commended the efforts of the Government. In this respect, they expressed their satisfaction regarding the precautionary measures it took to prevent and put an end to the outbreak of the Coronavirus. They also lauded the establishment of an economic monitoring committee on addressing the economic and social impacts of Coronavirus and ensuring market supply and price stability.
Also, they lauded the mass mobilization and continuing work of all military and civil institutions and establishments of the country.
The Committee members also praised the positive engagement of citizens, with responsibility and solidarity, in fighting this pandemic. They also called all citizens to strictly adhere to the precautionary measures taken by the competent authorities, especially staying at home unless it is for absolute necessity.
As part of their contribution to the collective national effort, the Committee members agreed on drafting a memorandum to present a set of proposals to the economic monitoring committee, holding its meeting on Thursday, March 19th, to adopt said proposals to develop the health system and support the affected citizens, families, and sectors.