Changes in industrial policies: what policy for a competitive industry in Morocco?

Abstract

Since its independence, Morocco has always placed industry at the top of its public policies, as the best way   to achieve its economic objectives and structural changes. In this sens, the government has alternated different industrial policies (import substitution (1960-1979), export promotion (1980-2004) and the new policy (2005-2020)) in an attempt to find the best industrial model wich respond to the country's general orientations and enhances its competitive edge. The aim of this article is to analyze the performance of Moroccan industry in the era of this various policies followed. It first reviews the literature of industrial policy, then presents documentary and empirical analyses of the industrial sector. The analysis of Moroccan industry in the era of the two first policies adopted between 1960 and 2005, shows that this period marked the establishment of the foundations of Moroccan industry, but the appearance of internal and external obstacles highlighted the inability of these policies to achieve the expected change, the empprical analysis of industrial competitiveness using the new approaches over the 2005-2020 period shows that the plans have created a dynamic that has improved the country's attractiveness and developed certain sectors, notably the automotive and aeronautical ones. This has resulted in positive growth in the sector's competitiveness indicators, without however inducing the expected structural changes and growth.

Keywords: Industrial Policy, Competitiveness, industrialization, value chain, open economy.

JEL Classification: F6 , F23 , H11, H3, H13 L50, L52, L98, O23, O24, O25

Paper type: Theoretical research