Social and solidarity economy : Framework law due soon

The social/solidarity-based economy plays an important role today, helping to create job opportuni-ties, combat poverty and fragility, and promote the economic and social inclusion of women and young people, said Fatim-Zahra Ammor during  question time in the House of Representatives on Monday. For the Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and the Social and Solidarity Economy, the aim is for this sector to contribute 8% of GDP by 2035, compared with 2% at present. In the same vein, it should create 50,000 jobs a year by then.

To achieve these goals, the Ministry has already begun drafting a law on the social and solidarity economy, with a three-pronged approach. Firstly, a diagnosis of the sector has been drawn up, and the necessary studies and consultations carried out. Secondly, there was the question of observing the experiences of countries in this field in several regions of the world, such as Spain, Canada, Ecuador, and other countries. Last but not least, Ammor and her staff have held consultations with ministerial departments, regional councils, economic operators, social players, cooperatives, and other partners. Pending the drafting and adoption of this law, the Ministry’s strategy is based on three elements. Firstly, capacity-building through training courses in legislation, accounting, financ-ing, and electronic marketing. Secondly: support for marketing through the organization of several exhibitions. Thirdly, support, coaching, and awareness-raising programs, such as the MOUAZA-RA program, the “LallaTaâounia” program and the “Génération Solidaire” program.

In terms of enhancing the value of craft products, the vision is based primarily on improving prod-uct quality and competitiveness, through the national strategy of quality labels for craft products.
As far as financial and technical support is concerned, the National Crafts Register, under Law 50.17 on crafts activities, enables craftspeople to benefit from a range of advantages granted by the Government, such as technical support, training, and participation in exhibitions. Craftsmen also benefit from medical coverage.

M.C