Morocco has taken one step ahead to lay the legal foundation for the launch of its domestic military industry after the latest Council of Ministers, chaired by King Mohammed VI, approved a draft decree to that end. The decree enables licenses for the setting up of plants to manufacture weapons, ammunition, and military and security equipment to be used for the Royal Armed Forces and exports as well. The bill includes provisions governing trade, transport and transit of military equipment as well as tracking systems. The move is part of Morocco’s plan to modernize its army and reduce reliance on imports. Morocco has also sealed partnerships and cooperation ties with arms manufacturers in France, UK, Pakistan, Brazil and Belgium to ensure technology transfer that would offer a basis for a domestic military industry to reduce dependence on imports.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 13, 2020 15:45 UTC