Morocco Ashish Dobhal, NMPTMBA (3 rd year, 9 th Sem)- Roll no -12- Marketing Div-A

Background In 788, Moorish dynasties rule in Morocco. In 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers. In 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country and ended in Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which first met in Made improvements in human rights under King MOHAMMED VI and its press is moderately free. Despite the continuing reforms, ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch Ashish Dobhal, NMPTMBA (3 rd year, 9 th Sem)- Roll no -12

Geography -Demographics Location - North Africa. Population-32 million Area -447,000 square kilometres (173,000 sq mi). Capital is Rabat, and its largest city is Casablanca. Bordered by Spain to the north and Mauritania to the south. Languages -Several dialects of Arabic and Berber are spoken in Morocco, main languages is Modern Standard Arabic Fourth most populous country in Arab Religion- mostly Sunni Islam Ethnic population-Berber, Arab or Areb- Berber (mixed stock) Foreign residents – French or Spanish Morrocans in foreign land- Spain, France, Italy, Netherelands Ashish Dobhal, NMPTMBA (3 rd year, 9 th Sem)- Roll no -12

OrganizationDates United Nationssince November 12, 1956 Arab Leaguesince October 1, 1958 International Olympic Committeesince 1959 Organization of African Unity co-founder May 25, 1963; withdrew November 12, 1984 Group of 77since June 15, 1964 Organisation of the Islamic Conferencesince September 22, 1969 World Trade Organizationsince January 1, 1995 Mediterranean Dialogue groupsince February 1995 Major non-NATO ally of the United Statessince January 19, 2004 International Affiliations Ashish Dobhal, NMPTMBA (3 rd year, 9 th Sem)- Roll no -12

Economy GDP (purchasing power parity): –$145.2 billion (2009 est.) GDP - composition by sector: –agriculture: 18.8%, –industry: 32.6% –services: 48.6% Budget: –revenues: $22.9 billion –expenditures: $23.86 billion –debt External $20.06 billion –Stock of direct foreign investment - at home: $42.68 bill Ashish Dobhal, NMPTMBA (3 rd year, 9 th Sem)- Roll no -12

Trade/Industry Agriculture - products: barley, wheat, citrus, wine, vegetables, olives; livestock Industries: phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism In the Arab world, Morocco has the second- largest non-oil GDP, behind Egypt, as of Ashish Dobhal, NMPTMBA (3 rd year, 9 th Sem)- Roll no -12

Exports Exports: $15.61 billion Exports - commodities: –Clothing and textiles, electric components, inorganic chemicals, transistors, crude minerals, fertilizers (including phosphates), petroleum products, citrus fruits, vegetables, fish Exports - partners: –Spain 19.2%, –France 17.6%, –Brazil 7.1%, –US 4.5%, –Belgium 4.5%, –Italy 4.3% (2008) Ashish Dobhal, NMPTMBA (3 rd year, 9 th Sem)- Roll no -12

Imports Imports:$31.83 billion Imports - commodities: –crude petroleum, textile fabric, telecommunications equipment, wheat, gas and electricity, transistors, plastics Imports - partners: –France 16.1%, –Spain 13.5%, –Italy 6.5%, China 6%, –Germany 5.6%, –Saudi Arabia 5.4%, –Moldova 5% (2008) Ashish Dobhal, NMPTMBA (3 rd year, 9 th Sem)- Roll no -12

Cultural Influences Morocco's economy is considered a relatively liberal economy though Islamic due to the influence of Europeans. Since 1993, the country has followed a policy of privatization of certain economic sectors which used to be in the hands of the government. Due to European influence, business is almost always conducted in French. France remains the primary trade partner (supplier and customer) of Morocco. France is also the primary creditor and foreign investor in Morocco. This is mainly due to the historical relation with France. Morocco is the world's third-largest producer of phosphorous (after China, and United States) and the price fluctuations of phosphates on the international market greatly influence Morocco's economy. Location makes it ideal to do business with South Europe. Ashish Dobhal, NMPTMBA (3 rd year, 9 th Sem)- Roll no -12

Business Culture Most companies are closed from 11:00 to 3:00pm on Fridays for prayer. It is also important to avoid scheduling important meetings during Ramadan, an important Islamic holiday. Decision Making –It usually takes time to reach work-related decisions. Moroccans dislike being rushed and may arrive thirty minutes to an hour late for meetings. However,foreign visitors are expected to be punctual. Structure and hierarchy in Moroccan companies –Authority is always respected, however bosses will typically consult the group before making a decision. –Decisions require the time and approval of many directors due to the bureaucratic nature of most Moroccan companies. –Moroccans are generally more quiet and reserved around their superiors and will not be upfront or direct with those above them. However when around people of the same status, they may have lively debates and speak over each other. Working relationships in Morocco –Moroccans are not straightforward communicators and will often avoid direct confrontation in business. –Moroccans prefer to express excitement or dislike with facial expressions rather than with words. Ashish Dobhal, NMPTMBA (3 rd year, 9 th Sem)- Roll no -12

Business Etiquette (Do's and Don'ts) DO greet everyone formally and do not use first names unless you are givenpermission. Moroccans place a lot of emphasis on formality. DO take time to establish relationships with Moroccans. Showing an interest and effort to get to know Moroccans that you meet will improve their perception of you. Moroccans will show you the same attention and interest as networking is popular and essential towards forming personal relationships for requesting and returning favours. DO take time to negotiate as Moroccans don’t tend to rush. Rushing a client is looked down upon and can be perceived as aggression. Ashish Dobhal, NMPTMBA (3 rd year, 9 th Sem)- Roll no -12

Don’t’s XDON'T jump into the subject matter at the beginning of a conversation. It is customary to establish a personal relationship first by asking about their health family and friends before discussing the business matters at hand. XIf your Moroccan counterparts are Muslim, avoid asking about female family members. XDON'T discuss sensitive subjects such as the King, Islam, women’s rights and sex. These subjects should not be brought up unless you know a person extremely well. XDON'T directly confront someone, especially in public. Moroccan’s are very proud so any public confrontation can be detrimental towards your business relationship with them. It is best to use an intermediary when possible, or someone who knows Ashish Dobhal, NMPTMBA (3 rd year, 9 th Sem)- Roll no -12