Marrakech: Participants in the 4th Marrakech Parliamentary Economic Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Region on Saturday called for the establishment of a comprehensive and multilateral economic framework for the two regions, drawing inspiration from regional agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the agreement linking the European Union and Mercosur.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, in the final declaration issued at the close of the forum, organized by the House of Councillors and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, participants also advocated the creation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center aimed at harmonizing regional legislation in the field, strengthening cross-border data governance, and mitigating security risks associated with AI technologies.
They emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation among the OECD AI Policy Observatory, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean’s AI Parliamentary Observatory, and the Gulf Shura Council. Participants further called on member states to strengthen public-private partnerships and mobilize adequate financing mechanisms for the development of renewable energy-powered digital infrastructure. They also recommended the adoption of innovative financing tools to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and youth-led start-ups, particularly during the early stages of their development.
In addition, the forum recommended the establishment of a consultation framework to examine the feasibility of creating a Mediterranean Development Bank dedicated to financing development projects. Participants also called for stronger cooperation with relevant parliamentary bodies in Africa and Latin America.
The declaration expressed support for a Mediterranean Pact for Food Security and Climate Change aimed at coordinating efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization and other stakeholders. In this regard, participants urged national parliaments to develop harmonized legislation for food and agricultural systems that incorporates climate resilience requirements and promotes the sustainable management of land, water, and coastal areas, with a view to safeguarding biodiversity and protecting food supply chains from climate and economic shocks.
The holding of the 4th Marrakech Parliamentary Economic Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Region forms part of the momentum generated by the event since its inception, with the objective of establishing a leading parliamentary economic platform dedicated to dialogue and consultation among parliamentarians, policymakers, and economic stakeholders on issues of shared developmental and economic interest. Discussions focused on economic integration, boosting investment in artificial intelligence, promoting sustainable employment, and addressing the impact of climate change on food security and sustainable development.