During the meeting, Mr. Chakib Benmoussa submitted to the Sovereign the Council’s annual report which presents an assessment of the economic, social and environmental situation of the Kingdom, for the year 2012.

   This report relies on field investigations and hearings as well as the various thematic reports of the Council, in addition to debates and expert panels. It gives an overview of the past year, highlights the progress made, pinpoints inadequacies, and finally recommends ways to move ahead in the fields of development and economic competitiveness, human development and social cohesion, and the environment, the statement said.

   This annual report was adopted by the CESE's General Assembly, which is made up of representatives of professional associations, labor unions, civil society groups, experts and high profile personalities, the statement added.

   Mr. Benmoussa submitted to His Majesty the King the outline of the new model of regional development project in the southern provinces, and the different stages of its creation.

   His Majesty the King commended the process conducted by the Council and gave his High directives to discuss the outline of the regional development model during the meetings scheduled by the CESE with different economic and social stakeholders, and all the institutions involved, both in the southern provinces and at the national level.

   This participatory and interactive approach will help finalize the model of regional development, which will be presented to the Sovereign in October.

   During this meeting, Mr. Benmoussa reiterated before the Sovereign the full determination of all the members of the Council to continue their efforts to contribute to sustainable development that combines economic efficiency and social cohesion, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, the statement said.