Speaking at the opening of a meeting of the Bureau of the Committee of Experts, in preparation for ECA's 53rd Session and the 2021 Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Arrouchi highlighted the assistance provided to member states to strengthen their capacities and channel all the efforts and expertise needed to implement the resolutions adopted.

Regarding data and statistics, ECA helped member states to monitor and align their development plans with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Agenda 2063, stated the outgoing chairman of the Bureau of the Committee of Experts at this meeting held in hybrid format due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It also helped member states to intensify private sector investments in the area of energy in order to promote the production of electricity to power industrial parks.

Regarding the implementation of the Vienna Program of Action, ECA supported landlocked member states, prioritizing regional projects to open up regional corridors and enable these countries to boost trade and integration, the diplomat added.

Arrouchi also highlighted the considerable support provided to strengthen member states' best practices in fiscal policy by identifying areas that require immediate reform.

On climate change, Morocco's diplomat referred to the Retreat held in the Seychelles to examine ways to strengthen the continent's resilience against this phenomenon as well as means to help small island states cope with this existential threat.

Speaking of the COVID-19 context, Arrouchi noted that despite this situation "we have been able, within ECA, to transform challenges into opportunities."

Upon the high instructions of HM King Mohammed VI, Morocco has been able, so far, to vaccinate more than 5 million Moroccans and expatriates living in the kingdom, including migrant, he concluded.