Morocco-EU Relations Probed
Morocco-European Union, Economics, 5/30/2002

Means to upgrade cooperation ties between Morocco and the European Union (EU) were studied at a meeting in Rabat Monday between Moroccan industry, trade, energy and mining minister, Mustapha Mansouri and head of the EU delegation in Morocco, Sean Doyle.

The Moroccan official stressed the importance of the association accord concluded by Morocco and the EU and lauded EU's contribution to sharpening the competitive of edge of Moroccan firms to prepare them for the free trade area, stipulated in the accord.

The area will come into force in 2012.

EU had granted Morocco 426 million euros part of the MEDA backing program. 61 million euros of the amount are devoted to the levelling up of Morocco's firms.

Morocco and EU are now discussing the finalization of practical modalities for the implementation of the project, which provides for the constitution of a joint fund, fed by Moroccan and EU resources, to directly back Moroccan enterprises and reinforce technological infrastructure through the creation of new industrial and technological centres.

Mansouri informed the EU official that the project of the free trade zone Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan and Egypt intend to set up, is now at an advanced stage.

The four countries signed last year in Agadir a declaration named after the Moroccan city on the creation of the zone that is open to other Arab countries.

Mansouri also told Doyle that Morocco and the USA are now preparing to start talks on the creation of a free trade area.

These accords, Mansouri said, will have a positive impact on trade with these countries and on development and investments.

Previous Stories:
  EU backs Moroccan associations program with 5 mln euros   (5/4/2002)
  European, Moroccan Businessmen Meet in Sale   (3/29/2002)
  Morocco, EBRD set to consolidate cooperation   (2/20/2002)

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