Fourth round of Morocco-EU agriculture negotiations makes no progress
Morocco-European Union, Economics, 7/10/2002

Moroccan and European negotiators wound up the fourth round of agricultural negotiations Monday without scoring any progress regarding reciprocal concessions to be made to conclude a protocol on the liberalization of agricultural exchanges in the frame of the Morocco-European Union association accord.

The two sides agreed to carry on the negotiations at a date to be set later on.

A Moroccan source close to the negotiators said the fourth round was "particularly tough."

The European side deems that the Moroccans do not offer enough concessions, although the Moroccan negotiators made "a very diversified" offer proposing a reduction of custom duties according to products.

The EU wants an "easier access" to the Moroccan market of European cereals, dairy products and meat, products that are all strongly subsidized.

Morocco argues that it cannot accept an overture that may be detrimental to Moroccan produce, farmers and producers.

As the two sides failed to make progress, they decided to consult their respective authorities before holding another session.

Previous Stories:
  Fourth round of Morocco-EU agriculture negotiations held in brussels   (7/9/2002)
  European commission supports upgrading of moroccan textile companies   (7/6/2002)
  Morocco-EU Relations Probed   (5/30/2002)

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