Morocco and US confident that FTA be signed before end of year
Morocco-USA, Economics, 10/18/2003

Morocco and the United States voiced confidence that a Free trade Agreement "FTA" will be signed before the end of this year, despite concerns about the agricultural sector which, according to Moroccan negotiators will be taken into account in this agreement, and the "understanding" of this issue by the American side.

The two countries which wound up, here Thursday, their fifth round of negotiations, agreed that a special chapter will be devoted to the agricultural sector to allow Morocco boost its exports, as was put by Taib Fassi Fihri, minister delegated to foreign affairs and cooperation and chief negotiator.

Fihri who was speaking at a joint press conference with Catherine Novelli, US assistant trade representative and head of the US negotiating team, admitted that this very sensitive issue was closely argued within the committee in charge of the agricultural sector, in particular regarding cereals and meat.

The Moroccan minister, who serves as the unique interlocutor of American authorities in preparing this agreement, referred to Moroccan king Mohammed VI who instructed, last March, the government to work out a platform to just Moroccan agriculture and improve its competitiveness in the prospect of Morocco's international commitments.

Morocco's concerns regarding this issue were also brought up by the US official who said her country perfectly understands them, underlining however that this agreement will benefit the two countries and help Moroccan farmers boost their exports towards the United States and Americans export their products towards Morocco.

Novelli said she supports the king's appeal for a reform of Moroccan agriculture adding that American investors will be informed of "transparent and modern investment" opportunities in Morocco.

The two sides were also upbeat that the agreement will be signed, as scheduled by end of this year, given substantial progress accomplished during the fifth rounds of negotiation.

Previous Stories:
  Moroccan, US FTA negotiations held in good conditions, US official   (10/16/2003)
  USAID prone on supporting Moroccan economy modernization   (10/2/2003)
  Morocco-US FTA talks on the right path, Powell   (10/1/2003)

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