Broader access of African products to industrialized countries key to improve African industrialization, minister
Regional-Morocco, Economics, 11/21/2003

Moroccan industry, trade and telecommunications minister, Rachid Talbi Alami, has deemed that broader access of African products to industrialized markets is crucial for the African continent's industrialization and for successful integration of African economies in the world economy.

In a message published on the occasion of Africa Industrialization Day marked on November 20, Alami added that the reinforcement of Africa's productive capacities alone is not enough to improve the industrialization of African countries and accelerate the integration of the continent in the world economy.

International markets should be open to African products, he insisted, deploring that industrialized countries maintain "protectionist policies" that sanction the African production.

Seventy products out of the 100 first products exported from Sub-Saharan countries in 2000 were subject to restrictions from either Canada, the U.S., Japan or the European Union, he underscored.

The Moroccan official said Africa has drawn an ambitious program to facilitate access to markets part of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

"This initiative will enable Africa to end its marginalization in the globalization process," said the minister, highlighting Morocco's support to NEPAD that aims to rid the continent of instability and poverty.

Alami said the South-South cooperation conference due in December in Marrakech is an opportunity to show African countries' resolve to contribute to the progress of the world economy and reinforce their position.

The minister added that Morocco, aware of the importance to integrate in the world economy, is opening onto the regional and international environment through free trade agreements (FTA) with the European Union and the Arab states in addition to an FTA under negotiation with the United States.

Previous Stories:
  Success of post-cancun negotiations depends on serious commitment of developed countries   (11/6/2003)
  Morocco poised to become crossroads for energy transit, official   (10/25/2003)
  Morocco announces pilot industry data network   (10/22/2003)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search