US-Moroccan FTA will favor investment in Morocco, Zoellick
Morocco-USA, Economics, 3/4/2004

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded, here Tuesday, between The United States and Morocco will favor investments in the Kingdom while taking into account "sensitive sectors" and the country's "social and economic reality," said the US Trade representative.

Robert Zoellick told MAP bureau in Washington that this agreement which wraps up 13 months of "intensive negotiations," sets up a legal framework to make of the Kingdom a more attractive destination for economic operators not only Americans but also from other countries.

This, he said, is more promising as Morocco holds "a strategic geographic position at the crossroad of several continents."

Concerning the sectors deemed "sensitive" such as agriculture, the US official insisted on the "particular attention" paid to this sector by both parties, noting that the American side is "fully aware" of the number of people living on the sector in Morocco and the difficulties facing small farmers.

The Civil Society in Morocco has repeatedly voiced concerns over the future of farmers in Morocco, calling on the Moroccan negotiators to bear in mind these people's interest. The same concern was voiced regarding pharmaceutical drugs and textile.

The accord, said Zoellick provides for mechanisms of exceptional safety and prolonged transition periods to the benefit of the Kingdom's agricultural output.

Concerning beef meat, the agreement provides for a system of contingencies conceived to supply restaurants and hotels with high quality meat but provides also for a special system of authorization that prevents any competition with the local standard beef meat, the US official explained.

As far as textile is concerned, Zoellick said a preferential access is given to Moroccan products on the US markets, adding that Morocco could draw long term benefits compared to other countries such as China and India.

Regarding generic drugs, the US official described as "unfounded" allegations that this agreement would harm Morocco's rights as part of its commitments towards the World Trade Organization (WTO).

On the contrary, he emphasized, the agreement grants the most generalized access to medical care and to drugs.

Concerning the intellectual property chapter, he said it helps in promoting knowledge, citing as example Jordan whose protecting measures have, according to him, attracted investments from companies such as Microsoft and others.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco, USA finalize free trade agreement   (3/3/2004)
  US convinced Morocco-US negotiations to be completed by end january   (1/12/2004)
  US fund purchases over 36 percent of Moroccan fertilizers import company   (12/25/2003)

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