Moroccan exporters welcome FTA with US, reserved about Turkey
Morocco-Turkey, Economics, 4/2/2004

The "Association marocaine des exportateurs" (ASMEX) has welcomed the free trade agreement recently concluded between Morocco and the United States, but voiced reservations about the projected FTA with Turkey.

The Moroccan Exporters Association voiced resolved to contribute, as part of the accord concluded with the US, to "the success of the process of marketing national products in the American market."

ASMEX which held the monthly meeting of its executive bureau lately in Casablanca, said it was ready to participate in "the national effort of study, communication and trade promotion to achieve the success of this accord and safeguard of the interests of the Moroccan productive sectors."

It urged for the setting up of "the necessary accompanying measures and for upgrading of the production units, necessary to face this challenge."

The Association finally expressed reservations about the planned FTA agreement between Morocco and Turkey because of "possible negative consequences on many sectors," they did not identify.

Morocco and turkey are due to sign this month a free trade agreement that will, according to Moroccan foreign trade minister, Mustapha Mechahouri, provide for the creation of a free trade zone in the sector of industry after a 10-year transition period and the lifting of all customs tariffs for Moroccan industrial products, while Turkish products would benefit from a gradual exemption of these tariffs.

The flow of trade between the two countries rose from 870 million Dirhams (nearly 97 million dollars) in 1985 to 2.47 billion DH (over 270 million dollars) in 2003. Morocco imports from Turkey mine products, industrial fibres, cars, radios and televisions, and exports mainly phosphate acid, lead and leather products.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco to sign FTA with Turkey in April   (3/18/2004)
  Morocco, Turkey initial FTA agreement   (10/9/2003)
  Moroccan-Turkish businessmen call for trade promotion   (6/12/2003)

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