Economic integration among north African countries is a must
Morocco-Maghreb, Politics, 4/21/2004

Economic integration among north African countries is necessary if the continent is to keep abreast with important regional groupings worldwide, said Moroccan high commissioner for planning, Ahmed Lahlimi.

Tapping on our complementary resources "would allow us to strengthen our negotiation capacity and increase the attractiveness of our countries with regard to foreign and national capital," Lahlimi said at the opening in Tangiers Monday of the 19th intergovernmental experts meeting that musters representatives of 7 countries of the north African sub-region, namely Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Libya, Egypt and Sudan.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Moroccan official deemed that no country of the north African sub-region can on its own meet optimal conditions to integrate a world economic order that is in a swift change. This is why, he said, it is urgent to intensify efforts to energize and consolidate the structures of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) that is the cornerstone of a broader regional integration.

Lahlimi added that the "Agadir declaration," which provides for the creation, by 2005, of a free trade zone between four Arab states (Morocco, Egypt and Jordan and Tunisia), paves the way for the reinforcement of inter-Arab exchanges with a view to creating an Arab free trade zone.

Countries in the region face common challenges, said Lahlimi stressing that "this makes it crucial for our countries to overcome artificial conflicts and disputes" and adopt development strategies part of a prospective vision, a strategic planning and a constant assessment of objectives.

The 19th intergovernmental experts meeting (April 19-21) is discussing themes related to development in the seven countries of the north African sub-region, such as the economic and social situation in 2003, e-trade and information and communication technologies and competitiveness in north Africa.

Recommendations of the meeting will be submitted to the joint conference of African finance, planning and economic development ministers who will convene in Kampala (Uganda) next May 18-22.

Previous Stories:
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  No alternative to Maghreb Union, says Moroccan minister   (12/23/2003)

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