Several cooperation projects in the pipeline between Morocco and Benin
Morocco-Benin, Politics, 6/15/2004

Morocco and Benin have various cooperation projects in the pipeline, mainly in tourism and rural water, said in Cotonou, Morocco's ambassador to Benin, Hassan Bennani, on the eve of a visit by King Mohammed VI to the west African country, part of a tour to five African nations to start on Tuesday.

"Our country (Morocco) has financed the assessment study of Benin's sea resources and brought institutional support to its ministry of foreign affairs in holding the third ministerial Francophony Conference," the diplomat told MAP in an interview.

After recalling that Morocco grants an annual quota of scholarships to students from Benin and regularly hosts the country's executives who take part in vocational training sessions in several fields, Bennani deplored the weakness of trade between the two countries.

"Our exchanges remain below potential and measures have to be taken to enhance them," he went on.

The ambassador, who called for judicious use of the two countries' economic potential, said agreements are currently under scrutiny, especially for the encouragement and protection of investments, avoidance of double taxation, holding of trade and cultural events, and promotion of trade missions exchange.

For Hassani, the sovereign's visit to Benin is "highly symbolic and evidences the kingdom's will to consolidate cooperation with this brotherly country."

This historic visit "is part of the kingdom's relevant and ambitious vision, under the enlightened guidance of HM King Mohammed VI, to reinforce the bonds of fraternity and cooperation between Morocco and the African brother countries, combine our efforts and fulfill our peoples' aspirations.

The Moroccan diplomat termed as "satisfactory" Morocco-Benin cooperation which is ruled by a legal framework including economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation agreements, concluded during the meeting of the high joint commission held here last March.

Trade between the two countries is limited to cotton and food products, particularly canned fish. Morocco imports 69% of its cotton needs from Benin for a 101 million Dh value (US$ 11.2 Mln), whereas Benin imports from the kingdom are valued at 45.5 million Dh (US$ 5.05 million) food products from the kingdom (mostly canned fish).

Previous Stories:
  President of Benin praises Morocco and urges for its return to African union   (3/25/2003)

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