Moroccan and Algerian business operators consider ways to re-launch economic cooperation
Morocco-Algeria, Economics, 2/7/2005

Means to re-launch economic cooperation between Morocco and Algeria was the major theme of a meeting held on Friday between the two North African countries' businessmen.

The meeting was held as a new air link started servicing the Moroccan economic capital of Casablanca and the Algerian western city of Oran.

Exchanges between Morocco and Algeria were estimated at 200.6 million US$ in 2004.

Morocco's external trade minister, Mustapha Mechahouri, presented to participants the success of economic reforms in Morocco, citing in this context the annual 4.5% evolution of the average annual growth rate in the 2000-2003 period, compared to 3.6 in 1996-2000, the reduction of the budget deficit to 3% and the alleviation of the public debt from 48% of the GDP in 2000 to 30% in 2003.

He also surveyed, in a message read out on his behalf at the meeting, export-promotion efforts encompassing, business environment, justice, administration, investment, finances and taxation.

He added that the free-trade agreements concluded between Morocco and several countries make of the Kingdom a platform for the European, US, African and Asian markets.

President of the Casablanca chamber of commerce, industry and services, Abdelhakim Kemmou, urged for overcoming difficulties that still hinder an adequate environment for partnership between the two countries while his Algerian peer, Ali Habour, called for boosting cooperation. (MAP)SH

Corpse of 4 m-long dolphin found in the shores of Essaouira

Essaouira, Feb.4 (MAP)- The body of a dolphin of around 4 meters was found near the port of Essaouira (southwestern Atlantic city).

The mammal, known as Risso's Dolphin or Grampus Griseus, was found on Friday morning by fishermen.

An adult Risso's dolphin is usually 3 meters long and can reach 4.3 meters. With an average weight of 300 to 500 kg, its longevity is around 30 years.

It usually prefers warm temperate and tropical offshore waters and is only seen close to shores when the continental shelf is narrow.

Previous Stories:
  Royal Air Maroc to launch new Casablanca-Oran link   (2/3/2005)
  Algerian business delegation in Morocco to boost bilateral cooperation   (1/26/2005)
  Morocco to organize trade week in Algeria   (8/28/2003)
  Morocco to organize economic-trade week in Algeria   (8/5/2003)

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