Morocco requests US assistance to set up drought observatory
Morocco-USA, Politics, 5/28/1999

Morocco has requested U.S assistance to set up a drought observatory.

The request was made by Moroccan Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Habib Malki, during talks he held Wednesday in Washington with US agriculture under-secretary, August Schumacher.

Malki, who made a number of proposals to upgrade Moroccan-US cooperation in the field of agriculture, stressed the importance of such an observatory given the great impact of drought on Moroccan agriculture, which accounts for 20% of the GDP and employs a workforce of 10 million. He also called for reflection on a Moroccan-American cooperation accord in agriculture.

The accord will be an important tool to materialize the sought objectives through a full involvement of the private sector.

During talks with officials at the animals and plants inspection of the American agriculture department, the Moroccan minister called for the setting up in Morocco of a technical antenna that will cover the south Mediterranean area, especially the western parts.

The Animal and plant Health Inspection Service of the US Department of Agriculture controls the conformity of products to US quality and health requirements.

Graig Reed, administrator of the inspection, said Malki's proposal is interesting, as it is advantageous to both parties. He underlined that administrative and technical issues can be settled efficiently if the concerned service is located in proximity.

Habib Malki also proposed the creation of a working group, including Moroccan and American inspection officials, who will exchange standpoints and information.

The two sides welcomed the proposal and voiced hope to see the group hold its first meeting in Morocco shortly.

On Thursday, Habib Malki was received at the US Congress by Charles Stenholm, senior democrat representative at the agriculture affairs committee of the US House of Representatives.

Malki informed Stenholm on Morocco's keenness to develop trade exchanges with the USA, especially in agriculture. The Democrat deputy agreed on the need to consolidate Moroccan-US trade exchange.

Previous Stories:
  USA to train Morocco's mill workers   (5/26/1999)
  1999 grain production slumps 42% due to drought   (5/24/1999)
  U.S EX-IM Bank wants to contribute to developing Morocco-US Partnership   (5/19/1999)

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