Morocco and Russia lay new bases for cooperation in agriculture
Morocco-Russia, Agriculture, 12/2/1999

The visit to Russia from Nov. 29 to Dec.2 by Moroccan minister of agriculture, rural development and fisheries, Habib El Malki, was marked by laying new bases for cooperation in agriculture with the signing of a memorandum of understanding in agro-food industry.

The memo covers irrigation, production of fertilizes and seeds, physio-sanitary protection, land conservation and development, animal breeding, veterinary medicine and soil desalination.

The minister and a delegation of managers of Moroccan state and private enterprises and exporters of citrus fruits and early vegetables, held a series of talks with Russian officials and managers of companies in charge of marketing Moroccan produce in the Russian market. He announced that Morocco will stage a promotion campaign for its vegetables and citrus fruits.

The Russian partners presented to the Moroccan delegation their grievances regarding difficulties hindering the marketing of Moroccan products.

On Monday, Morocco and Russia signed an agreement providing for cooperation in agriculture, especially in research, forests, irrigation and water harnessing. The agreement provides for encouraging private initiatives to promote partnership and trade of agricultural produce.

Morocco also announced that it will not renew the fisheries agreement with Russia after its expiration this December 27 and called Moscow to ponder on a new form of cooperation.

In 1998, Russia bought 36% of Moroccan exports of oranges and other citrus fruits, 16.7% of tomato exports and 1.8% of potato exports, becoming the second market, after the European Union, for Moroccan products.

In the same year, Morocco exported to Russia a total of 192,140 tons of citrus fruits against 65,842 in 1997, while tomato exports increased from 10,238 tons in 1997 to 40,602 tons in 1998. However, a slight regression was noted in 1999 due to the financial crisis in Russia.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco will not renew fisheries accord with Russia   (12/1/1999)
  Morocco and Russia agree to cooperate in agriculture   (11/30/1999)
  Moroccan agriculture and fisheries minister visits Moscow   (11/29/1999)

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