Moroccan-European Commission cooperation assessed at news conference
Morocco-European Union, Economics, 12/9/1999

Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance Fathallah Oualalou and the head of the European Commission delegation in Rabat, Lucio Guerrato, assessed at a joint news conference in Rabat on Wednesday cooperation between Morocco and the European Commission, especially in the framework of the MEDA program.

Oualalou called the commission to speed up the disbursement of the amounts allotted to Morocco in the framework of the MEDA program. He said that out of the nearly 630 million Euros pledged, only 14% of the amount had been actually disbursed.

He stated further that the projects financed part of the MEDA program perfectly meet the priorities set by Morocco, namely structural reforms (120 million Euros), struggle against economic and social geographical imbalances (365 million) and improving the competitiveness of the Moroccan economy (144.5 million).

Oualalou expressed hope that Morocco the second phase of the MEDA program, to be launched in 2000, will increase funds to Morocco, and that the European commission will take into account requirements of the enforcement of the Morocco-European Union association accord as well as the losses incurred by customs returns in view of tariffs dismantling, the per-capita income in Morocco which remains lower than in other Mediterranean countries, the debts servicing and other considerations.

Oualalou also pleaded for a greater overture of the European market to Morocco's agricultural products and recalled that the accords concluded with the European Union do not authorize anyone to hamper Moroccan exports.

He added that the European agricultural policy has harmed Morocco in view of its tariffs and customs duties incidence.

Guerrato on his part said the long-term solution to the agricultural products exports lies in the improvement of productivity and quality.

He said when Europe, now charged of protectionism within the world trade organization, changes its structures and becomes open at the agricultural level, it will deal with most performing countries, rather than its traditional partners.

Previous Stories:
  European MEDA committee contributes $1.7 million to Moroccan housing project   (12/7/1999)
  EU committee approves 111 million-euros worth projects for Morocco   (11/23/1999)
  Colloquy: plea for a partnership for the future   (10/22/1999)

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