Morocco seeks NASA assistance to contain drought
Morocco-USA, Agriculture, 12/16/1999

Morocco is working on an emergency drought control program using sophisticated satellite and space technologies of NASA to enable the country better control its natural resources, the Moroccan agriculture minister told The Washington Post.

Habib El Malki called for the reinforcement of Morocco-US agriculture partnership, saying his department "is ready to work with any US company that can assist in marketing Moroccan products in US market."

"Morocco's geo-strategic position and proximity to countries of the EU, The Maghreb, Middle East and sub-Sahara entitles us (Morocco) to play a key role in the development of agriculture trade in these regions," said El Malki, who is also in charge of rural development and fisheries.

"During our visit to the USA last May, some contacts with the private sector were made and interests were shown to invest in Morocco," the minister said, adding that his department is busy working to facilitate the creation of Moroccan-American joint ventures called to contribute to the development and modernization of Moroccan agribusiness industry.

"Some of the most interesting investment opportunities in our country concern the production of olive and sunflower oil, tomato juice, date plantations, fresh vegetables and cut flowers," El Malki said, underling the strategic importance of agriculture for Morocco's socio-economic development.

Previous Stories:
  Cactus cultivation project in Marrakesh region   (12/7/1999)
  Moroccan-US accord on water management in southern Morocco   (11/19/1999)
  Weak performance of moroccan economy in 1999, think tank says   (11/15/1999)

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