CORRECTION: Maroc-telecom will be privatized in 2000 and telecom sector will be liberalized in 2002

CORRECTION: Maroc-Telecom will be sold to the private sector in 2000, and the telecom sector will be fully liberalized in the course of year 2002, announced minister of the public sector and privatization, Rachid filali on Friday. (Our story two days ago said Maroc-Telecom will be sold to the private sector in 2002.)

Filali told the Moroccan second TV channel 2M that the privatization operation of Maroc-Telecom will be conducted in total transparency by tender bids and that the company will be privatized by June 2000.

The decision to privatize the telecommunication company was not made out of concern to bring funds to the state budget but rather to enhance its competitiveness and promote the information sector, he said.

He added that other institutions are on the privatization list, such as La Banque Centrale Populaire, Royal Air Maroc (the Moroccan air carrier), and La Regie des Tabacs (the tobacco company).

The privatization will take place either through tender bids, the stock of exchange or by private contract.