Moroccan executive delegation starts gulf tour

A Moroccan executive delegation, led by head of investments at the Moroccan finance and economy ministry, Hassan Bernoussi, arrived in Jeddah Saturday, first leg of a tour in Arab Gulf states.

The trip, extending from February 26 through March 9, comes one year after a similar one by Moroccan finance and economy minister, Fathallah Oualalou, and a 68-member delegation. It is meant to attract investments from the oil-rich region to Morocco. After Saudi Arabia, the party will go to Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

Morocco's imports from the region are mainly made up of oil, plastic and chemical products, while exports consist of citrus fruits, canned food, shoes, handicraft items, ready-to-wear garments and some mining products, including phosphates.

Total Gulf investments in Morocco are estimated at around $ 1.0 billion, mainly in real estate, tourism and oil sectors.