National export conference held in Rabat

Participants in the national conference on exports held here Tuesday agreed on a national export draft charter and on measures to overcome problems facing the sector. The sector of export has recorded a decline in the recent years. While imports stood at $ 10.4 billion (104,1 billion DH) in 1999, exports reached only $ 7.2 billion (72,1 billion DH), inducing thus a trade deficit exceeding $ 3.2 billion (32 billion Dh).

Participants criticized constraints to the evolution of exports such as the high cost of energy and financing which impede the development of basic industries, calling for easing financing terms to help export enterprises restructure. They also cited the high cost of transport as an additional barrier to developing foreign trade.

They called for a new encouraging tax system meeting the national economy requirements and upgrading the international competitiveness of Moroccan enterprises.

The meeting examined all economic sectors including agriculture, fisheries, industry, handicraft, tourism, services and mines.