Morocco pleads for genuine Euro- Mediterranean partnership

Moroccan Higher education minister, Najib Zerouali pleaded for a genuine Euro-Mediterranean partnership based on industrial development, technology transfer and investments.

Zerouali, who was Addressing the first session of the Mediterranean Academy held this July 5-6 in Marseilles on the theme "Challenges and stakes for the Mediterranean," said that the benefits from a Euro-Mediterranean partnership cannot be limited to the gains resulting from a mere reduction of customs duties, but encompass also industrial development, technology transfer and investments.

As regards challenges posed to governments and enterprises in the Mediterranean basin in a new environment marked by competitiveness and global economy, the minister said that the south countries are fully aware of the need to improve the administration performance, the economic fabric, legislation and the educational system.

The minister also cited the social, economic and demographic gaps existing between North and South Mediterranean countries as direct causes of migration flows from the South to the North.

The session was attended by more than 67 national and regional academies, members of the Mediterranean Academy.