Moroccan premier deplores low level of Moroccan-Tunisian trade

Moroccan prime minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, stressed in Tunis Friday that despite the regular meetings between Moroccan and Tunisian officials and economic operators, the level of trade remains low.

During a meeting with a group of Moroccan and Tunisian businessmen on the fringes on the 8th session of the high joint commission, Youssoufi said he was convinced trade exchanges between the two countries, which target 200 $ million of trade, will be intensified after the creation of the free-trade area provided for by an agreement signed in March 1999.

He added that the countries, which are facing the same challenges resulting from economic globalization and the customs barriers dismantling stipulated by the partnership agreement with the European Union, should join efforts in improving their economic competitiveness and enhance complementarity of their goods and services. Morocco and Tunisia should also carry on efforts to dismantle customs barriers, impeding the flow of goods, and to cooperate in other fields such as transports, insurance, taxes, financing and law harmonization, he urged.

For Tunisian premier, Mohamed Ghanouchi, the two states share the same will to increase their exchanges, cooperation and investments. He added that the two countries boast several assets embodied in a political will to consolidate foundations for bilateral cooperation, ensure economic integration and overcome obstacles impeding the development of economic and trade exchanges.

For Tunisian and Moroccan business operators who took part in the meeting, problems are linked to non-standardized trade, industry, customs and administrative procedures.

The two countries signed on the fringes of the joint commission nine cooperation agreements dealing with security, civil protection, local communities, housing, environment and women promotion.

In 1999, trade exchanges between the two north African countries amounted to $ 75.99 million with Morocco's imports from Tunisia totaling $ 37.16 million and exports amounting to $ 38.83 million.