Morocco concludes $ 100 million in deals with Iraq

Five Moroccan enterprises have struck in the second half of 2000 $ 100 million-worth of UN-authorized deals, says Moroccan economic daily "L'Economiste."

The contracts provide for the supply of barley, trucks and semi-trailers.

The paper goes on, quoting a United Nations classified document, that some contracts are still suspended over suspicions that the supplies could have a double use, such as a $ 1.2 million contract for the supply of computer equipment and a $ 2.2 million contract of irrigation machinery.

However, Moroccan companies, facing a harsh competition on Iraqi market, blame the government for lack of financial support in a high-risk market, unlike Egypt which subsidizes 15% of exports to Iraq.

According to the source, the Moroccan exporters association is projecting to stage next March 26 a made-in- Morocco exhibition in Iraq.