Catalunia-based economic operators in Morocco

A 100-member delegation of economic operators and businessmen from the Spanish north-eastern region of Catalunia is expected in Morocco this Monday to finalize a series of cooperation accords with Moroccan partners.

The delegation, led by advisor-minister of territorial policy and public works of the autonomous government of Catalunia, Pere Macias, will confer with executives from the ministries of equipment and transport.

The four-day visit will highlight by the signing of a cooperation and twinning accord between the ports of Casablanca and Barcelona and the delegation will inform Moroccan importers and exporters on the wide range of services offered by the port of Barcelona, which is serviced by nearly 320 regular lines, and which is by far the most important Spanish port.

A source from the autonomous government told MAP bureau in Madrid maritime traffic between Moroccan ports and Barcelona port scored a noteworthy increase over the past years, the volume of exchanges between 1995 and 2000 having progressed by 75 per cent. This volume reached 433,000 tons in 2000.

The Catalunia delegation's trip is taking place after the visit president of the autonomous government Jordi Pujol paid to Morocco last February 11-16.