Moroccan fm meets US trade representative

Morocco's minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, met in Rabat Tuesday with US Trade representative Robert Zoellick, currently on a visit to Morocco.

The two officials who reviewed strengthening U.S.-Morocco trade relations, agreed to increase bilateral trade and multiply contacts to raise the level of trade exchanges to a formula of close partnership.

Zoellick also visited this Wednesday with a group of Moroccan women, recipients of U.S. micro finance. He is scheduled to hold talks with other Moroccan officials.

"I am looking forward to my first trip to Morocco. King Mohamed has made economic reform and the establishment of a secure and attractive investment climate a priority of his Government," Zoellick said. "Morocco has been a strong supporter of the United States' fight against terrorism following the tragedies of September 11, and I look forward to discussing ways to deepen our economic relationship," an official statement quoted Zoellick as saying.

The United States conducts close to $1 billion in trade with Morocco. In 2000, the U.S. exported goods to Morocco totalling over $525 million, including aircraft, corn, wheat, soybeans, machinery and machine parts. U.S. imports from Morocco totalled $456 million.