Maghreban states called to sharpen competitive edge

Maghreban countries were called to sharpen their competitive edge to be able to face up globalization challenges.

The call was made Wednesday by experts at the end of a four-day meeting in Marrakesh on "the role of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) in partnership relations with the European Union (EU)."

UMA --set up in 1989 by Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania- has been unable to take off as a full-fledged regional grouping, mainly due to Algeria's direct intervention in the issue of the Moroccan Sahara.

Three major countries of the Union, namely Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, negotiated and concluded separate association accords with the EU that provides, inter alia, for the creation of a free trade area by 2010.

Maghreban countries have to develop trade among them to be up to the realities of the partnership with EU, the experts said in their recommendations.

The meeting coincided with the 13th anniversary of the UMA (February 17).

The five countries must adopt unified strategies, especially in matters of investments, the experts said, stressing the need to reinforce the private sector in the Maghreb as a key factor to a successful partnership with the EU.

The Marrakesh meeting was marked by the participation of experts from the five Maghreban nations in addition to Egypt and the European Union.