Italian government for stronger partnership with Morocco

Moroccan minister of social economy, small and medium enterprises and handicraft in charge of the government's general affairs, Ahmed Lahlimi, said the Italian government is determined to develop a strong partnership with Morocco.

"The Italian government is determined to engage a stronger partnership with Morocco (.) There is already a close financial cooperation between our two countries," Lahlimi said in Milan, where he met with several Italian officials over bilateral partnership.

Lahlimi, who is visiting Italy part of the Moroccan days in Milan, said the swapping of the debt Morocco owes to Italy (US$ 100 million) into investments had a positive impact.

"We informed the Italian officials on the benefits that further debt swapping would bring about if decided for Moroccan small and medium enterprises," he said.

Moroccan days in Italy, were kicked off last week in Milan, to publicize Morocco's cultural, civilizational and economic potentials in this region, one of the richest in Europe.

The economy of the region, where 90 percent of firms are small and medium size, can be very helpful for Moroccan enterprises, particularly in the realms of industry, Lahlimi said.