Morocco showcases industrial and food products in Damascus

Morocco is holding this July 1-3 in Damascus an exhibition of industrial and agri-food products to foster direct contacts between businessmen of the two Arab states and explore cooperation prospects in various fields.

Morocco's secretary of state for external trade, Abdelkarim Benatik, who traveled to Damascus to attend the Moroccan trade days said the event is part of a program to promote Moroccan products in new markets.

Syrian agriculture and agrarian reforms minister, Nour eddine Mouna, said the recent visit of King Mohammed VI to Syria and that of Syrian president, Bashar Al Assad, to Morocco have been instrumental in the integration endeavors between the two countries.

Chairman of the Syrian industry chamber, Samer Debs, said the two states will sign during this event an agreement setting up a joint business council, noting that since the two states announced the opening of a direct sea line, several Syrian industrialists have got in touch with the Syrian chamber of industry to organize visits to Morocco.

The two states are moving to increase their trade relations which remain below the expectations, despite an improvement record in 1999 and 2001 as exchanges went up from US$ 15 million to 30 millions.