Morocco, Egypt, two major Arab states with only 79.5 million in trade exchange

Trade exchanges between Morocco and Egypt were worth 851.4 million DH (US$ 79.5 million) in 2001, which is a 43% increase compared to the figure of 595.4 million DH (US$ 55.6 million) recorded in 2000, says the Moroccan exchange office.

Morocco's imports from Egypt were worth 533.9 million DH (US$ 49.8 mln) in 2001, while in 2000 imports were valued at 452.8 million DH (US$ 42.3 Mln).

Meanwhile, Moroccan exports to Egypt almost doubled going up from 142.6 million DH in 2000 (US$ 13.4 mln) to 317.5 million DH (US$ 29.9 mln) in 2001. Morocco's exports to Egypt accounted for 0.4% of its total sales.

Morocco exports to Egypt mainly fish flour and powder, fresh, salted, dried and smoked fish and unprocessed lead and imports Egyptian aluminum products, chemical products, spices, air-conditioners, cotton, and plastic items.

Meanwhile, Egyptian investments in Morocco also progressed in 2001 to reach 12.1 million DH (US$ 1.13 mln) in 2001, compared to one million DH in 2000 (US$ 93,400), says the source.