Rabat struck transitional accord with EU to export 174.000 tons of tomatoes

Morocco and the European Union (EU) struck in Brussels on Friday a transitional accord by virtue of which Rabat will export 174.757 tons of tomatoes to the Union during 2002-2003 season, said a communique of the Moroccan mission to European communities.

On top of 156.676 provided for by the Association Accord, the newly struck deal allows for a gradual increase of the exported amount displayed on several months during 2002-2003 season.

The deals' provisions will however be declared null and void once Morocco and the EU reach a new accord on the agricultural issue, within the framework of the negotiations launched on January 2002, adds the same source.