Morocco-US FTA, possible before year end, Tutwiler

US ambassador to Morocco, Margaret Tutwiler, said on Thursday the conclusion of a free trade accord between her country and Morocco is possible this year.

After a "very successful" first round of talks last week in Washington, a free trade accord is possible to be concluded this year, Tutwiler said at a luncheon debate at her residence in Rabat.

The first round helped achieve progress on several issues, she said, adding the Bush administration attaches a great importance to the conclusion of the accord with Morocco.

The US diplomat paid tribute to the Moroccan negotiating team, which was the most performing team among those of all countries that already concluded a free trade accord with the USA.

The conclusion of the accord will be a "first" in the history of the Moroccan-US relations, she said, adding the accord will boost trade and economic exchanges between Morocco and the USA.

Several US businessmen already showed interest in investing Morocco and drawing benefit from the free trade accord, to be concluded, said the US diplomat, who described Morocco as a hub for US investments and trade exchanges with the countries of the region.

Several countries in the region wanted to have a free trade accord with the US before Morocco, she said, adding Morocco was chosen because the Kingdom is in a stronger position, politically and economically.