Moroccan, Swiss officials call for bilateral trade promotion

Means to promote trade exchanges between Morocco and Switzerland topped talks held here Tuesday between Moroccan Premier, Driss Jettou, and visiting Swiss Federal Chancellor, Joseph Deiss. Jettou briefed the Swiss delegation on relations binding Morocco and the European Union, stressing, in this connection, the importance of the free trade agreement binding the two sides.

Jettou called on Moroccan and Swiss businessmen to enhance partnership and praised the signing during this visit of the cooperation convention between the two countries business federations. Deiss, who is leading a delegation of economic operators, lauded the business opportunities Morocco offers, noting that his country's businessmen desire to invest in the kingdom.

The Swiss delegation had earlier met Moroccan minister of finance and privatization, Fathallah Oualalou. Oulaalou pointed out that the dedication on Monday of a US$ 13 million pharmaceutical plant, affiliated to the Swiss group "Roche," is an opportunity to develop partnership in the realm of technology transfer, and promote economic ties.

The minister explained to the delegation the reforms ushered in Morocco to enhance its business environment and upgrade economy and sharpen enterprises competitive edge.