Moroccan, US FTA negotiations held in good conditions, US official

Moroccan and US Negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are going on in good conditions, said Wednesday Catherine Novelli, chief negotiator in the Morocco-USA fTA talks and assistant US Trade Representative for Europe and the Mediterranean.

Novelli hailed relations between the two countries and voiced her country's support to the policy of reforms launched in Morocco, underlining that the kingdom is leader in the region of North Africa and renowned for its openness and stability.

She said the signing of the agreement will increase investment opportunities and exchanges between the two countries, explaining that it will make it easier for Moroccan companies to have access to the American market and will encourage US businessmen to invest in Morocco.

An official at the US embassy in Rabat said a sixth round of negotiations is likely to be held in Washington to discuss some technical issues prior to the signing of the agreement before the end of the year.