Morocco announces pilot industry data network

A Moroccan official said Morocco is initiating a pilot project in Africa to set up a data base of industrial information to supply real-time data to public and private economic operators.

Rachid Talbi Alami, trade, industry and telecom minister, who is participating in a conference on "information technologies and trade facilities in the Arab world," held in the Syrian capital this Oct.20-21 told MAP the operation which is co-sponsored by the United Nations Organization for industrial development, is meant to highlight Moroccan industrial assets.

He added that Morocco is drafting an e-trade law to protect data confidentiality and electronic signature besides appointing a body of data certification.

He further stressed that in Morocco, where people are still reluctant to use the new IT technologies, several moves are projected to fight the "digital illiteracy," including providing self-service Internet access in public locations, in addition to training programs, citing in this regard, a radio station that will be broadcasting via satellite education programs destined to rural areas.