Morocco denies privatization of railway sector

The adoption, Thursday, by the Moroccan government council of a draft bill on the creation of the Moroccan Railway Company "definitely does not mean the privatization of the sector," since it will remain part of the public sector, said spokesman for the Moroccan government, Nabil Benabdellah.

The official, also communication minister, told a news conference following the cabinet meeting that the Company will substitute the national railway office (ONCF) in running the kingdom's railway network.

Benabdellah assured that the new company will be part of the public sector, underlining, however, that it will permit the intervention of the private initiative in managing some of the activities in the railway sector.

He added that this fresh move will encourage private initiatives and will improve competitivity as well as the quality of services in the railway sector.