Duke Of York calls for promoting trade with Morocco

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, left Morocco on Wednesday, after holding talks with Moroccan foreign trade minister, Mustapha Mechahouri, during which the prince called for the promotion of trade between the two countries.

During these talks, Prince Andrew hailed the improvement of trade between Morocco and Great Britain, stressing the necessity to further develop them and promote the Morocco destination by British Tour Operators.

The Duke of York stated that bilateral cooperation in tourism will give a new impetus to economic relations between the two countries.

On his part, Mechahouri said he was satisfied with the improvement of Morocco-British trade exchanges which, he said, went from 738 million pounds in 1998 to 828 million pounds in 2002, representing a 6 % increase of the global volume of Morocco's foreign trade.

Prince Andrew left Morocco following a three-day visit during which he was received by HM King Mohammed VI.

Before leaving Morocco, the Duke of York went to Dar Attalib (house of the student) in Laarjate (near Rabat), where he handed sports equipments to the young students.

The British prince had visited on Tuesday Morocco-based British enterprises and offered Monday a function for Moroccan students who benefited from the "Chevening" scholarships.