Morocco devotes $34 mln to scientific research in 2002-03

The budget destined to scientific research for 2002-2003 exceeded 300 million DH (US $34 million dollars), said Moroccan delegate minister in charge of scientific research.

In an interview broadcast Saturday by the national radio, Omar Fassi Fihri added that the progress achieved in scientific research is owed to the paramount importance given by different economic and political actors in the country to winning the challenge of globalisation and competitiveness.

The minister recalled the project launched in 1999, under which enterprises devote 20% of their duty-free profits to scientific research. He recalled in this vein the progress made in locating seismic zones through high-tech digital equipments and satellite observations.