Morocco, Bahrain trade exchanges reach $8.2 mln in 3Ú4 of 2003

The volume of exchanges between Morocco and Bahrain has significantly improved during the last years as it has reached 74.2 million DHs (nearly US $8.2 million) in the first three quarters of 2003.

The two countries are currently seeking to further boost ties and create an economic complementarity as it was highlighted Monday by Bahraini finance minister, Abdallah Hassan Seif, who is currently on a three- day visit to Morocco, part of a delegation led by prime minister, Sheikh Khalifa Ben Salmane Al Khalifa.

The Bahraini official told MAP at the end of a meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Fathallah Oualalou, the two countries share "the same vision of economic development," insisting that Morocco and Bahrain are both engaged in a process of economic openness.

Hassan Seif said his country wants to develop relations with the public and private sectors in Morocco and make further investments in the Maghreban country.

On his part, the Moroccan minister urged the Bahraini private sector to take part in the privatization program in Morocco and encourage the exchange of information and experiences in economic and financial realms.

Part of the same drive, Moroccan foreign minister, Mohammed Benaissa, discussed Monday with his Bahraini peer, Sheikh Mohamed Ben Moubarak Al Khalifa, cooperation prospects and means to energize bilateral cooperation.

Benaissa described relations between Morocco and Bahrain as "solid and excellent," voicing hope that the visit of the Bahraini delegation would give a fresh impetus to bilateral relations.