Investments in Morocco rise by 7.5 percent

Investments conducted in Morocco in 2003 increased by 7.5 percent compared to last year, finance and privatisation minister, Fathallah Oulalou, said Wednesday.

Answering questions at the House of Representatives on obstacles hindering investment, Oualalou noted that these investments generated 126,000 jobs, adding that excess in liquid assets surplus is currently valued at 6 billion Dhs (9.19 Dhs = US $1).

He pointed out, nonetheless, that the problem of investment is complicated because it is linked to various factors including, funding, know-how, economy upgrading, infrastructures, human resources and justice reform.

On banks' weak contribution to funding small and medium-sized enterprises, Oualalou said his department is currently trying to resolve the problems which young enterprises are confronting by extending loans reimbursement deadlines up to 15 years.

In the same connection, the minister called on financial institutions to involve further in the funding of small and medium-sized enterprises.