Ankara determined to make Morocco a hub for Turkish operators

Ankara is resolved to make Morocco a "hub" for Turkish economic operators, said Turkey's ambassador in Rabat, Algan Akin.

This move will be consolidated by opening direct air links between Casablanca and Istanbul, Akin told a press conference, Tuesday in Casablanca, on the eve of the 4th edition of the Turkish Fair, to be held on September 23-26.

Turkey has chosen to make Morocco a leading partner due to the political stability and enhancement of human rights in Morocco and its openness on regional and international economies, explained the diplomat.

Akin hailed the level of two-way trade between Morocco and Turkey which, he said, encouraged the Turkish government to make the kingdom a strategic partner.

The ambassador also pointed out to Moroccans' interest in tourism in his country, noting that 14,000 Moroccans visited Turkey in 2003 against 5500 Turks who went to Morocco in the same year.

Turkey signed last April a free trade accord with Morocco. Several agreements have been concluded between the two countries, notably in economy, trade and mutual protection and encouragement of investments, in addition to an accord on Prevention of Double Taxation.

Turkey's exports to Morocco increased by 74 percent in the first 7 months of 2004, totalling US $187 million. Meanwhile, Turkish imports from Morocco rose by 30 percent, and are estimated at US $53 million in the same period.

Co-president of the Moroccan-Turkish Business Council, Devrim Erol, called on Tuesday operators of the two countries to exploit all the assets offered by the free trade accord signed between the two countries.