Morocco, Tunis set to boost bilateral cooperation

Moroccan and Tunisian premiers, respectively Driss Jettou and Mohammed Ghannouchi, reiterated in Tunis Friday strong determination to boost bilateral cooperation in various realms.

Co-chairing the 12th session of the Moroccan-Tunisian high joint Commission, the two officials underscored the need to intensify trade exchanges, promote investment flow, develop partnership and joint projects and strengthen contacts between businesspersons of the two countries.

The Commission's meeting, they said, enables both parties to assess the steps accomplished to date, and prospect ways to diversify cooperation.

The two officials highlighted the role of economic operators in the development of cooperation and encouragement of initiatives intended to exploit the two countries' potentials.

They also deemed the free trade agreement concluded by Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Jordan part of Agadir Declaration an important asset to achieve economic complementariness.

Ghannouchi underlined, however, that bilateral trade is still below joint aspirations, noting that the volume of exchanges in 2004 was estimated at around US $139 million.

The Tunisian premier called for exerting more efforts to overcome existing difficulties and to boost the role of the private sector.

Earlier this week, Tunisian president, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, called for the development of the Moroccan-Tunisian cooperation, and emphasized the need to take advantage of all available means in order to enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields.