Closed land borders not an obstacle to trade between Morocco and Algeria, Moroccan business leader

Closed land borders between Morocco and Algeria are not for the moment an obstacle to the development of trade and economic relations between the two neighbour countries, said chairman of the Moroccan trade and industry federation, Abdelhakim Kemmou.

Kammou who is leading a Moroccan business delegation to Algeria was optimistic that the borders will re-open, adding that trade can be conducted through the sea.

Morocco and Algeria closed their land borders in 1994 after Morocco imposed the entry visa requirement on Algerian nationals, following evidence that Algerian-born nationals were behind the killing of three Spanish tourists in Marrakesh.

Kemmou also said Moroccan business operators in the second Moroccan-Algerian economic forum have clinched several projects, particularly orders, partnership intentions and trade exchanges.

The second meeting of the kind in a month will be followed by another opportunity next June during the Algiers Fair.

He went on that some businessmen are even aspiring to exceed the figure of US$ 387 million to one billion or two billion US$ if some conditions are gathered.

Of future prospects, he said Moroccans are interested in importing Algerian chemical products and exporting farming and textile products. Moroccans are also proposing to carry out housing projects and tourism compounds.