Moroccan imports from China up 41% in Jan-Feb 2005

Moroccan imports from China totalled over MAD 1.5b (Euro 135m) in the first two months of 2005, that is an increase of 41% compared to the same period last year, said, here Tuesday, the Minister of Foreign Trade.

Mustapha Mechahouri, who was speaking at the House of Advisors (upper house) question- time on the "measures needed to protect Moroccan trade from Chinese products," recalled that Morocco imported MAD 6.6b (Euro 596m) in 2004, an upsurge of 42% in comparison to 2003.

To cut the Moroccan trade deficit with China, the minister continued, the Chinese have agreed to purchase Moroccan products such as phosphates and sea products. He said the upcoming visit of the Chinese Vice-minister in charge of Trade will be an occasion to confirm this agreement.

Mechahouri called, in this regard, Moroccan producers to keep up with the national and international market needs. He said Moroccan companies should make further efforts in order to join the upgrading process and take up the challenges imposed by international competition.

The Moroccan minister pointed out that Chinese products are subject to duty taxes up to 80.25%.