Morocco records slight growth in 1998 industry, energy and mining

The index of mining production in Morocco posted a 0.8 percent growth in the first three months of 1998, compared to the same period of 1997.

According to the statistics department, the growth is ascribed to a 3.8 percent improvement in phosphates output while the production of other mining products slowed down.

The index of energy production also recorded a 1.9 percent increase in this period, due to higher electricity output (4.7 percent), a slight progression of oil refineries output (0.2 percent) and a regression of coal output (51.2 percent).

In the same period, the index of industrial production grew by 3.2 percent. This growth is ascribed to an improvement in the agro-food industries, metal, chemical, pneumatics and plastic industries. Other industrial sectors recorded a negative performance, mainly machinery and equipment, transport equipment, electric and electronic devices, wood industries and construction material.