Over 16,000 training-insertion conventions sealed in 1998

Over 16,000 "Training-Insertion" conventions were concluded in Morocco since the launching of the "Training-Insertion" program in February 1998.

Addressing Wednesday Moroccan MPs, Employment minister Khalid Alioua said 8,444 conventions were passed only during the four past months. He underlined the importance of the program which costs Morocco annually about $ 50 million and seeks to create jobs annually for some 25,000 young diploma holders through a training in enterprises.

During 1997-98 fiscal year, "the Moroccan government has allocated about $ 20 Mln to support the program which aims to adapt training to the market's needs," the Moroccan minister added.

Under the program, the graduates undergo an 18-month training and receive between a monthly salary ranging between $ 160 and 260.

The unemployment rate in Morocco-- which counts 27 Mln inhabitants-- varies between 16 and 18 % of the 5 million working-force.

The new Moroccan socialist-led government has repeatedly said it is determined to lower the unemployment rate from 18 % to 5 % in the few coming years.

In a bid to combat unemployment, the Moroccan government said early this month that it will allocate $ 76 million for the enforcement of measures to promote employment and affirmed that the budget earmarked for self-employment will be increased from $ 5.4 to 11 million.