Morocco to develop fisheries sector into a strategic leg of the economy

Morocco renewed lately it firm resolve of not renewing the four-year fisheries accord with the European Union when it expires in December 1999.

At a meeting held early this week at the Atlantic coastal city of Agadir with local entrepreneurs, Moroccan fisheries minister, Habib El Malki, said the decision taken by the government cannot be subject of bargaining. He also affirmed that Morocco is endeavoring to make of the fishing sector a tool to enhance sustained development through the launching of a large scale program to build more ports, modernize the country's fleet and upgrade the professionals' skills.

Morocco, which banned last December pelagic fishing in its southern coasts, says that the depleting halieutic resources do not allow a heavy presence of foreign fleets in its waters.

The European fleet operating in Moroccan waters consists of about 500 EU trawlers mostly from neighboring Spain and Portugal.

As the expiry date of the accord is nearing, Morocco informed European partners (mainly Spain and Portugal) that its decision not to renew the accord is not directed against them but is rather dictated by the need to protect the country's depleting sea resources.

Morocco has offered Europeans partnership projects in fish industry, sea scientific research, vocational training, shipyards and ports management.

The Moroccan five-year economic plan (1999-2003) provides for the investment of around $ 760 million in the fishing sector taking into account the cancellation of existing fishing deals with EU, Russia, Japan and other Foreign countries.