World's largest company for phosphates exports gets new chief

King Mohammed VI on Thursday appointed former Finance Minister Mohamed Berrada as new director-general of the phosphates corporation (OCP/state-owned).

Berrada, who also served as Morocco's ambassador to France, replaces Mourad Cherif who now serves as director-general of Omnium Nord Africain (ONA), Morocco's largest conglomerate.

Morocco is the world's leading exporter of phosphates and by-products with a total production of 23 million tons in 1999. It holds 75% of the world's phosphate reserves.

OCP, Morocco's largest industrial firm, employs 28,000 workers, including 800 engineers.

The group operates mining sites in Khouribga and Youssoufia, south east of Rabat, and two chemical processing zones in Safi and Jorf Lasfar.