Moroccan agriculture and fisheries minister visits Moscow

The Moroccan minister of agriculture, rural development and fisheries, Habib El Malki, arrived this Monday in Moscow for a four-day visit to upgrade Moroccan-Russian economic cooperation.

The Moroccan minister who is accompanied by a delegation comprising managers of state and private enterprises and exporters of citrus fruits and early vegetables, will hold talks with Russian peers of agriculture and food, trade and finance.

El Malki's trip to Moscow will prepare for a large marketing campaign promoting Moroccan produce in Russia, which is one of the largest importers of Moroccan citrus fruits and early vegetables in East Europe.

El Malki told MAP's bureau in Moscow that Morocco is interested in consolidating its cooperation with Russia which takes 36% of Moroccan exports of oranges and other citrus fruits, 16.7% of tomato exports and 1.8% of potato exports. He also said Morocco needs to diversify its trade partners and enlarge cooperation to East European countries.

In 1998, Morocco exported to Russia a total of 192,140 tons of citrus fruits against 65,842 in 1997 while tomato exports increased from 10,238 tons in 1997 to 40,602 tons in 1998. However, a slight regression was noted in 1999 due to the financial crisis in Russia.

An official at the Russian foreign department told the MAP office in Moscow, the Moroccan minister's visit will help promote a better knowledge of Morocco among Russians. The number of Russian tourists visiting Morocco is still low in comparison with other Arab countries. In 1998, 25,000 Russians visited Egypt, 20,000 went to the United Arab Emirates, and 16,000 chose to spend their holidays in Tunisia while only 2,000 Russian nationals opted for the Morocco destination.