Morocco and Russia agree to cooperate in agriculture

Morocco and Russia signed in Moscow Monday an agreement providing for cooperation in agriculture, especially in research, forests, irrigation and water harnessing.

The agreement was initialed by visiting Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries Habib Malki and the Russian agriculture and food minister, Alexei Gordee.

The agreement provides for encouraging private initiatives to promote partnership and trade of agricultural produce. A follow-up committee, to meet alternately in Morocco and Russia, will identify cooperation programs and examine enforcement measures.

The Russian official said the agreement is a sign of the increase by four fold of bilateral trade which was worth $205 million in 1998.

In a meeting this Tuesday with the Russian vice-trade minister, the Moroccan official called for diversifying cooperation between the two countries. In addition to citrus fruits and vegetables, Morocco and Russia should explore other opportunities, such as leather and textile items and phosphates.

Russia, on its part, voiced readiness to participate in the construction of two dams in Morocco after the successful experience of Al Wahda dam. Russia is also interested in Morocco's rural electrification program and will send as of December a delegation to examine all cooperation prospects.

The group of exporters and businessmen accompanying the Moroccan minister held a series of talks with Russian counterparts on means to improve the marketing of Moroccan citrus fruits and vegetables in the Russian market.

In 1998, Russia absorbed 36% of Moroccan exports of oranges and other citrus fruits, 16.7% of tomato exports and 1.8% of potato exports, becoming the second market, after the European Union, for Moroccan products.

Malki's four-day trip to Moscow is to prepare for a large marketing campaign of Moroccan produce in Russia. 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.

Morocco is also seeking to attract more Russian tourists.