Virtual Magazine of Morocco on the Web
Morocco Week in Review 
July 24 2004

Congress moves toward Morocco trade deal.
HM King Mohammed VI lays foundation stone for youths women activities centers in Nador region (Northeast)
Morocco's GDP rose by 5.2% in 2003
Over 91,000 passed baccalaureate, including 44,000 girls (minister)
Construction of Middle-Atlas museum launched in Azrou
Morocco promotes Amazigh (Berber) language in media
Central bank governor calls for speedier reforms, developing finance
Morocco's water utility posted $14 million profit in 2003
Morocco: Number of tourists up by 6%
Morocco drafts anti-torture law
Morocco selects private partner for new irrigation project
Morocco to develop $230 million destination resort casino

Congress moves toward Morocco trade deal.
By JIM ABRAMS ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER Tuesday, July 20, 2004 · Last updated 4:21 p.m. PT WASHINGTON

House and Senate committees gave strong backing to a trade agreement with Morocco on Tuesday, setting the stage for the north African country to become the United States' eighth free-trade partner. The full Senate is scheduled to vote on the measure Wednesday, and the House on Thursday, with both chambers expected to endorse the measure by wide margins to send it to the president for his signature. Action on Morocco comes less than a week after Congress approved a free-trade pact with Australia and would signify a rare double victory for free traders in an election year, when lawmakers are sensitive to charges that lowering trade barriers leads to the loss of American jobs.

On Tuesday, both the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee approved the legislation to implement the agreement by unanimous votes. Behind the overwhelming support was Morocco's role as a crucial political ally among Arab countries and general agreement among lawmakers that the country has made progress in worker rights. That's an important issue for members of Congress leery of trade deals with countries where child labor abuses or suppression of worker rights is prevalent. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said the Morocco agreement was "the best market access the United States has ever obtained on consumer and manufacturing products in a trade agreement with a developing country." Under the deal, some 95 percent of consumer and industrial products will become duty-free immediately.

As with the Australian deal, the biggest debate was over whether a provision that protects exclusive sales rights of patent holders could affect access to cheaper pharmaceuticals. With Australia, critics warned that it could hinder future legislation to make reimported drugs legal, while with Morocco the issue was whether it could impede Morocco from obtaining cheap generic drugs. Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich., top Democrat on the Ways and Means trade subcommittee, said he worried that barring the import of drugs not approved by the patent holder "could restrict access of Moroccan citizens to medicines needed for their health in urgent situations."

The office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in a statement that global trade rules allow countries facing health emergencies to issue "compulsory licenses" to produce or import drugs. It said the Morocco agreement would not affect that country's ability to do whatever is necessary to protect public health. The two countries last year had two-way trade of about $860 million, with the United States enjoying a $66 million surplus on exports of such items as aircraft, corn and machinery.

Currently, U.S. products face an average tariff entering Morocco of more than 20 percent, while Moroccan products are levied with an average 4 percent tariff in this country. The agreement is expected to double trade between the two countries. Sen. Max Baucus of Montana, top Democrat on the Finance Committee, said the agreement also has "state-of-the-art protections" for digital copyrights and trademarks, expands protection for patents and contains tough penalties for piracy and counterfeiting. The United States also has bilateral free-trade agreements with Israel, Canada, Mexico, Jordan, Chile and Singapore.
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On the Net: USTR Morocco page: http://www.ustr.gov/new/fta/morocco.htm   http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apwashington_story.asp?category=1153&slug=Morocco%20Trade
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HM King Mohammed VI lays foundation stone for youths women activities centers in Nador region (Northeast)
NADOR (Northeast), July 19

HM King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Monday laid foundation stone for three centers to promote youth and women activities in the northeastern region of Nador. Two of the centers, one for women and one for youth activities, are located in Selouane (12 km east of Nador city). They will be co-managed by local authorities and associations.

The first, to cost an estimated 2 million Dirhams (US$ 222,000), will cover a 600mē, including a 400mē indoor. It will comprise two workshops, two multi-purpose rooms, a literacy class and an administrative building. The youth center, of a 2,600mē surface, is meant to alphabetize, train and assist women in health and legal realms. It will cost some 3 million Dirhams (US$ 333,000). The center that will comprise a multi-purpose room, a documentation center, a multi-media facility, an administrative building, a cafeteria and two sport grounds, is aimed at promoting youth cultural and sports activities for a better integration.

The third project, to be dedicated to youth activities in Nador's Hay Al Matar district, will cost 5 million Dirham ($ 555,000).  It will be built on a 5,800mē surface and include a multi-purpose room, four workshops, a library, a multi-media facility, a sport ground and an administrative building. The center will play a role in local associations' economic, social and cultural development efforts.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/home_dep/h_dep21604.htm
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Morocco's GDP rose by 5.2% in 2003
RABAT, July 17

Morocco's Gross domestic product( GDP) posted a 5.2% rise in 2003, against 3.2% in 2002, according to the annual report of Morocco's central bank, presented to HM king Mohammed VI Friday by the bank' governor, Abdellatif Jouahri. The non-farm share of the rise was of 4.4%, with 348.2 billion Dirhams, while farm-GDP rose by 9.8%, to reach 70.4 billions. According to Bank Al Maghrib, "the year 2003 was characterized by a marked recovery connected with the easing of the international political tensions, the strength of the capital markets and the recovery of their performances, as well as by the downward adjustment of the exchange rate for the dollar against the euro." "Growth speeded up from 3.2% in 2002 to 5.2% in 2003, with an increase of 18% in the value added of primary activities and of 3.2% in that of other sectors. However, while inflation was kept under control, having amounted to only 1.2%, the employment situation worsened slightly, with the unemployment rate reaching 11.9%. Thanks to the privatization receipts, the budget deficit was reduced, while still remaining slightly above the target of 3% of GDP set by Finance Act," Bank Al Maghrib said http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/home_dep/spor3005.htm
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Over 91,000 passed baccalaureate, including 44,000 girls (minister)
RABAT, July 19

Moroccan minister of education, higher education, executives training and scientific research, Habib El Malki, said the final number of students who passed the baccalaureate (high school) exam has reached 91,076, including 44,035 girls, i.e. a 42.70% success rate (43.98% for girls). Speaking at a press briefing on baccalaureate results, the minister described these figures as objective and normal, if seen in the context of recent reforms, for, he said, the change is still underway.
However, the orientation system must be re-examined. This will be one of his department's priorities for 2004-2005, he noted. Touching on problems such as overcrowded classrooms in some branches, the minister said the ministry is seeing to improve education quality while taking into account the needs of Moroccan population and economy. Other measures will be taken to balance students numbers in the different branches, mainly by making technical and industrial ones more attractive.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm
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Construction of Middle-Atlas museum launched in Azrou
MEKNES, July 17

Construction works of a museum of Middle-Atlas heritage were launched in Azrou (near Meknes) Friday. The 13 million Dirham ($1.4 million) project will include fauna, flora, geology, archaeology, ethnography and other sections, covering a 4500mē surface. The Middle-Atlas museum will hold art and culture workshops for children and training sessions. Culture minister, Mohamed Achaari, and other officials attended the ceremony.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm
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Morocco promotes Amazigh (Berber) language in media
RABAT, July 16

The communication department and the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) on Friday signed a convention to promote Amazigh (Berber - spoken by over 65% of Morocco's population) in the field of information and communication. Under the agreement, the two parties will seek to apply joint audiovisual projects, hold encounters and training session, promote the public audiovisual sector's role in preserving the Amazigh heritage and involve other partners in the scheme.

The convention, which coincides with Morocco's adoption of the new audiovisual liberalization law, was signed by Benabdellah and IRCAM chief, Ahmed Boukous, in the presence of MAP news agency director general, Mohamed Khabbachi, director of the High Institute of Information and Communication (ISIC), Latifa Akherbach, and head of the national radio, Mohamed Boukili.

While efforts are being made to promote Amazigh and give it the status it deserves in the Moroccan society, we thought it was our duty to dedicate a new era of cooperation with IRCAM, so as we work together on a promotion strategy, Benabdellah told MAP following the signing ceremony. "We will be focusing on audiovisual, written communication, training, as well as set up a joint commission to work out an action strategy for us," he said, adding that "one our options is to work on the creation of a TV channel where Amazigh would have greater importance."  For Boukous, the convention will give Amazigh momentum while preserving it.  "It will also enable Amazigh advocates to be known and recognized," he said. "We expect a lot from this convention for this is the first time the Amazigh language and culture are fully established in the media."
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm
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Central bank governor calls for speedier reforms, developing finance
TANGIER, July 16

Governor of Morocco's Central Bank, Abdellatif Jouahri, on Friday called for the hastening of reforms aimed at promoting rural areas and lifting obstacles impeding the creation of enterprises. This came in the Bank Al Maghrib's 2003 report, the governor handed to HM King Mohammed VI in Tangiers (northern Morocco). The Governor also stressed the necessity of enhancing industry and exports, improving public finance, insisting however that, though economic results and preservation of key balances were satisfactory, they have to be put within a middle-term vision so that they contribute to job creation and raising living standards. "The economic and financial performance achieved in 2003 is broadly encouraging. Nevertheless, the rate of growth, although speeding up, is still insufficient and, above all, dependent on the state of the primary sector, which in turn is heavily exposed to the fluctuation in weather conditions," reads the report. "Trade grew appreciably, inflation remained subdued and, with the notable exception of the European union, which continues to be Morocco's leading trading partner, growth speeded up in the main regions, but without improvement in the employment situation."

According to Bank Al Maghrib, "the year 2003 was characterized by a marked recovery connected with the easing of the international political tensions, the strength of the capital markets and the recovery of their performances, as well as by the downward adjustment of the exchange rate for the dollar against the euro." "Growth speeded up from 3.2% in 2002 to 5.2% in 2003, with an increase of 18% in the value added of primary activities and of 3.2% in that of other sectors. However, while inflation was kept under control, having amounted to only 1.2%, the employment situation worsened slightly, with the unemployment rate reaching 11.9%. Thanks to the privatization receipts, the budget deficit was reduced, while still remaining slightly above the target of 3% of GDP set by Finance Act," the same source goes. On transactions with foreign countries, the Report notes that imports grew up by 3.9%, while exports fell by 3.3% in the year under review owing to, on the one hand, cyclical factors affecting the contribution of fisheries and the activity of petroleum refining and, on the other, the contraction in sales of mineral products, especially phosphates.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm
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Morocco's water utility posted $14 million profit in 2003
RABAT, July 17

Morocco's water utility (ONEP) posted in 2003 a 126 million Dirham (USD 14 million) net profit, i.e. a 97% rise against 2002. Speaking at the meeting here Friday of ONEP's governing board, director general, Ali Fassi Fihri, said this performance will enable the office to consolidate its financial structure and carry out its ambitious development program, meant to generalize drinking water and enhance sanitation. According to Fassi Fihri, ONEP's investments will essentially be dedicated to water supply of Oujda, Agadir, Boujdour and Laayoune, new projects in Tetouan, Tangiers, Assilah, Larache, Nador and Smara and purchasing new production equipment. 558,000 inhabitants, supply 50 new areas of some 200,000 inhabitants and reinforcing the water supply network in 53 other regions for the benefit of some 170,000 inhabitants. The number of customers increased by 8.2% in 2003 to reach 862,746, he said, adding that urban works have cost 3.30 billion Dirhams (USD 366 million), which makes 37% of the 2003-2007 development budget. Land use planning, water and environment minister, Mohamed El Yazghi, chaired the meeting..
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm
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Morocco: Number of tourists up by 6%
Jul 18, 2004 (Al-Bawaba via COMTEX)

The plan adopted by the Moroccan government for the tourism sector aims at generating 80,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect ones, said recently tourism, handicraft and social economy minister, Adil Douiri. Douiri told the Moroccan TV channel "TVM" that, in addition to the government's ambition to attract 10 million tourists by 2010, the plan is also directed to triple the Moroccan tourism activity during the next decade. Douiri pointed out that the number of tourists went up by 6 percent last year compared to 2002. He added that Moroccans were the second customers in Moroccan hotels, after French tourists. (menareport.com) By Mena Report Reporters (C) 2004 Albawaba.com, All rights reserved.
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=200w3998&section=Countries&page=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C
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Morocco drafts anti-torture law
Morocco, Politics, 7/21/2004

Morocco's justice department has drafted a law incriminating torture and completing the penal code's provisions in the field. The ministry said in a release the project defines torture as any prejudice causing pain or physical or moral harm, committed with premeditation, encouraged, approved or concealed by a civil servant to intimidate or compel the tortured person or another, to provide information or indications, or to acknowledge a deed they, or another person, have committed or have allegedly committed, and when such pain or torture was committed for a discriminatory reason, whatever its nature.

Under the draft, anyone who commits torture shall face 5 to 10 years in jail and a 10,000 to 30,000 Dh ($1,100 to 3,300) fine, beside denial of one or more rights among those mentioned in article 40 of the penal code.  Under the international convention against torture, which was approved by Morocco, each State shall take effective legislative, administrative and judicial measures to ban torture in all regions under their management, and incriminate torture acts and sue their perpetrators.

Morocco had announced last May its intention to remove its reservations on six international human rights conventions. The then Human Rights Minster, Mohamed Aujjar, who made the announcement at the House of Representatives (parliament), explained that the reservations were made about the convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, elimination of all forms of racial discrimination, children's rights and elimination of discrimination against women. Other reservations concerned two treaties on political and civic rights, and economic social and cultural rights.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/040721/2004072116.html
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Morocco selects private partner for new irrigation project
Jul 22, 2004 (Al-Bawaba via COMTEX)

The International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, announced Tuesday that the government of Morocco has chosen a private partner for the planned public private partnership (PPP) irrigation project in the citrus-growing area of Guerdane, Taroudant province. Surface water is urgently needed for irrigated citrus farming in the 10,000 hectare Guerdane perimeter, which currently depends largely on the extraction of rapidly diminishing groundwater supplies drawn up from the Souss basin.

The bid for the Guerdane PPP irrigation project was won by a consortium led by Omnium Nord-Africain (ONA), a Moroccan industrial conglomerate. Other members of the consortium include Morocco's Caisse de Depot et Gestion, France's Compagnie Nationale d'Amenagement de la Region du Bas-Rhone et du Languedoc, and Infrastructure Development and Management, an Austrian firm.  The Guerdane project is the first PPP irrigation project in the world. IFC - with the support of a technical assistance grant from France's FASEP - provided the government with advice on structuring and implementing the Guerdane PPP irrigation project to deliver a high-quality, accountable and financially and environmentally sustainable public service to end-users.

As part of its contractual obligations, the ONA-led consortium will enter into a 30-year concession for the construction, co-financing, and management of an irrigation network. The network will channel water from a dam complex, located some 40 miles from Guerdane, to some 600 citrus farmers. The Guerdane irrigation project will cost an estimated at $85 million to build, of which the Moroccan government will provide around $50 million - half as a loan and half in grant form.  Bids by the various consortia for the Guerdane PPP irrigation centered on providing the most competitive water tariff structure for end-users. The tariff structure submitted by the ONA-led consortium is significantly lower than the price that citrus farmers in Guerdane typically pay for irrigated groundwater supplies. As Morocco has suffered from recurrent and persistent drought, the contractual documents for the Guerdane PPP irrigation project were structured so as to fairly share the main project risk - consistent water supply - amongst the private investor, the government, and the end-users.  The tender was also tailored to promote the participation of Moroccan companies in the bidding process. The outcome therefore heralds the creation of Morocco's first ever domestic private infrastructure operator.

Hassan Benabderrazik, general secretary of the Moroccan ministry of agriculture, expressed great satisfaction with the outcome of the bidding process, saying, "By bringing in the private sector, Morocco will benefit from the integration of capital and management expertise from the private operator, which should produce cost-reducing efficiency in this public-private partnership." He added, "Competition and transparency helped the government secure a highly-competitive tariff for the end-user of the project - and indeed local farmers have told the ministry that they are highly satisfied with the result."  Bernard Sheahan, IFC director for Advisory Services, noted that "A high level of competition and transparency has been maintained throughout the process, with a positive outcome for the government and the farmers. The Moroccan authorities should be praised for their strong commitment to making this project succeed."

Sami Haddad, IFC director for Middle East and North Africa, added, "It is estimated that more than 100,000 people earn their living, either directly or indirectly, from citrus farming in the Guerdane perimeter, which is noteworthy for its dynamism, high-level of productivity and innovation in the commercialization of citrus production to both local and external markets. The success of the bidding process for the Guerdane PPP irrigation project sets a worldwide precedent for future irrigation investments in a very difficult global environment." (menareport.com) By Mena Report Reporters
(C) 2004 Albawaba.com, All rights reserved.
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=204w2039&section=Countries&page=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C
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Morocco to develop $230 million destination resort casino
Jul 22, 2004 (Al-Bawaba via COMTEX)

Kerzner International Limited, a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotel properties, Thursday announced that the Company and its local partners, Societe Maroc Emirates Arabs Unis de Developpement ("SOMED") and Caisse de Depot et de Gestion ("CDG"), have entered into an agreement with the Government of Morocco for the development of a destination resort casino. The greenfield site is located near El Jadida, which lies approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Casablanca. About an hour's drive from Casablanca, Morocco's largest city with a population of 3.5 million, the site provides for easy access to-and-from Casablanca International Airport, which currently receives daily flights from 22 European cities. Access to the area is supported by a rail network as well.

The cost of the project is estimated at $230 million and is expected to consist of a 600-room hotel, an 18-hole golf course, convention space, restaurants and a casino. As part of its agreement with the Moroccan government, the joint venture has negotiated exclusive rights to conduct gaming operations within a 160-kilometer radius from the center of Casablanca. Kerzner expects to commence construction of the project in 2005 and to complete the project by mid-2007. SOMED is an investor with interests in various industries, including the hospitality industry. SOMED is 50%-owned by the Abu Dhabi Development Fund and 30%-owned by the Government, with the remaining interests being institutionally owned. CDG is the Government-entity that invests Morocco's pension funds and is one of the country's leading institutional investors. (menareport.com)
By Mena Report Reporters (C) 2004 Albawaba.com, All rights reserved.
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=204w2677&section=Countries&page=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C

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