Virtual Magazine of Morocco on the Web
Morocco Week in Review 
April 9 2005

Moroccan delegation in US to promote FTA.
Free trade agreement with USA will become effective in July 2005.
Senior Moroccan Officials Meet With Chicago Businesses to Discuss Opportunities Under New U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement
Over 200 women die while giving birth in Morocco.
Morocco gets aid to fight anemia.
Morocco Receives US$2.92 Million Grant for Flour Fortification Project.
37pc of Moroccan enterprises operating in services run by women.
Judeo-Moslem Committee to hold first meeting on April 5-6 in Marrakech.
Morocco good example of political transition and democratic experience, academic.
Moroccan Organization Moves to Halt Black Plastic Bag Production.
10% rise in number of tourists arriving in Morocco.
Six-day Sahara Desert run .
Tourist space of reception in Morocco.
International Nomads Festival Begins in Morocco.
Fez to Host Conference for Businesswomen.
Religious service in homage to late Pope John Paul II.
Moroccan GDP to reach 2.8 pc in 2005.
"Cyber-School" in Morocco.
Citrus fruits exports plummet by 20%.
World Bank lends Morocco 31 million euros for road construction.
Essaouira to host Gnaoua and World Music Festival.
Moroccan dams occupancy rate declined by 16%.
Government earmarks over 650 million euro to promote Morocco's eastern region.
Jobs, Tourists & the WEF.
Privatization earns Morocco 7.55 billion euros in 11 years.
Jazz Festival in Oudayas.
"Fun Run" in Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane.
Siemens To Supply Gprs Technology To Morocco's Medi Telecom.

Moroccan delegation in US to promote FTA.
Washington, Apr. 4

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between Morocco and the United States of America will contribute positively to developing trade exchange between the two countries, said Moroccan Minister of General and Economic Affairs. Rachid Talbi El Alami, who is leading a Moroccan delegation on a visit to the US aimed at promoting the FTA, highlighted the investment climate that prevails in Morocco, and the satisfactory achievements of the national economy, pointing out that the North African kingdom's economic and political stability, market economy, infrastructures and geo-strategic location make of it an attractive country for investors.
The delegation, which comprises, high-ranking Moroccan economic officials as well as members of the Moroccan American Trade and Investment Council (MATIC), held a number of meetings in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with firm managers operating in agro-industry, finance and banking in order to explore opportunities the FTA offers.

The delegation also took part in a seminar sponsored by GlobalAutoIndustry.com, specialized in automotive industry and desiring to operate in Europe through Morocco. Morocco is the only African country, and second Arab country (after Jordan) to sign a Free Trade Agreement with the United States. The accord, signed on June 15, 2004, eliminates tariffs on 95 percent of all bilateral trade between the United States and Morocco, and includes stringent protections for intellectual property and the environment.
The North African country signed the FTA with the USA after seven rounds of bilateral negotiations that lasted 13 months of discussions meant to eliminate most of the tariffs on mutual trade in consumer and industrial products. The remaining tariffs on these goods are mainly agricultural products from both nations, which will be eliminated within the next nine years.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/moroccan_delegation/view 
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Free trade agreement with USA will become effective in July 2005.

Resources have confirmed that Morocco's free trade agreement with USA will become effective in July 2005. The agreement was supposed to start to be active seven months ago, but delays were caused to deal with objections from the American side. Americans want the Intellectual Property laws of Morocco to be amended before they start implementing the agreement.

Morocco has agreed to give guarantees that its IP laws will go under real amendments in order to comply with recent developments in the intellectual property area. All amendments are supposed to take place before the end of 2005. Morocco is keen for the agreement to become effective in order to start benefiting from custom exemptions for their products, mainly fabrics, agricultural and fisheries products.
http://www.middleastlaw.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=50&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 
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Senior Moroccan Officials Meet With Chicago Businesses to Discuss Opportunities Under New U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement
Chicago Latest Stop on Nationwide Tour to Promote Agreement CHICAGO, April 4 /PRNewswire/ 

Morocco's Minister of National Economy Rachid Talbi El Alami, Moroccan Ambassador to the United States Aziz Mekouar, and other members of their delegation met today with Chicago executives representing major companies -- particularly those in the food processing and agri-business industries -- to discuss opportunities resulting from the U.S.- Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA), including increased trade and investment, as well as job development and closer ties between Chicago and Morocco.

The FTA, approved by both governments, will go into effect in the coming weeks. A reception and dinner for business leaders was hosted by the government of Morocco and the Moroccan-American Trade & Investment Council (MATIC), a U.S.-based trade association. The Ambassador is also in Chicago for a seminar sponsored by the Moroccan government and the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), in cooperation with the World Trade Center of Chicago. "The Free Trade Agreement presents exciting opportunities for both the United States and Morocco; many American businesses could benefit from the FTA, including those related to wheat and other grains, soybeans and soybean products and processed foods," said Ambassador Mekouar. "I look forward to forging a closer relationship between this world-class city and Morocco's business centers; today's meetings are a critical step to that end." For U.S. businesses, the Free Trade Agreement -- deemed the "best market access package of any U.S. free trade agreement with a developing country to date" by the Office of the United States Trade Representative -- eliminates tariffs on 95 percent of all bilateral trade between the United States and Morocco, and includes stringent protections for intellectual property and the environment. Because of Morocco's agreement with the European Union, tariff reductions will apply to U.S. goods produced in Morocco and sold in Europe. 

The Free Trade Agreement marks the latest illustration of the historic partnership between Morocco and the United States that has existed for more than 217 years; Morocco was the first country to formally recognize the fledgling United States in 1777. Today, Morocco is a model of political, social and economic reform and an important ally to the U.S. in the War on Terror, and was recently elevated by the U.S. to the coveted major non-NATO ally status. Ambassador Mekouar's stop in Chicago is part of an aggressive effort to inform U.S. businesses about the FTA, encourage investment and increase trade.
The tour, stopping in more than 10 U.S. cities, is sponsored and organized by MATIC. MATIC is an American based non-profit trade association established under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to assist Morocco in encouraging economic growth and stability through the promotion of its private sector. Charter members include companies, trade associations and firms from both Morocco and the United States. MATIC will be sponsoring and organizing numerous activities across the United States during the coming year to foster trans-Atlantic trade. Several major United States firms, including Dell, Delphi, Oracle and Pfizer, have made significant investments in Morocco. "Moroccan-U.S. trade is poised for a significant boost with this agreement," said Ted Smith, an economist who brings more than 30 years of international business experience to his role as MATIC's managing director. "Bilateral trade in goods and services exceeded more than $1 billion in 2003, and there are few obstacles to double-digit growth every year this decade." 

According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, in 2003 Illinois exported more than $2 million in merchandise to the North African nation. When the agreement becomes active in March, Chicago will be able to export most goods tariff free. Primary U.S. exports to Morocco include aircraft, cereals and machinery, while Morocco ships foodstuffs, processed goods and textiles to the U.S. market. Morocco is also a popular destination for U.S. filmmakers who are attracted by its great natural beauty, varied terrain and established movie- making support services.

Long-admired for its spectacular tourism venues, competitive textile industry, skilled workforce and access to European, African and Middle Eastern markets, Morocco is a highly advantageous site for American companies. MATIC's U.S. office is located at 1101 Vermont Ave. NW, in Washington, D.C. Please visit MATIC's Web site for more information:
http://www.moroccanamericantrade.com. Additional information is also located on the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement Web site at http://www.moroccousafta.com . SOURCE Moroccan-American Trade and Investment Council Web Site: http://www.moroccousafta.com http://www.moroccanamericantrade.com 
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/04-04-2005/0003329014&EDATE= 
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Over 200 women die while giving birth in Morocco.
Rabat

227 women per 10 000 die in Moroccan while giving birth according to figures of the Moroccan Ministry of Health.
Released on the eve of the World Health Day, organized under the motto "Make Every Mother and Child Count", the figures show that neonatal mortality reaches 27 per one thousand live births, and mortality of children under 5 years old is 47 per one thousand.
The total fertility rate is barely 2.5 children per woman, and life expectancy has appreciably increased to stand at 70 years in 2001.
On the other hand, the 2004 census shows that the demographic growth has been slashed to 1.4% owing to the development of the life conditions, but also to the adoption of an efficient family planning program.

Health ministry statistics also indicate that 90% of the children between 12 and 13 months are vaccinated against tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus (since 2002, Morocco is ranked by WHO and UNICEF among countries having eliminated neonatal tetanus), whooping cough, measles, and recently the introduction of the vaccination against hepatitis B and rubella.
World Health Organization (WHO) in Morocco, Raouf Benammar, told Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb daily that despite limited resources Morocco holds a "very honorable position" at the international level that is above even richer countries.
Benammar said that, for better performance, Morocco needs to integrate its health system in the comprehensive socio-economic development program, noting that Morocco's expenditures in the health field remain beneath WHO requirements.
According to a report released by the WHO on the same occasion, "about 530 000 women a year die in pregnancy or childbirth, more than three million babies are stillborn, more than four million newborns die within the first days or weeks of life, and altogether 10.6 million children a year die before their fifth birthday".

Through the 2005 Word Health Day, WHO aims to raise the awareness of the political organisms about the scale of morbidity and mortality among children and mothers, the sufferings they endure and the consequences of such a plight on the general health and socio-economic development.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/box3/over_200_women_die_w/view 
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Morocco gets aid to fight anemia.
08 April, 2005 by sandhu <mailto:expressnewsline_media@rediffmail.com

The World Bank Thursday granted $2.92 million to help Morocco fight iron deficiency anemia. The disease is a result of deficiencies in iron as well as vitamins A and D, and the money will be used to fortify flour with iron and folic acid, and to fortify cooking oil with vitamins A and D. The project is expected to help about 15 million Moroccans stave off the disease, as it will enrich 3 million tons of flour per year.

Iron deficiency anemia affects about one-third of all women of childbearing age and children under 5 years old in Morocco, the bank said. http://www.expressnewsline.com/phpnews1/news.php?action=fullnews&id=4204 --------------------------------------------------------

Morocco Receives US$2.92 Million Grant for Flour Fortification Project.
Apr 8, 2005, 03:22

"By fortifying staple foods we are able to get essential vitamins and minerals to vulnerable people very cost-effectively, utilizing the food industry, rather than the traditional health sector"  By Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), The Kingdom of Morocco launched today a project to combat iron deficiency anemia and problems due to vitamin A and D deficiency among women and young children. The project is financed by a three-year US$2.92 million grant from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), for which the World Bank serves as trust agent. Morocco is the fifth country to obtain a grant for large-scale food fortification efforts from GAIN.

The project, which is expected to benefit around 15 million Moroccans, will enable 50 mills to produce flour fortified with iron, folic acid and B vitamins, and major producers of cooking oil to fortify their products with vitamin A and D. Total production of fortified flour, used mainly in bread making, will be three million tons per year, distributed in regions that are home to about half the country's people. "By fortifying staple foods we are able to get essential vitamins and minerals to vulnerable people very cost-effectively, utilizing the food industry, rather than the traditional health sector," said GAIN Chairman Mr Jay Naidoo.

The launch event took place in Rabat today, attended by Moroccan Prime Minister Driss Jettou, Minister of Health Mohamed-Cheik Biadillah and representatives of the World Health Organisation, as part of a programme of activities to celebrate World Health Day.

Iron deficiency anemia affects about a third of childbearing age women and children under five in Morocco, greatly increasing risks of death and complications during childbirth and reducing learning capacity and energy levels. At least a third of young children in Morocco also suffer from vitamin A deficiency, which compromises immune systems, opening the doors to disease and causing an estimated 1,500 deaths each year.

The Ministry of Health in Morocco has set up an integrated micronutrient deficiency control programme, involving fortification of staple foods, supplementation for vulnerable populations, nutritional education and reinforcement of nutrition-related health programmes, with the objective to reduce iron-deficiency anemia by a third and eliminate iodine and vitamin A and D deficiencies by 2010. The government strategy includes fortification of salt, flour, oil and milk with iodine, iron and vitamins A, B and D.
However, surveys conducted in 2000 showed more effort was needed to achieve the desired results.

The GAIN grant proposal was prepared in 2002 by a National Alliance for Fortification, comprised of public, private and non-governmental organizations, led by the Ministry of Health. Approved in 2003, GAIN last year provided interim funding of US$257,000 for the project, to equip four additional mills for fortification, initiate a promotional campaign for fortified foods, conduct a study on consumption patterns and develop a monitoring and evaluation plan.

"As the grain industry diversifies and develops in the region, it is important that we create the right environment - through standards and legislation, the capacity and commitment of millers and awareness among consumers - for long term, sustainable fortification efforts," said GAIN board member and mill manager Nicolas Tsikhlakis of Jordan. Marrakech will host the 17th annual International Association of Operative Millers conference for the African and Middle Eastern region in September this year, enabling Morocco to profile its flour fortification initiative to representatives from the biggest market for wheat consumption in the world.

The Commission for Africa report, released earlier this month, noted "reducing vitamin and mineral deficiency, through supplements and fortification, has minimal cost with big impacts. African governments and global health partnerships must ensure that the treatment and prevention of micronutrient deficiencies are integrated into public health campaigns."

The UNICEF office in Rabat will implement the World Bank-administered project, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the National Alliance for Fortification. The project budget, including government and industry contributions, totals US$35.5 million, with components aimed at food production and distribution, food control, communication, programme monitoring and evaluation and programme management support.
http://www.rxpgnews.com/article_1025.shtml 
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37pc of Moroccan enterprises operating in services run by women.
Rabat, Mar. 30

37pc of Moroccan enterprises operating in services are run by women, revealed President of the Association for women heads of enterprise (AFEM). Saloua Karkiri Belkeziz noted in an interview published by 'Al Alam' daily that women run 31pc of enterprises in the trade sector and 22pc in industry, noting that most of these enterprises have been set up since less than five years.
On the other hand, she said, 30pc of their activities are operated at the local level, 44pc at the national level, while 21pc operate in exports.

Belkeziz said many obstacles are still facing Moroccan enterprises, notably related to the opening of borders, the liberalization of world trade and upgrading. She added that important financial means are needed to face the new requirements of the market.
AFEM president also highlighted the need to modernize production means which would help develop products and improve their ability to compete with foreign products. According to Belkeziz, Morocco's conclusion of Free Trade Agreements will help enterprises improve productivity and develop management methods to take up the challenge of competition.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/37pc_of_moroccan_ent/view 
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Judeo-Moslem Committee to hold first meeting on April 5-6 in Marrakech.
Brussels, Apr. 04

The Judeo-Moslem Permanent Committee is to hold its first meeting on April 5-6 in the Moroccan town of Marrakech (Central South), The Swiss "Hommes de Paroles" Foundations said in a communiqué released in the Belgian capital city. The committee was created at the first World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace held last January in Brussels, under the aegis of King Mohammed VI and King Albert II of the Belgians, by the Swiss foundation. It was created to empower the Judeo-Moslem dialog so that it reflect and act in to find a way out to the problems involving Islam and Judaism. The committee's 2005 agenda slates the working out of programs that combine debates and on the terrain actions. This body set up last February The International Inter-religious Monitoring Center (IIMC), which is tasked to denounce, respond to racist, anti-Semite, defamation acts and wrong interpretation of texts, religions and their teachings.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/general/judeo-moslem_committ/view 
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Morocco good example of political transition and democratic experience, academic.
Politics, 4/1/2005

Morocco is a good example of political transition and democratic experience in the Arab states, for it discarded at the outset of independence monopartism to adopt multipartism, said Professor Kamal Al-Sayyid of the Cairo University. Al-Sayyid told the Moroccan News Agency Morocco rejected the unique party system and incepted political multipartism and opened the way since early 1990s to opposition political parties to take part in alternance government.

On the occasion of a conference on political reforms in the Arab states, he moderated in Washington Wednesday at the Carnegie Foundation For International Peace, the academic went on to say the public hearings on past government violations in Morocco between 1956 and 1999 are unique in the Arab states, adding for all these reasons "we regard Morocco as a good example concerning political transition in the Arab nation."

On democracy prospects in the Middle East, Al-Sayyid said democracy in the region "is a matter of historical evolution" and needs a suitable environment to develop, notably in education and citizens income increase. Democracy secures the accomplishment of peoples' expectations and contributes to the reduction of power abuses, he said adding however this does not mean full governance by the people.

Speaking of the integration of Islamist groups in Arab political life, Al-Sayyid said Arab governments should choose dialog with the movements, even though they do not agree with their stances. Democracy should come from the free choice of domestic political forces in every country and must not be forced onto them or made through foreign pressure, he said.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/050401/2005040125.html 
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Moroccan Organization Moves to Halt Black Plastic Bag Production.
06/04/2005

The National Legal Association for Consumer Protection is lobbying for a new law to prevent production and marketing of black plastic bags in Morocco because of their hazardous impact on human health and the environment. The association claims Morocco is the only Maghreb country which does not have a law preventing black plastic bag manufacturing. It also called on consumers to use paper bags instead of plastic bags.
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/homepage/ 
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10% rise in number of tourists arriving in Morocco.

The number of tourists who visited Morocco during the first two months of the current year reached 741,289, a figure that marks a 10% increase in comparison to the first two months of 2004. The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism reported that the French tourists occupy the first place, with 181,381 visitors (a 14% increase), followed by the Spaniards (101.935), the British (23.807), the Germans (22.345), the Italians (17.284) and the Belgians (16.772). EMarrakech reports that the number of Moroccans, residing abroad, who visited Morocco during this period reached 278,133, a 7% decrease compared to the previous year.
http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/Morocco/182224 
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Six-day Sahara Desert run.
Thursday, April 07, 2005

FOR Dale Kennedy, Manager of the Tower Hotel Leisure Centre, it could be his ultimate test of endurance or his worst nightmare, or both! The Marathon des Sables is one of the world's most brutal foot racing events, a six-day, 150-mile run through the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco!

Participants are required to be totally self-sufficient during the Marathon. They must carry a lightweight backpack with all the clothing, food and supplies they need for the week. Marathon organizers supply the participants with a meagre nine-litre ration of water for each day. At night, participants sleep on the ground in communal Berber tents.

The actual course of the race remains a secret until the day before the Marathon begins. Typically, it takes place in the stunningly beautiful desert to the east or south of the town of Ouarzazate. This arid terrain offers an ankle-wrenching variety of landscapes, including rocky hills, palm groves, dried mud flats and sand dunes. Daytime temperatures have been known to climb to a scorching 125 degrees and sandstorms are common.

Each day of the Marathon is an adventure unto its own, as each of the six "stages" ranges from 20 to 80 kilometres (12 to 50 miles) in length. An extensive road book is given to the competitors before the race begins. Stage Four is considered the most gruelling, a double marathon segment which begins long before sunrise. The racing is tightly monitored, with all participants required to check in at numerous "control points" along the way.

The Marathon is littered with stories of survival. Take Mauro Prosperi, a police officer from Rome, who got lost in a sandstorm during the 1994 race. He wandered several hundred kilometres off course and survived for the next nine days on boiled urine and dead bats. Mauro lost over 30 pounds during his ordeal but he has returned to Morocco to race two more times. Surprisingly, only one person has died while participating in the Marathon.

Dale flies out to Morocco on Thursday 7th April where the competitors will spend two days acclimatising in the desert before the race starts on Sunday morning. South East Cancer Foundation spokesman Jonathan Oakes said "We are very grateful to Dale for offering to seek sponsorship of the run for the benefit of the Foundation.

We wish him the very best of luck and every success in his remarkable endeavour. We hope that people will keep up to date with his progress and support his effort by making a donation at the Tower Hotel" Sponsorship Donations are being taken at the Leisure Centre Reception in the Tower Hotel. Donations to the South East Cancer Foundation may also be made at the SECF Drop in Centre, 7 Sealy Close, Earls Court, off the Dunmore Road.
http://www.waterford-news.com/news/story.asp?j=17638 
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Tourist space of reception in Morocco.

The Moroccan Minister of Tourism, Craft industry and Social Economy, Adil Douiri, has recently signed in Agadir, a partnership agreement for the creation of a space of tourist reception in the area of Immouzer Idda Ou Tanane, with an investment of MD5.15 million. EMarrakech reports that the agreement was signed with the region's local authorities, the Agency for Social Development, the High Commission for Water and Forests and USAID. Mr. Douiri, the key speaker in the event, stressed that this agreement was signed as part of the national program, aiming at the promotion of rural and mountain tourism in Morocco.
http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/Morocco/182255
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International Nomads Festival Begins in Morocco.
07/04/2005 

Nomads from all over the world are expected to arrive in Morocco for the celebration of the second International Festival of Nomads from 7-9 April in M'hamid Elghizlane, 90km from Zagora. The gathering, organized by the Association of Nomads under the title "Festival of the Nomad Caravans of the Perpetual Rhythms," is aimed at promoting knowledge of various aspects of nomadic culture, art, language, history and way of living.
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/homepage/ 
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Fez to Host Conference for Businesswomen.
08/04/2005 

Fez will host a forum for the International Network of Women Business Leaders from 28-30 April under the patronage of Morocco's King Mohammed VI. The event aims to promote establishment of small-and medium-size enterprises by women and create joint ventures among the enterprises on the international level. More than 300 female business leaders from 35 countries including the United States, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Argentina, Mauritania, Tunisia, and Kuwait are expected to take part in the forum. The event is expected to focus on traditional industries such as handicrafts and textiles.
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/homepage/ 
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Religious service in homage to late Pope John Paul II.
Rabat 

The Moroccan Apostolic Nunciature held, here Thursday, a religious service in homage to late Pope John Paul II. Besides the diplomatic corps accredited in Morocco and representatives of various religious confessions, the government was represented by an important delegation including Advisor to HM King Mohammed VI, André Azoulay, Minister-Delegate of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Fassi Fihri, Secretary General of the Council of the Israelite Community in Morocco, Serge Berdugo and Mohamed Moatassim. In an allocution given in the name of the Moroccan official delegation, Fassi Fihri rendered a vibrant homage to the memory of the Sovereign Pontiff "one of the most distinguished personalities of the 20th century and a courageous and vigorous man who preached for peace and dialogue during his exceptional pontificate in a world scattered by wars, tumult and confusion". The Moroccan official said the world lost a charismatic, clear-sighted personality and an advocate of noble causes. Morocco, a country of special spiritual culture, will never forget the Pope's visit to the kingdom in August 1985 at the invitation of late HM King Hassan II, he said.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/box5/religious_service_in/view 
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Moroccan GDP to reach 2.8 pc in 2005.
Rabat, Apr. 8

The growth rate of the Moroccan real gross domestic product is expected to reach 2.8 pc based on an added value of the agricultural output, which, hoever, is expected to decrease 1.4 pc. Excluding the agricultural output, the GDP growth rate will record an increase of 3.6 pc, according to figures released by the Moroccan Central Bank (Bank Al-Maghrib). The GDP growth will ensure an appropriate funding of the country's economy, while limiting the price rise at 2 pc. The Central Bank also expects the monetary reference value to range between 6.5 and 7.5 pc, which could entail a liquidity reduction amounting to MAD
4.5 billion, about 450 million euros, by the end of 2005. The liquidity reduction is based on the possible reinforcement of net external assets, which could reach MAD 10 billion, and on the increase of credits to MAD 23 billion.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/moroccan_gdp_to_reac/view 
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"Cyber-School" in Morocco.
03/04/2005

The Moroccan Association for Internet Promotion recently launched a new project called "Cyber-School." The new initiative aims to encourage and facilitate internet use. Association representatives said although the internet exists in Morocco, the majority of users underutilize the technology. Among 2.5m internet users in Morocco, only 104,000 are subscribers.
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/homepage/ 
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Citrus fruits exports plummet by 20%.
Rabat, Apr. 8 

Morocco's Exports of citrus fruits reached, at the end of March 2005, some 390,000 tons, achieving an increase of 20% in comparison to the same period of 2004. The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, ascribed, in a press release, this progression to the increase of the sales of the different varieties of clementine. The same source says that exports of early fruits and vegetables stood, at the end of March, at 358,000 tons, that is a 2.5% increase compared to the same period a year before.
As to the exports of potatoes, they declined by 5%, while fruits and other vegetables regressed by 3% from the previous agricultural season, says the release.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/citrus_fruits_export/view 
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World Bank lends Morocco 31 million euros for road construction.
Rabat, Apr. 8 

The world Bank lent Morocco 31 million euros to contribute to the construction funding of some 625 km of roads, part of the country's programme of rural road building (PNRR-II). The loan agreement, signed here Friday, is to be paid back over a 17-year period with a three-year grace period on interests. The cost of the current tranche of road building is estimated at MAD 409 million, about 40 million euros. The Moroccan rural road construction programme will help built or repair around 15,000 km of roads between 2005 and 2015.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/world_bank_lends_mor/view 
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Essaouira to host Gnaoua and World Music Festival.
Essaouira, Apr.06 

Top world spiritual musicians are expected to turn out at the 8th Gnaoua and World Music Festival slated for June 23 to 26.
In a unique moment of spiritual celebration, Essaouira (central Morocco) will live for four days on the vibrations of musical bands emanating from the five corners of the globe to sing a hymn to life. Gnaoua Maalems' Guembris and crotales will echo in the imperial city of Essaouira in symbiosis with Jazz, Rock and other universal musical rhythms. Music connoisseurs will discover the spiritual world of "Jeel" -Arab Pop- creator, Egyptian Fathi Salama who will render his most sincere songs at the festival along with Egyptian Gnaoua musicians. The festival is a unique moment of coexistence while voices bridge between East and West worlds. The Thalweg Band, a Berber-Celtic mixture, is a token to Music's magic and universality. The Bozilo Jazz trio, mustering a Serbian pianist, a French-Algerian drummer and a French saxophonist playing Afro-American, Slaves and Maghreban sounds sings for a world without frontiers.
The festival will be closed by a concert given by the Grammy Awards 2005, the Senegalese star, Youssou N'Dour.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/culture/essaouira_to_host_gn/view 
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Moroccan dams occupancy rate declined by 16%.
Rabat, Apr.06

The total volume of water stored at all Moroccan Agricultural dams declined in April by 16% to reach 7.5 billion cubic metres compared to 9 billions during the same period of last year, here Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries. The occupancy rate is of 58% as compared with 69% for the same period of the preceding year. The variation is due to an annual pluviometric index of 224 mm as compared to 294 mm in a normal year.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/general/moroccan_dams_occupa/view 
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Government earmarks over 650 million euro to promote Morocco's eastern region.
Economics, 4/7/2005

The Moroccan government has earmarked over 600 million euro to promote Morocco's eastern region, under two conventions signed, in Rabat Wednesday, under the chairmanship of King Mohammed VI. The first convention with an amount of MAD 6 billions (1 Euro=1.093 MAD) is meant to finance the Fez-Oujda highway and the second of MAD 300 millions concerns an investment fund for the promotion of this region.

The 320 km Fez-Oujda highway that will be operational in 2010 is funded by the government, Hassan II Fund for Social and Economic Development and Moroccan highway company "Societe Nationale des Autoroutes du Maroc." In this connection, the monarch appointed Mohamed El-Mbarki as Director General of the Agency for Promoting and Developing Eastern Provinces.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/050407/2005040717.html 
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Jobs, Tourists & the WEF.
Morocco, Volume 62. 08.04.2005

While a major international competitiveness report recently ranked Morocco eighth out of 12 Arab states, it also warned that unemployment continued to be a major concern. One way to counter this, many in Rabat are saying, is that more effort should be put into boosting tourism. The ranking was given by the Arab World Competitiveness Report for 2005, which was released the beginning of April by the Swiss-based World Economic Forum (WEF).

The report compared nations based on factors such as levels of corruption, education, per capita GDP and unemployment rates. Looking towards the future, it also called for continued economic, social and political development. One of the potential risks the report identifies in particular is the coupling of continuing high unemployment rates with a rapidly expanding population, forecasting that this could end in disaster for many Arab countries. It warns that unless more private investment occurs and jobs are created, the situation could turn disastrous in the next five years.

In Morocco, the unemployment rate, which in the past has been closely influenced by the success of the agricultural sector, currently stands at around 10%, but is as high as 18% in urban areas. The report's figures suggest that like many other Middle Eastern and North African countries, Morocco needs to continue to work on building a more competitive private sector to create jobs - especially outside of agriculture.

With this in mind, Morocco has been investing a lot of money in recent years within the services sector, and particularly in tourism. In 2003, this sector was Morocco's second-largest source of foreign currency ($3.01bn) and was responsible for providing 600,000 jobs directly and many more indirectly. The services sector itself was responsible for 52% of GDP in 2003, according to World Bank data, with industry, in comparison, only accounting for roughly 30%. Building on this vital source of foreign income, the Ministry of Tourism has been working hard over the past three years - and with apparent success - at increasing the number of the country's annual visitors. In a report released early April, the ministry stated that this was one of the "best years since 2000".

Since the drop-off in numbers of visitors to Morocco after the September 11, 2001, attacks in the US, and then the bombing in Casablanca, the department has been working hard to increase its promotional and campaigning efforts, with what appears to be marked success. Even last year's tourism numbers were higher than the previous year. According to the recent report, the 781,249 tourists that visited Morocco during the first two months of 2005 showed a 10% increase over the same two months of the previous year. In January alone there was a 13% increase. More than 47% of these visitors came from Europe, with 181,381 coming from France, followed shortly by Spain (101,935) and the UK (23,807).

Adil Douiri, the minister of tourism, also signed a partnership agreement recently that aims to expand the tourism industry still further. Local authorities, USAID, the Agency for Social Development and the High Commissioner for Water and Forests came together to invest Dh5.15m ($600,000) in a "tourist reception space" to be located in the area of Immouzer Idda Ou Tanane. The minister emphasised that this was one action in a broader effort to promote tourism in the more remote and rural mountain regions of Morocco.

Tourism should get an extra boost this month as well, from the 51st Southern Morocco Grand Fair, which, according to news source EMarrakech, started in the city at the end of March. The fair, which was sponsored by the city's Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIS), is made up of 320 stands selling a plethora of crafts and household goods. There are local companies participating in addition to exhibitors from a large international contingent, including France, Italy, Vietnam, Pakistan and the UAE. The fair will close on May 8.

Thus, Moroccan tourism is definitely on an upward path, while the country as a whole also fared much better in employment issues than some of the oil rich Arab countries featured in the WEF report. One example is women in the workplace. A recent MENA report showed that for the region, women have achieved high representation. In the services sector, 37% of all enterprises are run by women, who also control 31% of enterprises in the trade sector and 22% in industry. In education as well, women have a much higher representation than many of Morocco's Arab counterparts.

Yet addressing the problems of a growing work force will require plenty more commitment and investment by the authorities in Rabat as well as by businesses, as the population continues to expand - and if the spectre of further unemployment raised by the WEF is to be laid to rest.
http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/weekly01.asp?id=1302 
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Privatization earns Morocco 7.55 billion euros in 11 years.

Abdelaziz Talbi, the director of public enterprises at the privatization and finance ministry, announced in a press conference, held recently in Casablanca, that 66 Moroccan companies were fully or partly privatized between 1993 and 2005. Talbi explained that the move earned the Moroccan government with an overall sum of MAD75.5 Billions (about 7.55 billion euros) and helped attract direct foreign investments to Morocco. He also reported that these figures place Morocco in the first spot, in this respect, among Arab countries and in the third place among African states, based on 2004 terms. Talbi added that these privatization transactions also positively affected the local financial market, allowing growth of capital at the Casablanca stock exchange, from MAD5 billion to MAD206 billion, between 1989 and 2004. Maghreb Arabe Presse reports that among the privatized companies, mentioned by Talbi, were Ittissalat Al Maghrib (Morocco Telecom) and Regie des Tabacs (The tobacco distribution company).
http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/Morocco/182127 
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Jazz Festival in Oudayas.

The 10th edition of the Jazz festival in Oudayas is scheduled to take place from the 27 to May 31, 2005 in Rabat. The event was initiated by the Delegation of the European Commission and of the embassies and cultural institutes of the Member States of the European Union and is organized in partnership with the Moroccan ministry of Culture and the district of Rabat, Sale.  Emarrakech reports that according to the event's organizers a great number of renowned talents in the world of jazz are going to take part in the festival and that it is going to serve as a unique opportunity of cultural exchange between Moroccan and European musicians.
http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/Morocco/182119 
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"Fun Run" in Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane.

The 'Hand in Hand' Association of the students at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (Morocco) is planning to hold its annual 'Fun Run' event on April 16, a fund raising event for the financing of various socio-cultural events in the region. According to an official statement by the association, the event will be attended by Prince Moulay Ismail, serving as President of Honor of the event, and will be sponsored by the renowned athlete and international champion, Hicham El Guerrouj. Emarrakech reports that 'Hand in Hand' Association aspires to raise, by this year 'Fun Run' event, the necessary funds for two main projects. The first is the establishment of a youth house in an underprivileged district of the city of Ifrane (Timdiquine), and the second is the establishment of a children library for pupils in the rural areas of the province.
http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/Morocco/182123 
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Siemens To Supply Gprs Technology To Morocco's Medi Telecom.
April 08, 2005 16:11 PM KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama)

Moroccan network operator Medi Telecom SA will be using Siemens technology to expand its mobile network. In a statement here Friday, Siemens said that the company has contracted with the Siemens Communications Group to extend its existing core network with a second GPRS platform. In the frame of the increasing demand for its successful data services, this will enable the operator to offer its three million subscribers the possibility to send and receive data over the mobile network at GPRS speed nationwide.

"With the installation of this second platform, we want to broaden our GPRS network coverage, increase the security of our existing GPRS network and improve data transfer quality," said Medi Telecom's chief executive officer Miguel Menchen in the statement. He said Siemens has been one of Medi Telecom's main suppliers of radio and microwave infrastructure and mobile devices for the past five years.

With a market share of 28 percent, Siemens is currently the second-largest mobile equipment supplier in all of Africa. After South Africa, Morocco is the country with the continent's highest mobile communication market penetration - 31 percent of the population use a mobile phone to communicate, with the majority consisting of prepaid users.
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=128302 
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