Virtual Magazine of Morocco on the Web
Morocco Week in Review 
November 10, 2007

Morocco banks on renewable energy to meet growing need.
Tangier, Nov.1st

Morocco is deploying considerable efforts to increase renewable energies in the national energy output from 4% to 10% by 2012 to meet the need for energy, which grows 8% each year, Minister of Energy, Amina Benkhadra said on Wednesday. In a speech delivered on her behalf at the opening session of the 39th General Assembly of the Union of Producers, Transporters and Distributors of Electric Power in Africa (UPDEA), Mrs. Benkhadra underlined the "domestic demand for energy is expected to increase from 21,105 GW/hour (in 2006) to 22,800 GW/hour by the end of this year."

For his part, the General Manager of the Moroccan electricity utility, ONE, Younes Maamar, pointed out that the North African country has intensified interconnection capacity with Spain, which is on the order of 1,400 MGW currently. He added that Morocco also intends to reinforce electrical interconnection with Algeria through the setting up of a third line with a capacity of 400 KV. Participants in the meeting called for reinforcing inter-African cooperation to compensate for electric energy deficit in Africa.

Speaking to the press following this meeting, president of the UPDEA, Joshua Kofi Ofedie, said African cooperation in this sector should also focus on sharing experiences of some pioneering countries, which have accumulated a significant expertise in the fields of diversifying energy resources, developing renewable energy and cross-border interconnection agreements. He cited, in this regard, the performance of the Moroccan experience through the ONE and energy cooperation agreements concluded with Algeria, Spain and other African countries. http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/morocco_banks_on_ren/view
--------------------------------------------------------

UNDP, Italy to begin $2.8-million poverty reduction projects in Morocco.
16/10/2007

The United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and the Italian embassy in Morocco will launch seventeen human development projects totalling $2.8 million on October 17th, international day for the eradication of poverty, MAP reported on Monday (October 15th). The projects, to be implemented by Moroccan NGOs, are part of a larger Civil Society Support Programme (PASC) and a joint Italian-UN programme, the UNPD said in a press release. They focus on developing eco-tourism and the crafts industry, reinforcing basic health care, helping children in adverse situations, and promoting women's rights. http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/newsbriefs/general/2007/10/16/newsbrief-03
---------------------------------------------------------

Mad for the medina: British buyers are swarming south from the costas and into Morocco

The Cowies are among thousands of British buyers lured by Morocco’s blend of exoticism, winter sunshine and relatively cheap property. Until recently, Britons who bought in the Islamic kingdom were adventurous types who headed to the ancient medinas and kasbahs in search of a riad, a larger house (known as a dar), or even a disused palace to renovate……………… (read more here)
http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/overseas/article2737092.ece
----------------------------------------------------------

Dreaming In Morocco. Video

Recurring questions from her 20th century Arab literature and film students prompted Dr. Pamela Nice seek out answers for them directly at the source. She came to Morocco to interview Moroccans directly for her documentary. Pamela Nice has 25 years’ experience as a free-lance stage director and playwright, and five years as a documentary filmmaker.

Dr Nice began this project because she feels very strongly about the growing divide and misunderstandings between Americans and Arabs. She have dedicated her life since 9/11 to trying to build bridges to connect both cultures. “Fewer Americans are traveling or studying in Arab countries because of their fears of terrorism; it is getting harder and harder for young Arabs to get visas to study or work in the U.S. Consequently, distance is pushing us even farther apart. There is also a lot of paranoia in the U.S. about young Arabs and their “tendency” toward terrorism” says Dr. Nice

Her film is intended to break some of the stereotypes Americans have of Arab and Muslim youth through many interviews and through footage of daily life in Morocco, from the soccer derby of Casablanca to hip-hop concerts to Eid celebrations. “I was fortunate to receive a Fulbright Fellowship in 2004-05 to teach in Morocco and film this documentary” she says. She chose Morocco because it is uniquely positioned between the West and the Middle East, both geographically and culturally.

According for Dr. Nice, few Americans really know much about Moroccans themselves. Most Americans see Morocco as either the picture postcard —the exotic travel destination--or as a “breeding ground for terrorism”. News programs show terrorist attacks by young Muslims daily in Iraq, London and other countries, and many Americans do not distinguish between Muslims of different countries. So Dr. Nice started with questions the students in her Arab literature and film courses have had about young Arabs their age. She interviewed over 60 Moroccans between the ages of 18 and 30 —students she met through her teaching and lecture tour, people she interacted with daily in Rabat, people her friends knew, or chance encounters on the street or in the countryside. She traveled around Morocco with her translator, talking with people of different social backgrounds, ethnic groups, levels of religious observance, and parts of the country who were eager to speak to Americans about their daily lives, dreams, struggles, and views of Americans. Dr. Nice found surprises and contradictions and a lot of inspiring people. She hopes to gently chip away at stereotypes Americans have by showing young Moroccans in their different moods —laughing, reflecting, fighting depression, questioning.

“I want my viewers to fall in love with these young Moroccans the way I did.” She says.

Filmmaker Bio

Director, producer, writer: Pamela Nice has 25 years’ experience as a free-lance stage director and playwright, and five years as a documentary filmmaker. Her first documentary, Letters from Cairo, about Egyptians' views of America post 9/11, was shown at the Middle Eastern Studies Association film festival in 2003 and won the Bronze Award for documentaries on international issues at the Worldfest Houston film festival (2004). It also opened a month-long series at the Intermedia Arts Center in Minneapolis, called Warriors and Peacemakers, during April, 2003. It has since been aired nationally on television and requested by public libraries across the country. Letters was finished with the help of a Minnesota State Arts Board Grant, a Jerome Foundation Travel Grant and IFP/Mpls.-St. Paul Access Grant. She wrote, directed and filmed this documentary. She also is the Coordinator of the Middle Eastern Studies minor and teaches 20th Century Arab literature and film. For more information about this film and its public release, please contact us at info@morocconewsline.com.
http://www.morocconewsline.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=179
--------------------------------------------------------

Modelling in Morocco an eye-opener .
By RYAN EVANS ryan.evans@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Tuesday, 6 November 2007 MARK DWYER

Morgan Coulton spent three weeks modelling in Morocco for the latest Kathmandu catalogue. An active lifestyle has paid off for New Plymouth's Morgan Coulton, who took part in an all-expenses-paid modelling trip to Morocco in June. Morgan (19), a former national secondary schools 400m sprinting champion, was selected to take part in the trip for outdoor sports apparel company Kathmandu, and she features in the company's latest catalogue.

"You had to have some sort of active skill. There was myself, a mountain biker, a mountain runner and two rock climbers," she said. "Just to see a different culture, especially one that extreme, was cool." She was selected for the photo shoot after working at Kathmandu in New Plymouth last year. "I definitely didn't expect it, but they got in touch and asked if I'd like to do it," she said.

The three-week all-expenses paid trip took her from areas as diverse as the Sahara Desert to high in the Atlas Mountains, Africa's largest mountain range. "We stayed away from the real tourist spots, and the scenery was amazing. We were up in the snow in the mountains and two days later in the middle of a desert."

Miss Coulton is studying for a Bachelor of Commerce at Victoria University. She says the trip wasn't all fun and games and there was some work to do as well. While she was surprised to get the job at first she says she would definitely consider more modelling work.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/dailynews/4262947a6554.html
--------------------------------------------------------

Intel partners with Morocco. 02/11/2007

Morocco's Ministry of Education and US chipmaker Intel Corporation launched a $127.7m programme on Thursday (November 1st) aimed at bringing "Morocco’s 33 million people into a modern digital age ripe with opportunity", visiting Intel Chairman Craig Barrett said. "Technology can help accelerate the country’s economic prospects, and Intel is collaborating with Morocco’s government and its people to help enable this transition," said Barrett. Agreements signed between Intel and the government call for the delivery of 1,000 computers to rural schools, the implementation of a program introducing information technology in public education and training 25,000 teachers, MAP reported. http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/newsbriefs/general/2007/11/02/newsbrief-04
---------------------------------------------------------

Morocco Q3 jobless rate dips to 9.9 percent.
Thu 8 Nov 2007, RABAT (Reuters)

Morocco's unemployment rate fell to 9.9 percent in the third quarter from 10.1 percent in the same period last year as jobs growth in urban areas more than offset decline in drought-hit agriculture, official data showed on Thursday. All the 132,000 jobs created in the third quarter were in cities, mostly in services and construction, while the farming sector lost 20,000 jobs, the High Planning Commission, the country's top planning body added. Morocco's agriculture accounts for more than 40 percent of employment and up to 20 percent of gross domestic product. A severe drought slashed Morocco's cereals harvest to 2.0 million tonnes this season from 9.3 million tonnes previously. As a result the government has predicted economic growth would shrink to 3.5 percent this year from 8.1 percent last year.

Trimming unemployment is a priority for the government which envisages the creation of 1.2 million jobs for the 2008-2012 period versus an estimated 0.8 million in the previous five years. Morocco must create 400,000 jobs a year over the next 10 years versus an average of 130,000 in the past decade to prevent mass unemployment from threatening stability, according to an official report.
http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnBAN842121.html
--------------------------------------------------------

Unemployment rate falls in Morocco.
09/11/2007

The rate of unemployment in Morocco dropped to 9.9% in the third quarter of 2007, from 10.1% percent in the same period last year, according to figures released Thursday (November 8th) by the High Planning Commission. All 132,000 jobs created in this period were in cities, in services and construction, while the farming sector lost 20,000 jobs. Moroccan Economy and Finance Minister Salaheddine Mezouar said that to create wealth-generating activities and job opportunities, achieve a growth rate of 6.8% in 2008 and contain the budgetary deficit despite global financial turmoil, the cabinet plans to speed up the pace of large-scale projects, MAP reported. http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/newsbriefs/general/2007/11/09/newsbrief-05
--------------------------------------------------------

EU grants additional 28m euros to Morocco.
09/11/2007 By Sarah Touahri

The European Union pledged 28m additional euros in support of Moroccan reform programmes. The EU has already pledged to grant the country 654m euros until 2013 for these initiatives. European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner announced Thursday (November 8th) that the European Union has pledged 28m euros to Morocco for its efforts in development and co-operation, in addition to 654m euros in existing grants. The supplementary amount is being given under a governance facility created as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy. This additional allocation of funds will help to support the implementation of numerous reforms included in the EU-Morocco action plan.

Ferrero-Waldner said Morocco is the first country to benefit from European Union funds in the region, thanks to its aggressive reform programmes. The EU has already pledged to grant the nation 654m euros until 2013 for these initiatives. The European official began her three-day visit to the country by meeting with Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi to discuss the implementation of certain reforms. She told Magharebia that Morocco is a key partner for the European Union and has always been enthusiastic towards the neighbourhood policy. "The joint consideration process which we started back in July should allow us to take decisions concerning the future development of our bilateral relations, particularly in light of Morocco’s request for advanced status," she said.

Morocco harbours great ambitions for the European commissioner’s visit, which will give a new impetus to the strong partnership linking the two parties. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation Taieb Fassi Fihri said Morocco hopes to make progress towards an advanced status in line with its ambitions. At the last association council meeting in July 2007, the European Union and Morocco decided to set up a work group to study ways of strengthening relations between the two parties. All member states of the European Union and the European Commission will be able to participate in the work group. The result of the joint deliberations will be presented at the next association council planned for 2008.

For Morocco, movement towards advanced status with the EU presents an opportunity to extend its access to the European market and to take a major step forwards with a view to further integration of its economy into the unified European market. Fassi Fihri stressed that advanced status is in the interest of the whole region. Its aim is to bring together efforts being made by countries on both sides of the Mediterranean.

The European Commissioner's visit is part of the continued strengthening of relations between Morocco and the EU. The two parties will proceed with a general evaluation of the implementation of the Morocco-EU accord and prospects for relations between the two parties as part of the European neighbourhood policy. They have touched on ways of strengthening co-operation between Morocco and the European Union in various sectors, particularly agriculture, education, justice, social development, water and energy. Ferrero-Waldner expressed her satisfaction that co-operation between Morocco and the EU has expanded into new fields, with justice and social development high on the list of mutual priorities.
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2007/11/09/feature-02
---------------------------------------------------------

Morocco could save 360Mn sq m of water annually .
Oujda (East), Nov. 8

Morocco's action plan on irrigation water could save, in the medium run, some 360Mn sq m of water annually, said an executive of the ministry of agriculture and fisheries. This action plan is based on a practical program aiming to reinforce the maintenance and the rehabilitation of irrigation networks on an area of 700,000 ha, Tawfiq Chati told MAP on the fringes of an international forum on water, held recently in the eastern city of Figuig. He said this plan includes incentives and financial systems that meet the farmers' needs and enable them be endowed with modern irrigation techniques, notably localized irrigation. Developing localized irrigation, he noted, could help increase the national agricultural production of fruits and vegetables to 630Mn tons per year.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/morocco_could_save_3/view
----------------------------------------------------------

Morocco seeks to reach 6.8% growth rate in 2008, contain deficit at below 3%, minister.
Rabat, Nov. 8

Moroccan Economy and Finance Minister, Salaheddine Mezouar, said that the government aims at reaching a growth rate of 6.8% in 2008, and containing the budgetary deficit at 2.4% of the GDP despite the difficult international juncture. To that end, the minister, who presented the 2008 finance bill before the House of Representatives on Wednesday, stressed that the government is resolute to speed up the pace of large-scale structural projects of infrastructure to boost competitiveness in order to create wealth-generating activities and job opportunities throughout the kingdom.

The GDP (not including agriculture) is expected to rise 5,6%, the minister said, underlining the need for improving the climate of public and private investments to create the conditions for a healthy and sustainable economy. The minister also announced that the 2008 finance bill, which was approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, provides for reducing tax on companies from 35% to 30% and the maximum rate of customs duties from 45% to 40%.

It attaches special interest to the social field by earmarking half the budget to the priority social sectors. This measure, he said, will consolidate the cohesion of the social fabric through extending medical insurance and achieving the optimal implementation of the projects of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) which seeks to fight poverty, marginalization and exclusion.

As far as the housing sector is concerned, the government will take measures aimed at controlling costs, streamlining procedures, and creating a new tax-free housing product at the cost price, which will particularly benefit the poor segments of the population to fight indecent housing.

In the area of education and training, the minister noted that 5,900 jobs will be created in this sector which will witness an increase of 9.7% in the funds earmarked for it in the budget.

He also announced that the government will allocate MAD 20Bn (some USD 2.6Bn) to the Caisse de Compensation (Compensation Fund) as against MAD 15Bn (USD 1.9Bn) in 2007 to subsidize some basic consumer goods and thus preserve the citizens’ purchasing power.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/morocco_seeks_to_rea3276/view
--------------------------------------------------------

Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development allocates US 12.9Mn to development projects.
Casablanca, Nov.7

The Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development will earmark some USD 12.9Mn to fund inter-ministerial structural reforms in the fields of agriculture, education and higher education, vocational training, water, and energy. During the signing ceremony, chaired here on Wednesday by king Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Hassan II Fund, Abdelouahed Kabbaj said USD 3.2Mn will be allocated to agriculture, education and higher education, USD 2.5Mn to energy and water, while vocational training will get USD 1.9Mn. "Due in 5 months, these reforms aim to improve the socio-economic conditions of the targeted population," Mr. Kabbaj added.

Since its creation in 1999, the Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development has allocated some USD2.3Bn for highways, ports, railroads, housing, promoting private investment in tourism, industry and social development. http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/social/hassan_ii_fund_for_e/view
--------------------------------------------------------

36 Hours in Marrakesh, Morocco.
SETH SHERWOOD . New York Times.November 11, 2007
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/travel/11hours.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
---------------------------------------------------------

Try a taste of Morocco for dinner.
JODI RICE, Waterloo (Nov 7, 2007)

In my line of work, I get the opportunity to do interactive dinner parties. These are part dinner party part cooking lesson. I choose cuisines from around the world so that people can get a chance to cook and taste something new. My latest one was Morocco. When I chose Morocco I knew I was taking a chance because food from this part of the world may not be familiar. Either it was going to be one that people shied away from or one they gravitated toward because it was new to them. It was a raving success. I love exposing people to new cuisines. Food for me is an everyday adventure so sharing this even for one evening is a joy.

So let's talk a bit about Moroccan food. Moroccan food has influences from Spain, the Middle East and Africa. Spices are a huge part of Moroccan cuisine. They will often carry over from dish to dish in a meal. You will see flavours such as cinnamon, saffron, parsley, cumin and coriander. When you taste the flavours of Morocco you know that the spices were chosen very carefully in order to obtain the most flavour out of the food.

It is the layering of different spices and food that adds flavour that gives you an amazing taste sensation. The most common meat is chicken although lamb is also very highly regarded. Beef is also popular. Meat and poultry in Moroccan cuisine are often cooked with fruit such as oranges or apricots. This technique infuses a lot of flavour into the dish.

Couscous is a staple in Moroccan cuisine. What is couscous? Couscous is more than a funny name. It is made of semolina grain. You can find couscous in the grocery stores and bulk food stores as well. It's great because it will take on whatever flavour you pair with it. Couscous will also keep for a long time if you store it in a cool, dry place.

The meal itself is a big part of Moroccan culture and sometimes days are spent preparing for a party. Celebrations could have over 50 different dishes. That's a lot of prep. Tea, especially mint tea is served at the end of the meal. It is green tea with a little bit of sugar and infused with mint leaves. It is such a great end to a meal, especially a Moroccan meal that is so rich and flavourful.

We are so fortunate to live in a country that welcomes different cultures with open arms. When you are thinking about something different to make for dinner, look into the flavours of Morocco; you may just find a favourite dish.

Vegetable Couscous
Serves 4
1 small onion
1 teaspoon(s) olive oil
2 carrots
1/2 large red bell pepper
1 zucchini
1 1/8 cup(s) vegetable broth, (or chicken)
1/4 cup(s) raisins, golden
1/4 cup(s) raisins, dark
3/8 teaspoon(s) cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon(s) turmeric
3/4 cup(s) couscous, (uncooked)
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon(s) butter
Chop onion roughly. Heat olive oil in heavy large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, and sautÈ five minutes.

Peel and cut carrots in half lengthwise and then cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
Chop bell pepper roughly. Add to onions, along with carrots, lower heat, and cook covered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and then cut into 1/2 inch pieces and add to the other vegetables. Continue to cook for five more minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.

.Add broth, raisins, cinnamon, and turmeric. Bring vegetable mixture to a boil and stir in couscous. Cover, remove from heat, and let stand 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a large bowl, fluffing couscous with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss with butter.

Jodi is a Personal Chef and owner of Dinner Solutions Personal Chef service. She can be reached at 519-497-1847 or jodyjodi@yahoo.com. You can also visit www.answer2meals.com
http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/wat/news/news_918994.html
##########################################################

These postings are provided without permission of the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship, and research under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. Government copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the identified copyright owner.  The poster does not vouch for the accuracy of the content of the message, which is the sole responsibility of the copyright holder.