Over 1,200 people affected by AIDS in Morocco Health
Over 3,000 casualties in road accidents in Morocco; severe drain on economy Morocco
Environment: Tree Planting Program in Casablanca.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Express from Morocco?
Morocco, UNFPA sign cooperation agreement to promote gender equality
FastFact: Number of Divorces in Morocco: 41,000 on average per year.
H.M the King Urges for Mobilization to Guarantee Success of 2004 Population Census in Morocco.
Over 50.000 People Deployed to Conduct 2004 Population Census in Morocco, Minister
Morocco's Carpet Exports Face Tough Competition.
Locusts won't be eradicated until next March, minister.
Morocco bans U.S. meat, cattle imports due to BSE
US fund purchases over 36 percent of Moroccan fertilizers import company.
Hassan II Investment Fund Expands Into New High-Tech Industrial Sectors
Morocco - Turkey: The Other Free-Trade Agreement
Best Arab housing project award to be extended to Morocco
Over 7 million mobile customers in Morocco
Morocco to re-launch fixed phone bid Q1 2004
The Moroccan Express Package Delivery Market

Over 1,200 people affected by AIDS in Morocco Health
12/26/2003

The number of Moroccans affected by the AIDs Virus has reached 1,295, according to official figures released Thursday. These figures concern the period between 1986 and 2003, Moroccan health minister, Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah has revealed, adding that the number of HIV-positive individuals ranges from 13,000 to 16,000 cases. Speaking at the question-time of the House of Representatives (lower parliamentary chamber), the minister underlined that in 80 percent of these cases, the virus was transmitted through sexual intercourse. He explained that these figures are the totality of cases reported by doctors. Biadillah added that a control system was set up in 24 sites in the country to assess the number of people infected by the virus part of the anti-AIDS/HIV national strategy.

Morocco is the only country in North Africa and the Middle East that established this control system in such a number of sites, noted the minister. He said 17 HIV testing centers exist in different cities in the kingdom, underscoring that additional centers will be created in other regions. On prevention against AIDS/HIV, the minister recalled the awareness campaigns conducted in collaboration with governmental departments and NGO and that profited to a large category, especially the youth. He said a budget of 5.5 million Dhs (US $550 thousand) was allocated to the anti-AIDS/HIV project in 2003 and another budget of 2.6 million Dhs (US $260 thousand) to provide people infected by the disease with drugs. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031226/2003122623.html
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Over 3,000 casualties in road accidents in Morocco; severe drain on economy Morocco
Economics, 12/26/2003

Some 3,761 people died and 81,365 others were injured (including 52,137 seriously wounded) in 52,137 road accidents in Morocco in 2002, according to official figures released Wednesday. Annual losses resulting from these accidents were estimated at 11 billion Dhs (US $1.1 billion), that is 2.5 percent of the GDP, said the Moroccan transport equipment and ministry on the occasion of the presentation of a road security emergency plan for 2003-2005. under the plan, "emergency actions" will be taken to reduce the number of deaths and injuries resulting from road accidents.

The plan programs to reinforce coordination between the different bodies in charge of road security, the implementation of control and prevention measures, the modernization of the driving license system of exam, and the reform of the legislative framework in relation to road security. In addition, emergency measures will be taken to reinforce roads infrastructure and urban roads maintenance, improve the quality of care provided to victims of accidents and develop the efficiency of awareness campaigns that will target the most vulnerable categories, particularly children. Presenting this plan, minister of equipment and transport, Karim Ghellab deplored that Morocco is listed among the countries that are most affected by road accidents. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031226/2003122622.html
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Environment: Tree Planting Program in Casablanca.

An environment project is being planned by provincial officials in Casablanca. The governor of Casablanca will soon unveil a project aimed at planting one million trees in the municipality of Casablanca. The planting program will be stretched over two years to be completed in 2006. This effort will include the participation of the water and forestry services, the city of Casablanca and a group of NGOs. http://www.north-africa.com/one.htm
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How Much Does it Cost to Ship Express from Morocco?

In a recent random poll conducted by l'Economiste newspaper, the price of shipping a 3-kilo package from Casablanca to Paris varied among the various transporters. DHL priced it at DH 960 all taxes inclusive, UPS at DH 984 with the possibility of a 15% discount bringing the price down to DH 836.4, FedEx priced it DH 880, although there were promises of a discount without details. The lowest quote came from Chronopost Maroc, which quoted DH 650. http://www.north-africa.com/one.htm
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Morocco, UNFPA sign cooperation agreement to promote gender equality
Culture, 12/22/2003

Morocco and the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) sign in Rabat Friday a cooperation agreement to promote gender equality. The accord, extended on three years, was signed by Moroccan secretary of state in charge of family, solidarity and social action (SEFSAS), Yasmina Baddou, UNFPA representative in Morocco, Georges Giorgi, and the president of the Democratic Association of Women in Morocco (ADFM). Under the agreement, a budget of over US $623,500 (6 million Dhs) was dedicated to help implementing the national strategy to prevent violence against women, to disseminate the culture of gender equality and to reinforce the capacity of SEFSAS and its partners operating in the realm of women's rights, Baddou told MAP. she added that the signing of the agreement comes in a period marked by fresh reforms in the family law as announced by king Mohammed VI in October. The draft family, submitted this week to parliament, grants more rights to women in marriage and divorce and bans polygamy save in rare cases. The secretary of state said her department contributed with US $50 thousand to the implementation of the cooperation project with the UNFPA. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031222/2003122227.html
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FastFact: Number of Divorces in Morocco: 41,000 on average per year.
http://www.north-africa.com/one.htm
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Official unemployment rate in Morocco hits 11.2 percent
Dec 25, 2003 (Al-Bawaba via COMTEX)

The number of unemployed in Morocco was estimated at over one million and unemployment rate in the kingdom amounted to 11.2 percent in the second half of 2003 with over 1 million unemployed people, that is a rise of 0.8 percent compared to the same period last year. According to MAP, Moroccan labor, social affairs and solidarity minister, Mustapha Mansouri, said unemployment mainly affects urban populations who represent 19.2 percent of unemployed people and young graduates (22.9 percent). By Al-Bawaba Reporters (C) 2003 Albawaba.com, All rights reserved. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=359w6588&Section=Countries&page=Morocco&ch annel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C
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H.M the King Urges for Mobilization to Guarantee Success of 2004 Population Census in Morocco.
Rabat, Dec. 18 (MAP)

H.M King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged for the mobilization of the government and the citizens to guarantee the success of the September 2004 general census of the population and housing in the Kingdom. "We are convinced that the success of the general census operation will mainly depend on the mobilisation of the administration and the adherence and the participation of the citizens", said H.M the king in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Driss Jettou and read out Thursday during the cabinet meeting in Rabat. "We exhort our faithful subjects to participate massively in the general census of the population and housing, as much as we expect from our Government to mobilize necessary means, to inform and raise their awareness about the importance of this operation and to provide the best conditions for its success.", H.M the King said.

The last general census, conducted in September 1994, showed that the legal population of Morocco had reached 26.073.593 inhabitants, 13.414.560 of whom were living in urban areas and 12.659.033 in rural areas. In his letter, the monarch insisted on the interest of this census which he said, "also stems from all the benefit that we can draw from the optimal exploitation of its results to enlighten and orientate the reforms and the policies we are conducting in the different development fields, whether concerning education, health, employment, housing, urbanism or rural development policies." MAP 2003 http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm
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Over 50.000 People Deployed to Conduct 2004 Population Census in Morocco, Minister
Rabat, Dec. 25

More than 50.000 people will be deployed to conduct the 2004 general census of the population and housing in Morocco, revealed, here Thursday, Moroccan minister of Communication and Government spokesman. Nabil Benabdallah who was addressing the press after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Driss jettou on this issue, said this census will concern all Moroccans living in Morocco as well as foreign nationals residing for more than six months in the Kingdom. He noted that although the census will not concern Moroccan expatriates, "extrapolations will be made on the basis of available data to get information about the Moroccan Community abroad". The meeting chaired by the prime Minister discussed the letter sent to him by Moroccan H.M King Mohammed VI in which he urged for the mobilization of the government and the citizens to guarantee the success of the September 2004 general census. "We are convinced that the success of the general census operation will mainly depend on the mobilisation of the administration and the adherence and the participation of the citizens", said H.M the king in his letter.

The last general census, conducted in September 1994, showed that the legal population of Morocco had reached 26.073.593 inhabitants, 13.414.560 of whom were living in urban areas and 12.659.033 in rural areas. In his letter, the monarch insisted on the interest of this census which he said, "also stems from all the benefit that we can draw from the optimal exploitation of its results to enlighten and orientate the reforms and the policies we are conducting in the different development fields, whether concerning education, health, employment, housing, urbanism or rural development policies." © MAP 2003 http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm
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Morocco's Carpet Exports Face Tough Competition.

Moroccan carpet makers and exporters are facing a tough environment. According to the Germany-based carpet global industry association, Morocco's foreign sales of carpets fell below 150,000 square meters (m2) during the first half of 2003. Comparatively, Morocco used to export 1.6 million square meters of rugs per year in the 1990s. The bulk of this decline concerns the Atlas-branded carpets; Morocco's most popular export in this product category. The decline of the Atlas carpet occurred rapidly. Although producer output used to exceed 5,000 m2 per day, the declining demand forced them to lower production to less than 200 m2 per day. There are many reasons for such trend, one of which is the declining quality of the material used by carpet makers, coupled with a deteriorating workmanship characterizing the industry in its current state. Some sources in the industry say there has been an excess inventory of Atlases in the world market and prices have tumbled quickly.

With low prices, Moroccan makers paid less attention to quality, which accelerated the loss of key customers, including German importers. These latter turned to more competitive markets, primarily producers from Nepal. The sector is also crippled by structural and organizational problems, in an industry characterized by the overwhelming use of contractors. Carpet vendors pass orders to contractors and provide them with the primary conditions, including the design and type of materials used. Because carpet makers and producers have failed to improve their use of new techniques or adopt new technologies, they quickly became almost irrelevant in the global marketplace. Meanwhile, the Moroccan carpet industry is facing massive competition from sophisticated foreign makers.

Morocco's biggest competitors are the Iranians who are benefiting from three generations of knowledge in carpet trading. Within Morocco proper, the local industry is also under attack from the emergence of large manufacturing scale facilities that produce industrial grade carpets, coupled with the massive import of lower-priced carpets from Asia. The government is making small but insufficient steps to help the sector come back from its state of sluggishness. Among the latest incentives offered is the reduction of customs tax on raw material such as wool, silk, and other products imported for the fabrication of carpets. The tax reduction has been substantial, falling from a massive 57% to a symbolic 2.5%. Analysts still believe these steps are minimal and insufficient. http://www.north-africa.com/one.htm
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Locusts won't be eradicated until next March, minister.
Economics, 12/25/2003

Moroccan minister of agriculture and rural development, Mohand Laenser, said Tuesday efforts to rid some 16,000 ha in southern and eastern regions of locusts will not yield fruit until March 2004. As soon as locusts were spotted in the Boulemane Dades region in mid-October, specialized land teams, spraying planes and 120 vehicles with the adequate pesticide were mobilized, Laenser said at question time in the Chamber of Advisers. locusts movement is followed up on a daily basis, the minister affirmed, describing the swarms spotted in Ousserd, Gueltat Zemmour and neighboring areas as "limited." End of October, a ministerial meeting was held to probe the threat of a locust outbreak and take preventive measures, after warnings by FAO. Desert locusts are normally solitary, scattered insects, but when climatic conditions are favorable, for example after good rains and a mild temperature, they can rapidly increase in number. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031225/2003122529.html
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Morocco bans U.S. meat, cattle imports due to BSE
RABAT, Dec 26 (Reuters)

Morocco has halted its small imports of U.S.-origin meat and cattle after the discovery of madcow disease in the United States, an Agriculture Ministry senior official said on Friday. Unlike cereals imports, Moroccan purchases of cattle, meat and dairy products from the United States are small. The two countries are discussing a free-trade agreement which is expected to be signed early next year. "Imports of meat and cattle from the United States are prohibited until further notice," the official told Reuters. The decision followed the first suspected case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or madcow disease, in a single cow in the U.S. Pacific state of Washington. The official was unable to say if the ban extended to dairy products or to provide details on the ban's terms. Experts at the ministry were not immediately available for comment. Moroccan annual red meat imports stand at less than $3.0 million as the North African country covers most of its needs locally. ((Reporting by Souhail Karam; editing by Ron Askew; Reuters Messaging: souhail.karam.reuters.com@reuters.net )) http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfmid=1072439305nL26141234&Section=Countries&pag e=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B 74A0D7C
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US fund purchases over 36 percent of Moroccan fertilizers import company.
Economics, 12/25/2003

The US fund "AIG African Infrastructure Fund LLC" has purchased 36.36 percent of the capital of the Moroccan fertilizers import company "Gharaf Corporation" for 100 million Dhs (nearly US $10 million), the Moroccan company's CEO, Amine Kandil, told a press conference, in Casablanca Tuesday. This operation will enable "Gharaf Corporation" to fund a 55 million Dhs-worth (US $5.5million) investment program, and pay 45 million Dhs (US $4.5 million) of debts, he said, adding that the transaction will also allow the company to improve technical, logistic and industrial capacities. The "AIG African Fund Infrastructure Fund L.L.C." was established in March 2000 to invest in infrastructure and related industries in Africa. The Fund joins African and international companies in sponsoring attractive new businesses, and invests in established companies to fund growth and new operations. Its capital is estimated at US $405 million. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031225/2003122524.html
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Hassan II Investment Fund Expands Into New High-Tech Industrial Sectors

The Moroccan social and economic investment fund, the Fonds Hassan 2, is expanding it scope. The fund will support new business activities focusing on aeronautics, precision mechanics, and other activities of high-tech industrial applications. The money from the fund to be invested in these activities will be channeled through the ministry of industry and commerce, following the signing of an agreement between the two institutions. The chairman of the Hassan 2 Fund is prime minister Driss Jettou. In the industrial sector, the fund has been involved in the sectors of textiles, leather, automotive sub-contracting, electronics manufacturing. Investments were made thus far in 62 projects in which the fund contributed with DH 124 million for a total investment of DH 1.8 billion. http://www.north-africa.com/one.htm
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Morocco - Turkey: The Other Free-Trade Agreement

As Morocco and the United States negotiate their free-trade agreement very little is reported about the other important trade talks occuring between Morocco and Turkey. In fact, this one is slated to be signed in January 2004, after two long years of talks. Once the Turkish and Moroccan trade ministers sign their common agreement, the papers will go to the two country's parliaments for final ratification. The process is likely to take place within the subsequent three months following the ministerial endorsement, before taking effect during the second half of 2004. The trade deal between the two countries calls for the total liberalization of 45% of products traded between the two countries, while the remaining list of products will undergo progressive liberalization through decrease tax rates over time to reach zero percent in 2013. This target is critical because it is the year Turkey hopes to join the European Union, a region with which Morocco has already established a free-trade zone. In fact, the European Union has been instrumental in helping Morocco and Turkey adopt the idea of a free-trade zone.

At the moment, trade between Turkey and Morocco remains weak and does not exceed $200 million in annual value. In 2002, Morocco's exports to Turkey reached $68 million, while Turkey's sales to Morocco were worth $132 million. This is for Morocco a negative trade balance, although there are some 20 Turkish companies active in Morocco. There is no single Moroccan firm in Turkey but we expect this free-trade talks to generate some incentives for Moroccan companies to do business in Turkey. In Morocco, most Turkish firms operate in the construction and public works sector, such as Dogus, which is currently building the highway section linking Asilah to Tangier to be delivered in August 2005. Another Turkish firm, Mac-yol, won recently an international tender to build a highway link between Tetouan and Fnidek. Turkish companies are involved in housing construction programs as well. http://www.north-africa.com/one.htm
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Best Arab housing project award to be extended to Morocco
Local, 12/24/2003

Arab Housing Ministers' Council decided to extend the Best Arab Housing Project Award to the Moroccan project "Essaouira Al Jadida" that was chosen among the most successful housing projects in the Arab states, the Arab League's general secretariat said. Moroccan delegate minister in charge of housing and urbanism, expected Tuesday in Cairo, will receive the award during a ceremony organized Wednesday in the headquarters of the Arab League in the Egyptian capital in the presence of Arab housing ministers. The Best Arab Housing Project Award is extended every two years to the most successful housing project in the Arab states. The "Essaouira Al Jadida" project consists in the construction of 11,000 houses during the first phase. Morocco will also receive a prize on the "A'nbar" projectm implemented in the old town of Marrakesh. A two-day session of Arab Housing Ministers' Council will be held to examine subjects related to cooperation in housing and urbanism and exchange experiences on low-cost housing projects. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031224/2003122417.html
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Over 7 million mobile customers in Morocco
Morocco, Economics, 12/23/2003

The Number of subscribers to the two mobile phone companies "Maroc-telecom" and "Meditel" in Morocco, has, so far, reached over 7 million, compared to nearly 1.17 million subscribers to the land-line phone company "Maroc-telecom," revealed a document published Monday by the Moroccan trade, industry and telecommunication ministry. The ministry also revealed that only 45,000 people have subscribed to Internet providers, while the number of subscriber cyber-cafes has reached 2500. The document announced that fresh offers will be made to develop Internet use in Morocco, notably through the reduction of subscription fees. The minister added that a draft law will be drawn up in 2004 on the liberalization of postal services, underscoring that the national state-owned post company Barid Al Maghrib will be turned next year into a limited company. http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/031223/2003122320.html
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Morocco to re-launch fixed phone bid Q1 2004
RABAT, Dec 22 (Reuters)

Morocco will try again to sell a second fixed phone license in the first quarter of 2004 after an earlier tender failed to attract bids, a senior government source said on Monday. "Telecoms watchdog ANRT will announce the new timetable for the liberalization very soon, which will set the licence sale for the first quarter of next year," the Industry, Trade and Telecommunication Ministry source said on the sidelines of a press conference by the ministry. The first fixed license is held by Maroc Telecom, in which French giant Vivendi Universal has a 35 percent stake. It plans to increase its stake to control the firm before the end of the first half of 2004. ((Reporting by Souhail Karam, editing by Joe Ortiz; Reuters Messaging: souhail.karam.reuters.com@reuters.net )) http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=1072100399nL22278652&Section=Countries&pag e=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B 74A0D7C
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The Moroccan Express Package Delivery Market

Although relatively small in comparison with more mature markets, the express courier market in Morocco is growing and attracting the attention of global logistics players. Analysts say the Moroccan market is growing at a double-digit rate, estimating 2002 to have expanded by 20%. However, although this is a best estimate, it remains rather scratchy given the lack of market research and reliable data. The market is shared by a handful of players, all of which are well known. They are DHL, UPS, FedEx and EMS-Chronopost. But these vendors are also surrounded by a plethora of transport companies that are trying to extract added revenue from a market generally considered lucrative. The market is not entirely homogenous. There is a verity of offerings, rates, and other choices for consumers and businesses. And because of these heterogeneous characteristics, some consider the supply side as filled with unfair and uncompetitive practices. When one operator complains of rock-bottom prices from competition, others consider that rather a healthy proposition, in a market that is expanding.

However, the industry is seeking to organize and avoid anarchy. Sources say that the key players have been in negotiations to establish an association, which is likely to be created in 2004. The goal of such association is also to lobby the government for changes because the market is not entirely liberalized. Indeed companies continue to pay Barid Al-Maghrib, the state postal service, DH 25 for each piece they transport. Barid Al-Maghrib says this payment is in return for the services it provides to operators.

DHL, a former U.S. company now entirely controlled by the German postal service Deutsche Post is benefiting from the first mover advantage it has in the Moroccan express mail and freight market. Compared to its competitors, DHL has been to places where others shied. For example it has been operating in Algeria for years and during the toughest moments of that country's civil conflict in the 1990s. That helped it build a strong presence there and garner customer loyalty. Fifteen years ago, DHL was the only player in Morocco. And today, despite competition, it controls an estimated 52% share of the Moroccan market, thanks to a business that is showing double-digit growth. Last year, DHL's sales in Morocco grew by 14%. DHL maintains a fleet of 74 vehicles, including motorcycles. It has nine branches located in Casablanca/ Mohammedia, Berrechid/El Jadida, Rabat/Kenitra, Tangiers, Agadir, Fes-Meknes, Marrakech and Safi. From Morocco, DHL uses a dedicated aircraft to link the country to its hubs abroad. This is an advantageous position because it prevents the company from relying on commercial flights and therefore save time. In its current services, DHL offers all modes of transport used in logistics from road, maritime shipping to air cargo. That includes small packages to larger ones.

Behind DHL, there are two competitors worth watching given their aggressive stance, well-recognized brands and global expertise. They are FedEx and EMS-Chronopost. FedEx is estimated to hold some 25% market share and growing 30% year over year. EMS-Chronopost however has not been open about its business in Morocco, although it says it seeks to become the market leader there. EMS-Chronopost is a relatively new comer. It was established in March 2001 from a partnership between the Moroccan postal service Barid Al-Maghrib with its EMS brand and Chronopost International. The joint venture claims that it has a network of 117 point of sales in two dedicated branches and 115 postal offices. In the early days of EMS-Chronopost, the company's goal was to grab a 40% market share by 2003 thanks to its use of postal offices, and focus its core offering to France destination, the primary market for express packages and mail. Only to discover that competition was well entrenched already and its market share goal turned out more difficult to reach. FedEx was already well established in that market and guaranteed record delivery time with delivery to most French cities within 24 hours. For Paris and its surrounding regions delivery is prior to 9:00 AM the following day. Since its entry into the Moroccan market in 1998, through its Global Express Courier (Globex) franchise, FedEx grew its fleet of vehicles to 26 from a start of 3. Its workforce also grew from 7 to 101 and has 15 points of sale.

In the areas of advertisement and marketing, DHL and FedEx have been the most vocal and aggressive in their campaign to gain market share. Whether they are about student discounts or price cut incentives for Ramadan, FedEx and DHL certainly top competition when its comes to promotions. FedEx has made a lot of noise regarding its new practical packaging solutions, the 10 and 25 kg boxes. It is also promoting its tracking capabilities. For DHL it is its SMS-based tracking that it has been promoting in partnership with GSM operator Meditel. Senders who have access to a mobile phone can track the progress of their delivery using SMS technology. Testing on a similar offering with Maroc Telecom is currently ongoing. Both companies are now involved in campaigns aimed at promoting Morocco. DHL is helping promote tourism with its "Visit Morocco Now" program. This program consists of including promotional stickers in packages sent abroad. Rival FedEx has been selected by the Moroccan association in charge of applying for the 2010 World Football Cup as exclusive express courier partner. The company indeed transported Morocco's application forms to FIFA's headquarters. Other partnerships include the Club of Arab Investors in Morocco, the SMB Federation, the ministry of foreign affairs and the committee of Italian businesses in Morocco. http://www.north-africa.com/one.htm 

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