An ambitious reorganization of the nation’s export policy is under way to build a stronger export base, diversify markets and strike strategic trade agreements

MUSTAPHA MECHAHOURI Minister of External Commerce in the outgoing government

inister of External Commerce Mustapha Mechahouri in the outgoing government discusses plans to boost Moroccan participation in the global economic arena and maintain the momentum of its social and economic growth.

What is the significance of the Emergence Plan and which are the key sectors targeted by the government for expanding exports?

In order to diversify and widen our export offer of high value-added products, in accordance with global demand, the government’s new industrial strategy, called the Emergence Plan, aims to generate 100 million dirhams ($12.45 million) for the economy, create between new 400,000 and 500,000 jobs, and reduce the commercial deficit by 50 percent. The plan is focused on eight key sectors: off-shoring, aeronautics, electronics, the automotive industry, agro-alimentary, textiles, seafood products, and industrial craftsmanship. One of its unique advantages is the fact that it is not only aimed at creating sustainable employment here, but also at addressing regional economic imbalances by a territorial distribution of new activities, depending on the advantages and assets of each region.

Does the country have any new markets in mind?

For historic, cultural or geographic regions, our main trade partner and export destination is currently the EU. More than 65 percent of Moroccan exports were destined for the EU between 2002 and 2006. Roughly 10 percent of our exports go to India, the U.S. and Japan. Our exports to Africa do not currently exceed 5 percent of the total. This is why, in addition to consolidating the traditional markets, Morocco is working towards diversification with a focus on high-potential markets.
The new export promotion strategy, designed by the ministry of foreign trade in association with ASMEX, confirms this direction. It is aimed at changing our trade promotion abroad to focus more specifically on targeting these high-potential markets and it calls for a more dynamic economic diplomacy.

Is Morocco working to expand its trade ties within the Arab world and Africa?

Morocco wants to consolidate this process of opening up to and integrating with the world economy as well as exploit its geo-strategic assets and its cultural diversity at the crossroads of international trade routes. We have various free trade agreements with Arab countries, such as the Arab free trade zone, the Agadir Quad agreement with Tunisia, Egypt and Jordan, an agreement with the United Arab Emirates, as well as the preferential trade agreements we have with the UMA countries and Saudi Arabia. Negotiations are also under way to sign free trade agreements with the UEMOA, CEN-SAD and CEMAC countries.

What are your feelings towards the newly enacted free trade agreement with the U.S.?

The agreement is innovative regarding both the approach of the negotiations and the content. It concerns new aspects which have never been discussed in other agreements between the two countries, such as agriculture, services, intellectual property and the environment. It has a strategic dimension on economic, commercial and investment levels by creating significant opportunities for our economy, so overall we are anticipating an increase in our exports, a rise in investment levels and a subsequent increase in employment.