In 1995 Morocco signed an Association Agreement with the European
Union (EU). This agreement came in to force on 1 March this year, with
the eventual aim of creating a free trade zone between the EU and
Morocco by 2012. The EU is Morocco's main trading partner, and
Morocco's commitment to its European relations is exemplified by its
1984 application to join the (then) EC. Morocco has also been a full
member of the WTO since 1995.
However, there were problems to be overcome. Agriculture, as with many
such trade agreements, required careful negotiation, although some
Moroccan products (notably tomatoes and oranges) were granted
preferential access under certain conditions.
Will Moroccan business be able to cope with direct exposure to
competition with European business? The signs are very positive.
Morocco has had experience of trading with European markets for many
years, particularly since the 1976 co-operation agreement with the EC.
Meanwhile, regulations applicable to the import of certain goods into
Morocco are expected to be eliminated by the end of the twelve-year
transition period. So Morocco is being given the opportunities offered
by the EU market, while at the same time being given the interim help
necessary to allow business to adapt.
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