Why an FTA

WHY A MOROCCAN-AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT?

“A free trade agreement bolsters Morocco’s courageous economic reforms, creates economic opportunities for both of our peoples and solidifies our strong relationship with a key partner.”

– Robert B. Zoellick, U.S. Trade Representative

“I regard a free trade agreement as a significant encouragement to the economic and political reforms initiated by the Kingdom, and a powerful tool in the development of bilateral relations.”

– Taïb Fassi Fihri, Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Kingdom of Morocco

Morocco: A Dynamic Market

Morocco, an emerging market at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East,   forms an $11 billion import market.

U.S. exports to Morocco average $475 million annually, with leading exports including   aircraft, corn and machinery. Exports of products such as fabrics and pharmaceuticals   grew 435 percent and 122 percent, respectively, in 2001.

Promoting Prosperity

President Bush and King Mohamed VI’s April 2002 announcement to pursue free trade   with Morocco deepens our trade dialogue and sends a concrete signal to the Middle   East about the benefits of economic and trade liberalization. The U.S. Administration’s   commitment to liberalized trade in the region supports the development of tolerant,   open, prosperous societies.

The Moroccan government has launched a comprehensive economic reform program   aimed at reducing inflation, developing the tourism sector and liberalizing and   privatizing key sectors such as telecommunications. The FTA, with its emphasis on the   rule of law, improved competition and trade liberalization, will enhance and solidify   these reforms.

The Government of Morocco, with the strong support of King Mohamed VI, has   launched   an initiative to streamline investment procedures and eliminate barriers to   foreign and   domestic investment. The FTA also will contain provisions to help   improve Morocco’s   investment climate and protect U.S. investments.