Morocco Business Update
Monitoring the latest news January 29th 2008
Dear Reader,
Morocco offers many business opportunities in a number of sectors ranging from textiles and fertilizers to tourism and agriculture. Moroccan business leaders are keen to work with international partners to expand and develop their international networks.
The Moroccan Business Update provinces a concise monthly review of major developments so that you are able to identify potential opportunity. The Update will maintain interest throughout the year.
If you would like to learn more about this newsletter or forthcoming events, or perhaps would like to suggest an event or article for inclusion in the next edition, please do not hesitate to contact me at inquries@meconsult.co.uk
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NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN MOROCCO - roundtable,
13th FEBRUARY 2008 at 3.30pm-6.00pm, 43 Upper Grosvenor Street
London, W1K 2NJMorocco’s economic performance has been experiencing strong growth over the recent period as ongoing reforms make the country an attractive place for investors. A distinguished panel of speakers at the forthcoming Arab-British Export Club will explore in detail the numerous opportunities for trade and investment that are now available as Morocco continues on its path to modernise and liberalise its economy.
The speakers will offer practical advice on how to enter the market and take forward any business plans. Ample time will be set aside for networking and meeting the right contacts.
For full details please go to: http://www.abcc.org.uk/_db/_documents/Morocco_200711271246.pdf
Some useful tips for new arrivals.
Etiquette: Greetings in Morocco tend to last longer than visitors might expect. It is customary to inquire about a person’s work, family members, health and opinions before sitting down to business. Using the right hand for exchanges is appropriate, while the left hand is never used for eating or handling food. Shaking hands is the main form of greetings, but amongst friends approaches vary, with kisses common among members of the same gender.
Dress: Morocco, and particularly the cities dotted across the kingdom, reflex a mix of influences, from European to African. City-dwellers with thus dress in a variety of different ways, ranging from jeans and t-shirts to dishdashas. Women can be seen in cities wearing anything from miniskirts to hijabs. For foreigners it is best to dress conservatively as mark of respect.
Visa: Visas are not required for most visitors, who are allowed to stay 90 days on entry. Exceptions are citizens of Israel, South Africa and Zimbabwe, who must apply for a three-month, single- or double- entry visa. Visa extensions are possible, but you may have to undergo wearying procedures.
Transport: Visitors can rely on good public transport system between cities – the train and bus system covers most of the territory, while the cost is kept low. Large collective cabs, usually white Mercedes, also connect all cities. Within cities, most foreigners opt for small cabs, a quick, cheap and easy option – usually shared with anyone going in the same direction. A brief trip within Casablanca should cost not more than Dh20 ($2,35) during the day, while prices rise 50% after 8pm. Renting a car is another option, and hire companies do not require an international driving licence.
Language: Most Moroccans speak a local dialect of Arabic called Darija, which differs greatly from other Arabic dialects. Many Moroccans also speak one of the three Barber dialects. French is the most common foreign language, and the main language of business, while Spanish is found in the north. Other languages like English and German are occasionally understood.
Business hours: Morocco follows the European business week from Monday to Friday, although one can find shops open on Saturdays and Sundays. Opening hours vary, but most businesses and institutions are open 9.00am to 7pm. The traditional two-hour lunch is supposed to have been abolished under the current administration, but the much-proclaimed better service still lacks reliability. Business hours are reduced in July, august and during Ramadan, when there is no lunch break and offices close around 3.00pm. However, shops reopen in the evening during Ramadan.
Currency: The local currency is the Moroccan dirham. The exchange rate in earl 2007 was Dh8.6:$1, Dh11.7:€ and Dh16.7:£.
Communications: The code for Morocco is +212. Regional codes were modified as of March 26. 2006. with numbers south of Rabat (previously starting with 02 and 04) now all start with 02, and numbers in the north (previously starting with 03 and 05) all starting with 03. Mobile phones are very common, and prepaid phone chips can now be bought for as little as Dh30 ($3.50). Around 43,000 private phones booths can be found throughout the country. Local calls are reasonably cheap, although the tariffs rise when mobile phones are involved. International calls tend to be expensive. Internet access is common in cities, where ADSL connections are spreading rapidly, and you can find internet cafes quite easily, with charges around Dh10($1.18) per hour for a reliable and fast connection.
Electricity: Morocco uses 200V, 50Hz electricity network. Round European two-pin plugs are the norm.
Tipping: Tipping is quite common in cafes and bars, and in more upscale places expect to pay an extra 10%. Giving a tip for small services rendered is also common, and sometimes eagerly expected – another good reason to always carry small change. Parking attendants expect a tip of around Dh2 ($0.24) in Casablanca.
Health: Visitors who need medical attention can rely on private health facilities, with clinics in all major cities. Pharmacies are widespread and often open 24 hours.
Articles:
EC pushes for new partnership framework with Morocco, EU Commissioner
he European Commission (EC) will actively work within the framework of the ad hoc working group set up to consolidate Moroccan-EU relations and establish new contract-based ties, said European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighborhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
(January 28th 2008)
Read more…
Morocco: EU Advanced Status Talks To Begin In Spring – AFP
Negotiations on an "advanced status" for Morocco will open with the European Union in the spring, the country’s Foreign Minister Taieb Fassi-Fihri said Monday.
(January 21th 2008)
Read more…
Morocco cemented its reputation as stable, open destination for investment, British Think-tank
Oxford Business Group (OBG), a think-tank reporting to the prestigious British University of Oxford, hailed Morocco’s development efforts, which enabled it to reinforce its reputation as a stable and open destination for foreign investments.
(January 26th 2008)
Read more…
Sahara issue: Parties agreed to engage in more ’intensive, substantive phase of negotiations
UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon said participants in the third round of Manhasset negotiations on the Sahara (January 7-9) concurred on the need for "a more intensive and substantive phase of negotiations."
(January 8th 2008)
Read more…
Morocco-Sahara-Postponement
A planned peaceful march initially billed on 27 January Tifariti, in the Western Sahara, considered by Rabat as "a buffer zone", has been postponed to 16 March, APA learnt here Wednesday.
(January 23rd 2008)
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NATO confidential document unveils Algerian responsibility in Sahara conflict
The Organization of the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO) has unveiled a secret document that clearly states the involvement of Algeria in the conflict of the Moroccan Sahara.
A new proof of Algerian responsibility in the conflict created around the Moroccan Sahara. This time however, the document is issued by a Western institution whose role in the geo-strategic balance is crucial, ie the Organization of the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO).
(January 24th 2008)
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Morocco to go to Manhasset IV with the same state of mind as in former rounds
Morocco will take part in the fourth round of negotiations in Manhasset, New York "with the same state of mind, and with the will to clarify and explain" the efforts exerted by Morocco through its autonomy initiative, Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Taieb Fassi Fihri said here on Wednesday.
(January 10th 2008)
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US Delphi Group expected to employ over 3,000 people in 2008 north
The American car manufacturer Delphi group, specialized in manufacturing electric cable bunches, is expected to employ some 3,500 people as part of the development of its activity in the northern city of Tangier in 2008.
(January 29th 2008)
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Morocco –New Zealand-Cooperation
Morocco and New Zealand on Tuesday expressed their determination to boost their economic cooperation and their trade exchanges, APA noted here.
(January 23rd 2008)
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Morocco- Jordan- Cooperation
Morocco and Jordan have signed three economic cooperation agreements in Marakesh, south-west of the African country, including an investment deal between the two countries worth over US$2 billion, APA learnt here.
(January 14th 2008)
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Morocco mulls over the use of nuclear energy by 2017
Morocco is considering the use of nuclear technology to produce electricity by the year 2017, Energy Minister, Amina Benkhadra has announced here.
(January 5th 2008)
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Morocco to host first int’l rural tourism festival in March
The Moroccan city of Ouarzate (centre) will from 7 to 9 March the maiden international rural tourism festival APA learnt Wednesday in Rabat from informed source.
(January 9th 2008)
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Morocco begins implementing plan to modernise fishing sector
Morocco’s National Fishery Office (ONP) announced on Friday (January 25th) that it has begun implementation of a strategic plan to modernise the country’s fishing sector. The 270 million-euro programme for 2008-2012 calls for the reorganisation of the national distribution network and the development of artisan fishing
(January 27th 2008)
Read more…
