The logistics supply begins to grow, but demand is still insufficient .....

Exporters rely too weak to logistics outsourcing. Control of the chain can be competitive. Many innovative solutions coming to market.

Continuing the contratprogramme, the upgrading of transport operators is intimately related to the development of modern infrastructure dedicated to logistics. Platforms, the most important is Zenata, need to focus and optimize the flow. But challenges remain small at both the supply and demand.
Supply Chain
According Abdelali Berrada, organizer Logima (International Fair Trade Transportation and Logistics), Morocco is a country that works to build a modern economic system, productive and competitive. By setting a goal of strengthening its position in the global economy, it was essential that it improves its logistics sector and its supply chain to compete internationally. Indeed, with the sector plans, the modernization program of internal trade, regional development strategies ..., Morocco will experience in coming years a leap forward in its economic and social development. In this context, logistics is closely linked to support and improve the efficiency of all these projects and programs. Simplification of customs procedures, policy reforms and liberalization of the various modes of transport (land, sea, air), the major infrastructure (ports, motorways), and now the new domestic logistics are all factors that provide practical solutions to development sector. That said, despite all these efforts, the local logistics still quite expensive even compared to that of direct competitors. If one refers to the study conducted jointly by the Ministry of Equipment and Transport and the World Bank in 2006, the overall costs of logistics in Morocco represent about 20% of GDP, while they are in the about 10% to 16% in the countries of the European Union, and 15 to 17% in Brazil, Mexico or China. Also according Abdelali Berrada, if we want Morocco to be a real platform for regional production and investment, and preserve the overall competitiveness of our exports, we must improve our logistics sector, and it also requires an effective partnership between industry public and private sectors. Our expert also says that Morocco has several advantages, including its geographical proximity to the European market, the quality of its infrastructure, highways and ports, its successful integration into the organization of international transport. However, for a country that enters gradually in international competition, Morocco is facing strong competitors such as neighboring and distant countries of Eastern Europe, Turkey, let alone China or Brazil. Against this backdrop, we can only legitimately ask ourselves about the brakes that the sector suffers. Abdelali Berrada said that "there are many obstacles, including lack of cooperation between different stakeholders, the fragmentation and atomization of the road where the majority of operators in the informal sector, transport costs and the costs of approach operations import and export, the low use of outsourcing of logistics operations by businesses, lack of managerial skills and techniques, the low use of information technologies, the unavailability of current land public for the creation of logistics zones, the low supply of logistics services at specialist providers and platforms for the mass and optimize the flow of goods, the lack of multimodal transport solutions ... ". Since this is a sector that is growing exponentially, logistics has a bright future and should appeal to many young people eager to enter the job market in a promising sector, diversified and rewarding. So the logistics business are they well promoted and known locally? "Apart from the companies that have integrated into their logistics strategy and organizational structure as the major industrial and modern distribution and logistics businesses remain relatively unknown by the majority of Moroccan firms. Indeed, few companies have identified a logistics structure, or tools to initiate a process to measure and improve performance by eliminating waste, controlling costs, reducing inventory, timeliness, improved service levels, gain market share, ... To remedy this, there are efforts to make the information level and awareness of the industrial and commercial on the benefits may confer logistics and its impact on their competitiveness and performance. It is also one of the objectives of Logima seeking both to help companies in the enrichment of their culture and enhance the logistics business of the transport chain and logistics, "says Abdelali Berrada. Asked about such a living Logima, its organizer said that Logima was established in 2005 with the aim to contribute actively in the development of culture logistics in Morocco. Indeed, in the current context marked by challenges and opportunities, Moroccan enterprises should prepare for changes in current and future developments to remain competitive internationally, and this gives integrating logistics strategy. Logima part of this dynamic, and its purpose is precisely to help them understand and anticipate this new order to survive and grow in a market increasingly competitive. Also, and for over 6 years, Logima trying to adapt to better meet the needs and expectations of the customer sectors, while pursuing its primary mission, which is to enable companies to develop their performance by giving them the keys to optimize their supply chain; organizing an enjoyable time, sharing and exchanging information and experience-your concretely, do a regular on the evolutions and trends of logistics at national and international offer a showcase and an optimal view of the products, services, solutions and know-how trades transport and logistics profession to unite a diverse components around a platform of annual meetings, contacts and business. For all these reasons, Logima is not just a single room is a combination of expertise and solutions that allows business leaders to have the necessary tools to gain in competitiveness and performance on both aspects strategic, commercial and operational. It allows them to obtain the information sought, to get answers to questions of optimization tools and resources to find solutions or performance concepts, link partnerships, to expand their network of providers and do, in fact, their logistics into a profit center. The success of the first five editions of Logima reflects the increasing interest of economic operators to logistics, this new discipline that has become a key variable in all competitive strategies. Moreover, the logistics sector, long assimilated and confined to transport, begins gradually to take shape and gain in recent years his titles of nobility to become progressively a separate sector and worthwhile. It is a dynamic and high value-added changes in its economic weight, its contribution to regional development and job creation are undeniable. Cheerful, Abdelali Berrada considers logistics "like a promising sector. It was obviously an important role to play in the performance of companies, sectors, territories and our country. How not to be optimistic while logistics, this new ambition and complementary, is now positioned as the main instrument of the strategic vision and proactive carried by the highest authorities of our country. " It is true that the figures seem to prove him right. Despite the inaccuracy of statistics and pending the establishment of the observatory of logistics competitiveness, the sector still represents 6% of GDP and 9% of the value added of the tertiary sector and employs approximately 110 000 employees, or 10% of the urban workforce!
Platforms and services
Militzer & Münch Morocco SA, founded in 1986, is today one of the key players in the multimodal transport: 2 platforms bonded to Casablanca (19 000 m2) and Tangier (2000 m2), road weekly groupage service to and from the Guaranteed Europe, sea and air service to and from all areas via a dedicated network, logistics solutions Casablanca and clearance via the subsidiary transit Spedimex Morocco ... The CEO of M & M, Olivier Antoniotti, oversees almost all branches of the logistics sector. His expertise is so uplifting. What about the health of the transport and logistics at the national level? "In recent years there has been a profound change in the transport sector and logistics through alignment with international standards. What this means for development of structures (highways, Tangier Med ...), the emergence of logistics area and especially by a qualitative valuation of the offer, whether in real estate service providers but also logistics providers. This necessary change demonstrates very clearly the ambitions of the country and allow a very substantial improvement in the implementation of a supply chain quality and performance at both national and international level. " This manager is also shown enthusiastic about the introduction of the new Highway Code stating that "it was a necessity in our view particularly in the transport of goods. At our level, this shift had already taken a few years ago with an upgrade of our organization and especially that of our subcontractors. This will include the launch of latest equipment with international standards, to the purchase of insurance specific to our profession, the establishment of tachograph throughout the park and of course hiring a driver with experience in driving heavy vehicles. Today, the formalization of this new code and the accompanying measures including training for jobs in transportation and conduct inevitably draw up the profession. We also hope that the informal sector will be reduced progressively to ensure healthy competition in the market. " May he be heard! Regarding the type of transport TIR Antoniotti Oliver notes that the liberalization of transport has allowed development of the TIR transport. There is still much work to do, especially in improving the flow of goods. These include the importance of establishing the status of economic operator (AEO), the dematerialization of documents to export and spread of EDI for all actors within a community port or airport. Given that the branch of a multinational whose parent was founded in 1880 specializes in multimodal transport, a basic question is obvious: air, sea, road and rail ..., what kinds of ways to choose which types of need ? "The choice of a type of transport is a key issue for all our customers. As a professional, we must educate and offer the service most suitable taking into account several criteria. Of course the cost of transportation is an important but should be explored with the client's specific operations. The time, type of commodity, destination or source, the value of the goods, risk goods, quantity, frequency, are all elements that should help steer the best decision. At our level, Militzer & Münch has chosen to offer the widest range whether in transport, road, sea and air together with services such as transit and delivery logistics, "says our CEO, which recognizes that the country meets the international standards in this area. Although there is still a lot to do, transportation has changed dramatically either through the upgrading of infrastructure providers, but also airports, ports and roads. As for competition, Olivier Antoniotti said that the opening of Morocco on world trade has significantly boosted trade and therefore obviously the competition. On this point, he believes that competition following the same rules and fair competition are the engines of development. Many innovative solutions coming to market that requires continuous development. "We have always believed in Militzer & Münch that we had to anticipate these developments. We worked on communication clients such as access to tracking goods via our website but also the development of our internal information system. We are also well under way to meet the new regulations ICS (Import Control System) came into force on 1 January 2011 for all goods entering the territory of the European Union. Moreover, it is pertinently it believes the sector is a reflection of the development of the Kingdom: "Although the years 2009 and 2010 have been lackluster in terms of growth, we believe the industry should grow very significantly over the coming years. It is in this context that the Ministry of Transport has recently signed the contract logistics program associated with different specific contracts - transport of dangerous goods - to lay the foundations for evolving sector. And when it is projected into the future, our expert predicts that international transport will remain a very important element. But we must also rely on a considerable development in logistics and inland transportation to provide efficient solutions to the entire supply chain. And to clarify: "It is in this light that Militzer & Münch start building a logistics hub in Casablanca in January 2011 to enable us to propose an area of 8500 m2, 13 000 pallets logistics solutions to our customers associated with transportation solutions in the Kingdom. "



La Vie Eco www.lavieeco.com

Fez-Boulemane: The area sown to winter cereals is over 162,000 ha

The area sown to winter cereals, at the Fez-Boulemane region amounts to 162,100 ha, 130,480 ha recorded against the same date of the last season, says a report by the regional delegation of agriculture.

The area sown to winter cereals has recorded a 25% increase compared with the previous crop year, the report said, noting that wheat occupies an area of 81,120 ha, 48,890 ha hard wheat and barley 32,090 ha.

As for food and forage legumes, they occupy an area of 45,438 ha including 11,095 ha of fodder. The bean itself represents 70% of the area sown to pulses.

According to the report, these crops are experiencing a regular exercise and a vegetative state generally satisfactory.

He added that the whole system of supervision and extension of various local agricultural sector is mobilized to assist farmers in the region in achieving these maintenance works under the best conditions through visits and day of promotion and awareness.

The same source says that this campaign has seen strong demand for seed by farmers mainly due to outreach efforts and increasing the rate of the subsidy granted by the state in the limit of 160 dh / ql for wheat , 170 dh / ql for durum wheat and 150 dh / ql for barley.

The sales prices ranged from as 310 to 325 Dh / ql for wheat, 355 to 370Dh/ql for durum wheat and 240 to 255 Dh / ql for barley.

The vegetative state routes, at the main agro-pastoral areas is good overall, following the rainfall since the beginning of the campaign, except for paths within the plateau Moulouya whose condition is not very average not sufficient for the grazing of livestock in this area and that due to low rainfall in the area (-70 mm) since the beginning of this campaign.

MAP

 

Tourism Morocco

In ten years, 78 000 hotel beds were created, including about half in Marrakech
We talk a long time of the 2010 Vision and goals that the framework agreement was fixed for the tourism sector. The agreement, signed in January 2001 in Marrakech, had, among other priorities, focused on the construction during the decade began, to 160,000 additional hotel beds 000 beds including 130 resorts and 30,000 beds in focus for cultural destinations the total accommodation to approximately 230 000. Where are we today? Since 2009 already, the observation was made: we have overestimated the ability of actors to achieve those goals on time and also underestimated the difficulties encountered on the ground (clearance of land, economic downturn, crises etc.. ). Large delays were granted in achieving the resorts that were the backbone of the Vision 2010. However, real efforts have been made and the excess hotel capacity has, shall we say, naturally adapted to the application. The annual amount of contracted investment in the hotel sector increased from 3.7 billion dirhams in 2001 to 8.7 billion in 2009. Of 5000 beds in 2001, the annual production capacity rose to 10,000 as of 2006 before reaching 13 000 in 2009 and then falling to 11,160 in 2010. According to data from the Moroccan tourism engineering subsidiary of the State (see box), Morocco has seen its accommodation capacity rated in all categories, growth averaged 7% per annum from 97 000 beds in 2001 to 175,000 in 2010. The production rate is about 7800 beds per year over ten years. However, investments in hotels are not always gone where the government wished. When there is, indeed, the evolution of this capacity by region, we realize that Marrakech, the first destination national accounts for the lion's share in terms of opening new beds. The Red City mattered at the launch of Vision 2010, 20 270 beds, has almost tripled its capacity since in total 54 097 in 2009, excluding institutions that have opened in 2010. Agadir has seen during the same period its ability to increase by some 8000 beds from 29,357 beds in 2001 to 37,450 in 2009. In fact, there is nothing surprising about the choice of investors who preferred to focus on both popular destinations for foreign tourists than locals. Casablanca, whose capacity has reached 14 331 beds instead of 8 708 in 2009, is also well served. Other regions have seen an evolution rather shy of capacity, like the region of Tangier-Tetouan whose capacity has increased from 12,569 beds in 2001 to 14,331 in 2009, only 1762 or an average of more of 176 new beds a year. But we should be rejoicing in that the essential is not only to build additional beds, but also to market much of the year. Do not forget, one of the assumptions of the Vision 2010 assumed an average load of 70%. It is still far! He was only 45% in the first ten months of the year, with wide disparities across regions and cities. 5-star hotels account for 17% of capacity and guesthouses 8% By category, these are the 4-star hotel topped with 41 664 beds in 2009. They are followed with 3 * 25 088 beds and 5 * with 27 421 beds (17% of capacity). Then come the holiday villages tourism (VVT) with 21 579 beds. We must also mention other types of accommodation. These include guest houses that have exploded from 2003/2004. They totaled 13,317 beds in 2009 (8% of total), while officially there was no structure of this kind in 2001. Inns, motels and pensions are also being developed, but to a lesser extent. But what is remarkable in that decade was the arrival of many renowned international brands, which helped raise the quality of the accommodation to tourists. Mention may be made in bulk chain Mandarin constructing a luxury hotel in Marrakesh, Lucien Barriere, which opened a 5 * in the same city. Spanish signs have been seduced by the national tourist (Iberostar, Barcelo, etc..), Not to mention French brands that are present as long Fram and Accor. This dynamic has also contributed to the emergence of national hotel chains that have made a name (Atlas Hospitality, Kenzi, Palmeraie, Mogador etc..).


                                                                                                             http://www.lavieeco.com/

Market Overview

Morocco signed a free trade agreement with the U.S. on June 15, 2004 , which entered into effect on January 1st, 2006 . The U.S.-Moroccan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is one of the most comprehensive free trade agreements that the U.S. has ever negotiated. Morocco is the second Arab and first African nation to have an FTA with the U.S. The FTA will provide U.S. exporters increased access to the Moroccan market by eliminating tariffs on 95 percent of currently traded consumer and industrial goods. It will also level the playing field with European competition and provide enhanced protection for U.S. investors. Moroccan officials anticipate that the FTA will be a catalyst to accelerate and reinforce the country’s economic reform process by allowing greater competition and the formation of international partnerships in key sectors such as insurance and banking, and by greatly liberalizing the Moroccan textile and agricultural tariff structures.
Morocco is now steadily progressing internally toward greater modernization and globalization, with the creation of the country’s first commercial courts, streamlined customs services and 16 Regional Investment Centers dedicated solely to facilitating new business ventures. In 2003, the Moroccan government passed a comprehensive labor code that protects both employers and employees. In addition to calling for a more transparent judicial system and stricter accounting standards, the FTA also provides a high level of intellectual property protection, consistent with the standards set by U.S. law. This includes state-of-the-art protection for trademarks and digital copyrights, expanded protection for patents and product approval information and tough penalties for piracy and counterfeiting.
There are over 120 American businesses operating in Morocco who have invested $2.2 billion and have created over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. Taking advantage of Morocco ’s 11-million person workforce, American manufacturers are expected to follow the lead of Fruit of the Loom and Dell to expand their activities in Morocco , boosting its $46 billion GDP and $1,520 average per capita GDP. The greatest challenge for Morocco and international investors lies in providing effective education and job training.
Mohamed VI, the King of Morocco, is committed to a broad program of political, economic and social reform, and to remaining a strong partner in the international struggle against terrorism. Morocco held successful local elections in the fall of 2003. Thirty-five Moroccan women are now present in Parliament. Morocco has an ambitious project to reduce its official 10.9% unemployment rate through tourism, investment and education. According to 2002 statistics, nineteen per cent of the Moroccan population lives below the UNDP poverty line. A fifth of the population lives on less than $40 per month.
Strategically located along the Straits of Gibraltar just seven hours from JFK and three hours from Paris , Morocco is seen more and more as a regional hub in North Africa for transportation, transit, and business. Morocco ’s moderate Mediterranean climate on 2,750 miles (3,500 km) of coastline and its developing infrastructure make it an attractive location for business. Morocco ’s Association Agreement has spurred manufacturing development in Morocco , an activity that will be heightened by the FTA. . Morocco will rely on these key trade agreements to stimulate the economic growth and to foster the job creation necessary to facilitate social and educational reform.
Thanks to adequate and well-spread rainfalls, Morocco recorded a bumper crop in 2003-2004. Cold weather and decreased rainfall should equate to a reduced crop yield in 2004-2005. A country the size of California , with only 20.12% arable land, there is substantial potential for expanded U.S. agricultural imports to Morocco .
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) continue to make significant contributions to infrastructure development in Morocco . In 2005, USTDA funded a technical assistance on port security and safety related to the Tanger-Med port project in Morocco . The assistance would design security and safety programs specific to Tanger-Med that are compliant with the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code, Custom-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT), and Container Security Initiative (CSI). When completed, the port is expected to attract billions of dollars in investment and trade, impacting directly the economic and social growth of the northern region, and later Morocco ’s economy. USTDA has recently identifies several projects that will be slated for FY07 in several sectors including energy, environment, and ports development.

Market Challenges

U.S. exporters face strong competition from European trading partners particularly from France who speak the same language and have historical ties with Morocco . European firms in general are familiar with all the aspects of the Moroccan business culture, financing, regulations and standards. They also visit Morocco more often.
The greatest barriers to trade in Morocco are irregularities in the government procurement procedures, lack of transparent governmental and judicial bureaucracies and contraband. Although the government is diligently working to liberalize the business environment, foreign corporations still complain about these challenges. FTA negotiators have addressed these issues and the Moroccan government has agreed to conform to international business standards. Thus the problems posed by these obstacles will gradually diminish for U.S. businesses as a result of the FTA implementation.
The legal and banking system in Morocco differ in many significant ways from the U.S. system.

Market Opportunities

U.S. exporters can benefit from the opportunities opening up through the FTA and take advantage of Morocco ’s position as a gateway to Europe , Africa and the Middle East .
The U.S. Commercial Service has identified the following non-agricultural sectors as best prospects for U.S. firms:
1) Wastewater treatment,
2) Tourism support services,
3) Medical equipment,
4) Telecommunications equipment and services,
5) Airport ground support equipment,
6) Automotive aftermarket parts and equipment,
7) Safety and security equipment,
8) Solid waste management.

Market Entry Strategy

In Morocco , business is done on the basis of relationships. U.S. exporters will need to travel to Morocco frequently to develop and strengthen relationships in order to do business successfully in Morocco . U.S. exporters need to be patient; everything takes more time to accomplish than what U.S. firms are used to. Moroccans appreciate close working relationships, so working with a locally based agent or distributor because of their knowledge of the market and contacts would enhance business prospects. However, market entry strategies often vary by sector and region in Morocco . The staff of the U.S. Commercial Service in Morocco is available to provide individualized counselling to determine the best market entry strategy for a given U.S. company/products. U.S. firms are encouraged to contact the U.S. Commercial Service district office for initial orientation to CS services.
At the top of the Foreign Agriculture Service’s best prospects list are:

1) Wheat, including durum,
2) Feed grains,
3) Oilseeds and products and
4) Dried fruits and nuts.

Country Commercial Guides can be ordered in hard copy or on diskette from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) at 1-800-553NTIS. U.S. exporters seeking general export information and assistance or country-specific commercial information should consult their nearest Export Assistance Center or the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Trade Information Center at (800) USA-TRADE, or go to one of the following websites: http://www.usatrade.gov/ or http://www.tradeinfo.doc.gov/.

 

http://www.moroccousafta.com/maratglance.htm

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

“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.

http://www.moroccousafta.com/

8 reasons to invest in Morocco

1 Comment

By ForeignPropertyBuyer on Monday, February 19, 2007
Filed Under: African Property, Foreign Property Markets, Morocco

1. The tax regime is sympathetic to overseas property and real estate investors including exemptions from certain taxes for a number of years, and a significatn reduction in other taxes. For UK investors, there is also the ‘double taxation treaty’ between Morocco and the UK meaning where tax is due, you will only pay it once.
2. Vision 2010 is a vision of Morocco’s King and Government where they have pledged to make Morocco a ‘premier destination’ by 2010, doubling tourist numbers to 10 million a year.
3. Infrastructure Improvements are currently underway and Americans are investing billions in new ports. New airports are being opened all over Morocco and there is a lot of investment in new motorways and high speed rail links.
4. A tunnel under the sea is planned between Morocco and Spain. It is expected this will be open in 2025.
5. An ‘open skies’ agreement has been signed by the Government. This guarantees that airports will be of a world class standard bt 2010, in line with their Vision 2010 policy. This will help budget flights from low cost airlines, making Morocco more accessible to a wider number of people.
6. New Developments ‘Dubai-style’ are being planned all over Morocco. All developments conform to strict environmental controls meaning that the over-development seen in places such as Spain should not be a problem, and all kinds of pollution are kept to a minimum.
7. Morocco boasts a year-round warm climate with over 1,100 miles of coastline, most of which is unspoilt. It also has extensive white, sandy beaches and miles of beautiful scenery.
8. Morocco is the latest ‘hot spot’ for celebrities, with the likes of the Beckhams, Jude Law, George Clooney and Brad Pitt having bought there recently. This puts Morocco into the media spotlight and will help tourism in the country.
Because of the reasons outlined above, Morocco is a prime place to invest. With the government’s vision 2010 policy, tourism is set to increase which will also be a big boon for the economy, which will probably push property prices up in the tourist hot-spots.