RENAULT HAS BIG PLANS IN TANGIER
Renault will eventually be able to produce 350,000 low-cost vehicles per year at the plant it is building in Tangiers, in Morocco, an executive at the French carmaker has said recently.
Renault is counting on its low-cost Dacia range to help it conquer fast-growing emerging markets like Brazil and Russia, as it seeks to boost international growth and cut dependence on stagnating European demand.
Renault next year plans to add two more vehicles to the low-cost, or entry level, Dacia range, currently made up of the Logan sedan and estate cars, the small Sandero and the highly-successful new Duster SUV.
A new family minivan and a light commercial vehicle slightly larger than a Renault Kangoo van, both based on the Logan platform and built at the Tangiers site will complete the Dacia range.
''The maximum capacity for Renault's two lines will be 350,000-360,000, like Pitesti,'' Gerard Detourbet, vice president for Renault's entry-level programme, told Reuters, referring to the historic home base of Dacia, its Romanian subsidiary.
''With Pitesti operating at the maximum level, we asked ourselves, should we boost our capacity in Romania or elsewhere? That's how Tangiers came about,'' he said. Renault has set out new production plans, steering three-fifths of a total of 5.7 billion euros to be invested in industrial sites by 2013 to foreign markets as it seeks to cut its dependency on Europe.
The carmaker's long-awaited new strategic plan, which is due to be presented on February 10, will be split into two three-year tranches, Detourbet added.
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MOROCCO EXPECTS ECONOMY TO GROW BY 4%
MOROCCO EXPECTS ECONOMY TO GROW BY 4%
Morocco's economy shall grow by 4% in the first quarter of 2011, almost the same performance recorded last year, Morocco's planning and statistics authority (HCP) has said recently.
''In the first quarter of 2011, the economic growth prospects remain favourable as a whole, despite a relatively less buoyant international environment compared to 2010, marked by a moderation of global activity and trade,'' said the HCP in its note on January's economic situation.
This performance is due to the growth of non-agricultural activities that would remain around 4.4% in the 1st quarter of 2011, driven by service sector's momentum.
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Morocco's economy shall grow by 4% in the first quarter of 2011, almost the same performance recorded last year, Morocco's planning and statistics authority (HCP) has said recently.
''In the first quarter of 2011, the economic growth prospects remain favourable as a whole, despite a relatively less buoyant international environment compared to 2010, marked by a moderation of global activity and trade,'' said the HCP in its note on January's economic situation.
This performance is due to the growth of non-agricultural activities that would remain around 4.4% in the 1st quarter of 2011, driven by service sector's momentum.
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TWO CHOICES IN THE MIDDLE EAST: LIBYA AND MOROCCO
TWO CHOICES IN THE MIDDLE EAST: LIBYA AND MOROCCO
You'd be hard pressed to find a greater contrast last week in the Middle East than Libya and Morocco. While great unrest continued in Libya, Morocco was a completely different story. Libyans were fighting for their lives; Moroccans were listening to an unusual speech: Morocco's King Mohammed VI promised sweeping constitutional reforms, including real powers for a popularly elected prime minister instead of a royal appointee, as well as a free judiciary.
In his first speech after uprisings across the Arab world and less than a month after protests in Morocco for more social justice and limits on royal powers, the king Wednesday pledged to draw up a new draft constitution. ''We have decided to undertake a comprehensive constitutional reform,'' King Mohammed said, underlining his ''firm commitment to giving a strong impetus to the dynamic and deep reforms... taking place.''
He outlined seven major steps, including the way the prime minister is chosen. Libya is convulsed in a war that will, absent decisive action by the West, go on for some time. Meanwhile, Morocco will be having a national debate: The Moroccan monarch announced the formation of a commission to work on the constitutional revisions, with proposals to be made to him by June. A referendum will then be held, he said, without giving a date.
The live broadcast was the first time the king has delivered an address to the nation since thousands of people demonstrated in several cities on Feb. 20 demanding political reform and limits on his powers. They were the first protests in the country since the start of the uprisings across the Arab world that toppled the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt this year. There have been other peaceful rallies since then, including in the capital, Rabat, and the country's biggest city, Casablanca, with young activists campaigning for greater democracy using the Facebook social network to call for new demonstrations on March 20.
To put it simply, this is a big deal in Morocco. In the first protest Feb. 20, Moroccans took to the streets to demand more accountability and constitutional reform. Much of their anger was directed at the parliament and the political parties. The king, instead of cracking down, decided to speed up a process of decentralization and deconcentration of power. The idea is to move power and authority out of Rabat and devolve it to local elected bodies.
That will entail challenges for a country where local figures have not had responsibility for governance. The opportunity for graft is real and significant. France and Spain praised the speech. The United Nations and the Obama administration then added their commendations. Last year, Hillary Clinton praised Morocco as a “model to follow” and lawmakers were also boisterous in their praise. Sen. John McCain issued a statement: ''I commend His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco for the plan of constitutional and democratic reform that he laid out in his impressive speech yesterday. This new reform agenda builds on the King's long-standing commitment to lead Morocco to a future of reform and modernization, and it could ensure that the Kingdom of Morocco will continue to stand as a positive example to governments across the Middle East and North Africa. I support the aspirations of the Moroccan people for greater democracy, economic opportunity, and rule of law. In the weeks and months ahead, the United States must be vigilant and tireless in our support for the government and people of Morocco in transforming the King's vision of reform into a reality that improves the lives of all Moroccans. The United States deeply values our strategic partnership with Morocco, and that partnership will only grow deeper and better as it increasingly comes to rest on shared values as well as common goals.''
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and House Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) were also effusive. So why is Morocco's political ethos so different from its neighbours? Talking with diplomats, Moroccan officials and Middle East experts yields a general consensus: the Moroccan monarchy. For centuries the monarchy has been a symbol of unity in a country with a variety of languages and substantial regional differences. Moreover, as the highest religious authority in the country as well as its ruler, the Moroccan monarchy enjoys a legitimacy and respect that Moammar Gaddafi, Hosni Mubarak and Ben Ali could only dream of.
But it is also true that this particular king has been on a reform path for 20 years. He championed a new family code that granted rights to woman unprecedented in Muslim countries in the region. He has also promoted efforts at economic diversification and a ''human development initiative'' that has been building infrastructure at a furious pace. (A group of journalists who returned from a recent trip describe a country that looks like one giant construction site.) That program focuses on the 600 of the most disadvantaged communities and seeks to make regional capitals (e.g., Marrakech, Tangiers) more attractive and liveable, with modernized roads, medical facilities, and schools as well as new roads, and water and sanitation systems. All of that, the Moroccan government hopes, will prevent Casablanca from becoming a megalopolis like Mexico City or Buenos Aires. The most visible sign of success is the disappearance of squalid shanty towns in many areas, especially in the south.
What can the United States and, more important, Morocco's neighbours, learn from the king's approach? For the United States, this should be a reminder that Morocco is an ally that America can and should work with. To the extent Obama has adopted the ''Freedom Agenda'' as his own, he'd be wise to provide financial, political and technical assistance as Morocco embarks on a challenging process of reform. Aside from money, the conversion to a more democratic system of local rule will require training in everything from urban planning to accounting for hundreds of local officials. As for Congress, this probably isn't the time to decrease aid to the one uber-stable Muslim country in the region.
But most critically, Morocco can serve as an example to others in the region that the best defence against both Islamic radicals and secular revolutions is a modernizing country that provides young people with the opportunity for economic success and political freedom. Those not yet enveloped in the flames of revolution should think hard about the Moroccan example.
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You'd be hard pressed to find a greater contrast last week in the Middle East than Libya and Morocco. While great unrest continued in Libya, Morocco was a completely different story. Libyans were fighting for their lives; Moroccans were listening to an unusual speech: Morocco's King Mohammed VI promised sweeping constitutional reforms, including real powers for a popularly elected prime minister instead of a royal appointee, as well as a free judiciary.
In his first speech after uprisings across the Arab world and less than a month after protests in Morocco for more social justice and limits on royal powers, the king Wednesday pledged to draw up a new draft constitution. ''We have decided to undertake a comprehensive constitutional reform,'' King Mohammed said, underlining his ''firm commitment to giving a strong impetus to the dynamic and deep reforms... taking place.''
He outlined seven major steps, including the way the prime minister is chosen. Libya is convulsed in a war that will, absent decisive action by the West, go on for some time. Meanwhile, Morocco will be having a national debate: The Moroccan monarch announced the formation of a commission to work on the constitutional revisions, with proposals to be made to him by June. A referendum will then be held, he said, without giving a date.
The live broadcast was the first time the king has delivered an address to the nation since thousands of people demonstrated in several cities on Feb. 20 demanding political reform and limits on his powers. They were the first protests in the country since the start of the uprisings across the Arab world that toppled the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt this year. There have been other peaceful rallies since then, including in the capital, Rabat, and the country's biggest city, Casablanca, with young activists campaigning for greater democracy using the Facebook social network to call for new demonstrations on March 20.
To put it simply, this is a big deal in Morocco. In the first protest Feb. 20, Moroccans took to the streets to demand more accountability and constitutional reform. Much of their anger was directed at the parliament and the political parties. The king, instead of cracking down, decided to speed up a process of decentralization and deconcentration of power. The idea is to move power and authority out of Rabat and devolve it to local elected bodies.
That will entail challenges for a country where local figures have not had responsibility for governance. The opportunity for graft is real and significant. France and Spain praised the speech. The United Nations and the Obama administration then added their commendations. Last year, Hillary Clinton praised Morocco as a “model to follow” and lawmakers were also boisterous in their praise. Sen. John McCain issued a statement: ''I commend His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco for the plan of constitutional and democratic reform that he laid out in his impressive speech yesterday. This new reform agenda builds on the King's long-standing commitment to lead Morocco to a future of reform and modernization, and it could ensure that the Kingdom of Morocco will continue to stand as a positive example to governments across the Middle East and North Africa. I support the aspirations of the Moroccan people for greater democracy, economic opportunity, and rule of law. In the weeks and months ahead, the United States must be vigilant and tireless in our support for the government and people of Morocco in transforming the King's vision of reform into a reality that improves the lives of all Moroccans. The United States deeply values our strategic partnership with Morocco, and that partnership will only grow deeper and better as it increasingly comes to rest on shared values as well as common goals.''
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and House Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) were also effusive. So why is Morocco's political ethos so different from its neighbours? Talking with diplomats, Moroccan officials and Middle East experts yields a general consensus: the Moroccan monarchy. For centuries the monarchy has been a symbol of unity in a country with a variety of languages and substantial regional differences. Moreover, as the highest religious authority in the country as well as its ruler, the Moroccan monarchy enjoys a legitimacy and respect that Moammar Gaddafi, Hosni Mubarak and Ben Ali could only dream of.
But it is also true that this particular king has been on a reform path for 20 years. He championed a new family code that granted rights to woman unprecedented in Muslim countries in the region. He has also promoted efforts at economic diversification and a ''human development initiative'' that has been building infrastructure at a furious pace. (A group of journalists who returned from a recent trip describe a country that looks like one giant construction site.) That program focuses on the 600 of the most disadvantaged communities and seeks to make regional capitals (e.g., Marrakech, Tangiers) more attractive and liveable, with modernized roads, medical facilities, and schools as well as new roads, and water and sanitation systems. All of that, the Moroccan government hopes, will prevent Casablanca from becoming a megalopolis like Mexico City or Buenos Aires. The most visible sign of success is the disappearance of squalid shanty towns in many areas, especially in the south.
What can the United States and, more important, Morocco's neighbours, learn from the king's approach? For the United States, this should be a reminder that Morocco is an ally that America can and should work with. To the extent Obama has adopted the ''Freedom Agenda'' as his own, he'd be wise to provide financial, political and technical assistance as Morocco embarks on a challenging process of reform. Aside from money, the conversion to a more democratic system of local rule will require training in everything from urban planning to accounting for hundreds of local officials. As for Congress, this probably isn't the time to decrease aid to the one uber-stable Muslim country in the region.
But most critically, Morocco can serve as an example to others in the region that the best defence against both Islamic radicals and secular revolutions is a modernizing country that provides young people with the opportunity for economic success and political freedom. Those not yet enveloped in the flames of revolution should think hard about the Moroccan example.
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EU-MOROCCO FTZ FOR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
EU-MOROCCO FTZ FOR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
The EU-Morocco free trade zone (FTZ) for industrial products will become effective as of March 1, 2012, the deadline by which the gradual dismantling of the customs services will come to an end, the European Delegation in Morocco said.
The FTZ will be reinforced in the future through the implementation of the advanced status and the different trade agreements notably the agriculture agreement which was adopted by the European Parliament, the agreement of services’ liberalization which is being negotiated, in addition to a possible free trade agreement that is detailed and comprehensive, the Delegation said Wednesday in a statement.
Moroccan products exported to the EU and exempt from customs duties since 1976 are, however, subject to submitting a certificate of origin, it added.
The products from the Union will have a customs-free access to Morocco, while maintaining the value added tax on imports (around 20%) and the special tax on imports which is 0.25% ad valorem.
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The EU-Morocco free trade zone (FTZ) for industrial products will become effective as of March 1, 2012, the deadline by which the gradual dismantling of the customs services will come to an end, the European Delegation in Morocco said.
The FTZ will be reinforced in the future through the implementation of the advanced status and the different trade agreements notably the agriculture agreement which was adopted by the European Parliament, the agreement of services’ liberalization which is being negotiated, in addition to a possible free trade agreement that is detailed and comprehensive, the Delegation said Wednesday in a statement.
Moroccan products exported to the EU and exempt from customs duties since 1976 are, however, subject to submitting a certificate of origin, it added.
The products from the Union will have a customs-free access to Morocco, while maintaining the value added tax on imports (around 20%) and the special tax on imports which is 0.25% ad valorem.
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Morocco is a country shaded with a variety of colors yet cloaked with the blanket of mystery
Morocco is a country shaded with a variety of colors yet cloaked with the blanket of mystery. It is this charm, the fact that that tourists desire to know more and more about Morocco is what makes this country so attractive.
Even today Morocco proudly upholds its past glories, its traditions and the culture of Morocco, which is reflected in the ancient monuments and structural designs of Morocco.
Hence a trip to this country would surely be incomplete without exploring the exoticarchitecture of Morocco.
The architecture of Morocco consists of more or less the Islamic style of construction. However the designs show signs of being profoundly influenced by Spanish styles of the mid centuries.
It is not very difficult to identify the architecture of Morocco because of its distinctive Islamic style. These facets of Moroccan architecture give us a peak into Morocco’s enchanting past. Some of the typical features of Morocco Architecture are:
* Huge U- shaped arches and lovely domes * Large courtyards, adorned with charming gardens. * Use of geometrical patterns. * Use of bright color schemes * Use of ornamental Islamic calligraphy and fewer pictures. * ornamentation of the exterior of the buildings.
Some of the finest examples of architecture in Morocco are found in Fez and Marrakech. These two cities have some lovely mosques, minarets and palaces. Like the Ali Ben Youssef, El Badi Palace, Koutoubia Minaret and few others in Marrakech and Nejjarine Square, Andalous Mosque, Quarouiyine Mosqueand and many others in Fez.
MOROCCO TRAVEL TIPS
Morocco is an Islamic country and it pays to understand what this means. Their religion is an integral part of their culture. Their holy book is the Koran, based on the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed. Each Muslim practices the five tenets, called the Pillars of Islam. These require that the faithful profess their faith, pray five times a day, practice charity, fast during Ramadan, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca.
If you visit you will encounter the faithful carrying out their duties throughout the country. If you respect their customs and restrictions you'll have no problems.
The main restriction a tourist will encounter is the prohibition on visiting mosques, unless you are Muslim. This is unfortunate since much of the most beautiful artistry in the country is inside these mosques. There are certain historic mosques which allow visitors and you should check for these wherever you visit.
If you visit during the month of Ramadan when the faithful fast each day until sunset, you are likely to have a somewhat different experience than a visit at other times of the year. However, you won't be expected to fast, and in most larger towns and cities you'll find places to eat during the day.
Morocco is by far one of the more liberal Islamic countries. They do allow the sale and consumption of alcohol, but it is strictly controlled. Hotel bars and upscale restaurants will almost always serve alcohol. You'll find many of the less than faithful getting drunk. These Moroccans are either the young or westernized. They will encourage you to drink with them. If this is your thing, you'll make friends easily. But never offer alcohol to a Muslim unless you are in a bar or they are already imbibing.
Muslims dress conservatively. This means both men and women usually cover their bodies completely. The exceptions are at the beach or doing heavy manual labor. Tourists who expose too much in town are likely to be viewed with disfavor, especially women. Don't offend the Moroccans with your clothes or lack thereof but in general, the Moroccans are very friendly and hospitable.
Money: The local currency is the Dirham, roughly 11 Dirhams to the euro. We recommend you bring traveler's checks and a good ATM card. US dollars or other currencies can be converted at most banks. Don't put your card in an ATM unless you see the symbol that matches your card on the machine. You might lose your card. So be sure you get enough cash to carry you until the next major city. BCM seems to be the best bank, accepting foreign cards in most of their ATMs.
Environment: Morocco has a diverse geography, from the coolern Mediterranean and Atlantic coast in the north, to the desperately hot, arid deserts and mountains of the south. You can encounter a wide range of climatic conditions and you should be prepared. Where ever you go in the country, you should carry bottled water with you, and drink as much as you can to ward off dehydration.
In the central valleys of the country a vast zone of agriculture produces far more than Morocco needs. This verdant farmland exports a wide range of produce to markets in Europe. In certain parts one is reminded of the French countryside.
By far the most interesting attractions besides the cities are Morocco's famous deserts, the Rif and Atlas mountains and the Atlantic and Mediterranean sea. There are many superb beaches in Morocco. Some are big tourist resorts, others completely empty and pristine.
Language: If you speak only English you may have difficulty outside the major cities and tourist areas. The best language to speak is the first language of every Moroccan, Arabic. If you don't do Arabic, French will serve you well in most cities and throughout the country except in the far north, where Spanish and Berber are spoken. We recommend a French/English dictionary to help out.
Bargaining The Moroccan game of buying and selling is an experience not to be missed. Unfortunately it quickly becomes tedious and costly to the visitor. You will never get a great bargain. That's it, accept it. You might get a better deal than some other tourist with less patience or experience. Just don't enter the game at the start of your trip. If you can, visit a fixed price shop right away to see what a fair price is and decide what you'd like to purchase during your trip. You might even pick up something at the fixed price shop.
The skill at which a shopkeeper can get you to not only pay several times what he would charge another Moroccan, but to get you to buy something you don't even want is amazing. All you have to do is show the slightest interest in something and it begins. Ask the price and you've bought it as far as he's concerned! Don't believe the stories that they start at double or triple the fair price (whatever that is!). They'll start at ten times a fair price if they think you'll pay it!
MOROCCAN HOME LIFE
MOROCCAN HOME LIFE
Being invited to a Moroccan home is an honor. Knowing what to expect can make the experience much more enjoyable.
Most people who go to Morocco go for the beaches or the souks of Marrakesh. Very few people seem to be able to get under the skin of the place and really explore it. The best way is, of course, by making friends with the locals.
Moroccans tend to be very hospitable and will spend their last dirham on providing a nice meal for a guest in their home. It might be tea and cakes but it will be served in the best teapot with the cakes on hand embroidered serviettes. And they won't be cakes bought in a shop. Oh no, everything is made from scratch. The women bake and cook daily and there seems to be an endless supply of cakes, biscuits and pastries.
The typical way of eating in Morocco might go like this: breakfast is coffee with plenty of sugar (Moroccans eat a lot of sugar) and a pastry of some sort. Lunch is the main meal of the day and will be eaten around 1pm. It might be a Tajine of lamb with broad beans and peas, eaten with the daily baked flat bread that is the staple of the Moroccan diet. Also served with the main meal might be side dishes of eggplant puree or a salad. Meals are eaten using the bread as the utensil to pick up the meat and vegetables. One advantage of everyone eating of the same platter is that one tends to eat less than one would if it were served individually on plates. Most Westerners who move to Morocco tend to lose weight over time. Partly from eating such healthy and fresh food and partly from eating smaller portions.
After the meal there will typically be a large bowl of seasonal fruit on the table and everyone takes a knife and peels or cuts the pieces they want. Sometimes there might be some yoghurt. Around 6pm, sweet, hot, green tea made with fresh mint is served with pastries, Msemen, also known as Rghaif (a sort of fried bread that can be savoury or sweet) and biscuits. Later on that night, from 9pm onwards, another supper is served. It might soup or spaghetti. Fruit will again be served afterwards and is typically the main dessert in Morocco.
The Moroccan diet, while high in sugar, is very healthy. The fruit and vegetables eaten daily are seasonal and always fresh. Most housewives shop every day for food so there is little that is kept in the way of leftovers. Bread is eaten with almost everything and knives and forks rarely used.
The Moroccan Salon
When visiting a Moroccan home, the first thing you do is take off your shoes. Most Moroccan women wear shoes that are open at the back so it's very easy to slip in and out of them. A Moroccan salon, where the family gather to eat, celebrate and greet guests is set up with sofas that are built into the walls and typically line at least three of the walls in a room. The more affluent families stuff the seats with sheep's wool which would be taken from the sheep that are sacrificed at Eid El Kebir each year. These seats are quite firm and, when the cushions that line the wall are taken off them, make wonderful beds. Indeed, this is where visiting family members will typically sleep. Some homes have two or more salons for a variety of uses. One for daily family use and one to use with visitors. These salons are often beautifully decorated with fabrics that complement each other. The richer the family, the more sumptuous the salon.
Being invited to a Moroccan home is an honor. Knowing what to expect can make the experience much more enjoyable.
Most people who go to Morocco go for the beaches or the souks of Marrakesh. Very few people seem to be able to get under the skin of the place and really explore it. The best way is, of course, by making friends with the locals.
Moroccans tend to be very hospitable and will spend their last dirham on providing a nice meal for a guest in their home. It might be tea and cakes but it will be served in the best teapot with the cakes on hand embroidered serviettes. And they won't be cakes bought in a shop. Oh no, everything is made from scratch. The women bake and cook daily and there seems to be an endless supply of cakes, biscuits and pastries.
The typical way of eating in Morocco might go like this: breakfast is coffee with plenty of sugar (Moroccans eat a lot of sugar) and a pastry of some sort. Lunch is the main meal of the day and will be eaten around 1pm. It might be a Tajine of lamb with broad beans and peas, eaten with the daily baked flat bread that is the staple of the Moroccan diet. Also served with the main meal might be side dishes of eggplant puree or a salad. Meals are eaten using the bread as the utensil to pick up the meat and vegetables. One advantage of everyone eating of the same platter is that one tends to eat less than one would if it were served individually on plates. Most Westerners who move to Morocco tend to lose weight over time. Partly from eating such healthy and fresh food and partly from eating smaller portions.
After the meal there will typically be a large bowl of seasonal fruit on the table and everyone takes a knife and peels or cuts the pieces they want. Sometimes there might be some yoghurt. Around 6pm, sweet, hot, green tea made with fresh mint is served with pastries, Msemen, also known as Rghaif (a sort of fried bread that can be savoury or sweet) and biscuits. Later on that night, from 9pm onwards, another supper is served. It might soup or spaghetti. Fruit will again be served afterwards and is typically the main dessert in Morocco.
The Moroccan diet, while high in sugar, is very healthy. The fruit and vegetables eaten daily are seasonal and always fresh. Most housewives shop every day for food so there is little that is kept in the way of leftovers. Bread is eaten with almost everything and knives and forks rarely used.
The Moroccan Salon
When visiting a Moroccan home, the first thing you do is take off your shoes. Most Moroccan women wear shoes that are open at the back so it's very easy to slip in and out of them. A Moroccan salon, where the family gather to eat, celebrate and greet guests is set up with sofas that are built into the walls and typically line at least three of the walls in a room. The more affluent families stuff the seats with sheep's wool which would be taken from the sheep that are sacrificed at Eid El Kebir each year. These seats are quite firm and, when the cushions that line the wall are taken off them, make wonderful beds. Indeed, this is where visiting family members will typically sleep. Some homes have two or more salons for a variety of uses. One for daily family use and one to use with visitors. These salons are often beautifully decorated with fabrics that complement each other. The richer the family, the more sumptuous the salon.
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