afrol News, 16 November - The president of the Marmara Business Life Associations Federation (MARİFED) Ahmet Ciğer has appealed for reduction of customs duties saying high levies hamper trade between Turkey and Morocco. The levies reportedly go up to 30 percent on industrial goods.

Mr Ciğer said the high levels of taxes levied on Turkish exports to Morocco have a negative impact on Turkish businessmen, who are willing to trade with Morocco. “Unless these taxes are reduced, Turkey might lose its advantage to European countries in Morocco,” he said.

He said Turkey is unable to compete with China on prices of goods, but can compete with European countries and the US without any difficulty, both of which make up the largest share of imports to Morocco.

He further emphasised that in order to boost commerce between Turkey and Morocco, the free trade agreement between the two countries which was signed in 2006 should be broadened.

“Economic relations with Morocco should not be considered only export-oriented,” he stated.

Mr Ciğer said that more than 2,000 meetings took place between businessmen of the two countries at the event, which was attended by 62 businessmen from Turkey and 417 Moroccan businessmen, along with Industry and Trade Minister Nihat Ergün.

Mr Ciğer said that amongst others, the Daha İnşaat, Turkish company and a Moroccan company had agreed on the construction of a 1,500-unit housing project; the Moroccan company will come to İstanbul in December in order to sign the deal, he said.

Morocco plans to launch 180,000-unit housing projects per year addressing middle and low-income groups.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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