U.S. COMMITMENT TO FREE TRADE DIALOGUE
REAFFIRMED DURING EVANS VISIT TO MOROCCO
American Businesses Eager To Establish African Commercial Ties

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans today reiterated the United States’ commitment to pursue a free trade agreement with Morocco and said that expanding the economic relationship between the two nations is one of President Bush’s highest priorities. Evans’ visit to Morocco begins a weeklong trip to Africa, where he will advance President Bush’s commitment to the region as well as discuss additional commercial opportunities for American firms in Africa.

In a meeting with King Mohamed VI, Evans emphasized that reaching a timely free trade agreement would further the progress both nations have made in their two-way trade relationship. During the first eight months of 2002, trade between the U.S. and Morocco was nearly 48 percent higher than during the same period in 2001.

“The prospect of a U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement is a reflection of the maturing economic relationship that exists between our two nations,” said Evans. “A free trade agreement between our nations represents a milestone in our relationship, and once completed will greatly contribute to growing our economies and creating new, higher-paying jobs for our workers.

“President Bush and King Mohamed have recognized that this is an exciting time in the relationship between the United States and Morocco, and each is committed to growing the long-standing friendship between our nations,” added Evans. “Expanding trade and growing our commercial relationship will empower local economies, improve our standards of living, and open new opportunities for entrepreneurs in both nations to compete in the global economy.”

Evans’ trip will continue on to Ghana and South Africa where he will lead a business development mission of 15 firms wanting to forge new commercial ties there.