KARACHI, Feb 1: Morocco offers immediate potential to the Pakistani textile sector for the export of textile goods worth $1.2 billion to the US and other countries under free trade agreements (FTAs). This was stated by visiting Moroccan Commerce Minister Mechahoure during a meeting with Privatization and Investment Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh here on Tuesday.

Director of commerce ministry of Morocco Ms Filali, director of investment Ms Laila Sbiti, director of Royal Air Morocco Ms Farahi, president of the Association of Moroccan Exporters and president of Centre for Export Morocco Ben Said, and senior officials of the Board of Investment were also present on the occasion.

Mr Mechahoure said Morocco had signed FTAs with Turkey, the EU, the US and Arab countries to acquire market access in these countries and promote bilateral trade. He said Morocco needed joint ventures with leading textile manufacturers on urgent basis and Pakistani entrepreneurs could capitalize this opportunity.

Dr Hafeez said he would arrange meetings of the Moroccan delegation with top Pakistani textile producers and exporters. He said Pakistan also wanted to utilize Moroccan expertise in the field of tourism.

Mr Mechahoure said Morocco wanted to develop bilateral ties with Pakistan and also sought joint ventures in agro-based industry, information technology, pharmaceutical, tourism and fertilizers with Pakistan's private sector. -APP