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Washington Moroccan Club In Dallas, TX Nov 2008
Morocco offers the world to Irving businesses
By Jess Paniszczyn
Just saying the word ‘Morocco’ congers up images of Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart immortalized in Casablanca. However, that outdated Hollywood image belies the complexity and vitality of a young nation brimming with 34 million people. Through a series of events, the American Morocco Association of North Texas (AMANT) hoped to shine a ‘Spotlight on Morocco’ by introducing North Texas businesses to the opportunities available to expand their markets. To present the possibilities offered by Morocco to local businesses, AMANT hosted a luncheon with Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States, Aziz Mekouar, at the Four Seasons on Nov. 1. “We are trying to build good will and create a network, said Edward Rettta of Cross Culture Communications. “There are opportunities for American business people to do business with Morocco and Moroccans. “Morocco has been an ally of the United States for a very long time. Morocco is an Arab country that has been our friend. It was the first country to recognize the United States politically like in 1777. We have had treaties with Morocco longer than any other country.
There is a long history between the U.S. and Morocco,” he said. Moroccan representatives issued an open invitation to all Irving businesses to explore the possibilities of doing business in Morocco. Located in North Africa and sharing the Strait of Gibraltar with Spain, Morocco offers a gateway to consumers in both Africa and Europe. “Morocco has a long history of good relationships with the United States,” said Ahmad Yanouri, president of AMANT. “Recently in 2004 there was a free trade agreement signed between the United States and Morocco. Basically there are no tariffs between the two countries when exporting to Morocco or importing from Morocco. It gives great advantage to businesses that go to Morocco.
“Morocco’s location is very strategic. It is on the tip of Africa, seven miles from Europe. It is a six hour flight from the United States. Merchandise arrives in seven days by boat. “Many American companies build manufacturing facilities in countries like China and Mexico and then export their goods to other countries. There are great opportunities to build similar facilities in Morocco, because it is very easy to export goods anywhere. Europe represents a very big market, as does the Arab world. “Morocco also has free trade agreements with Europe, many Arab countries, African countries and Turkey. This offers American companies in Morocco a market of about one billion people to sell to. “The Moroccan government is trying to entice businesses to go to Morocco through tax breaks. Some companies get five or ten years with no taxes. “Labor in Morocco is much cheaper than in the United States. You can hire qualified people with degrees in the Moroccan workforce for a fraction of what untrained labor costs here. Almost everybody in Morocco speaks French. A lot of people speak Spanish. And now English is becoming the favorite language there.” Morocco’s natural resources have captured the imagination of tourists looking for bargains as well as adventure. “The tourism business is booming because of Morocco’s location. I think each year about seven million tourists visit Morocco. About five years ago, only two million tourists visited each year. “Morocco has mountain resorts. We have almost 300 miles of the Mediterranean, and 500 to 600 miles of the Atlantic, so there are beautiful beaches. Marrakech is an exotic city where the weather in May is sometimes 100 degrees, if you drive 20 miles, you are in the snow. Looking from the city, you can see the snow on the mountain. It is really beautiful and a lot of tourists are coming.”
In an effort to help the people of Morocco through education, Faouzi Chaabi and his family are working to build a new university. “We are going to give 10 percent of our income to the university to educate Moroccan youth. Education is our principle lack,” Mr. Chaabi said. “We don’t have natural resources such as petrol like other people do. “The problem is we have been colonized by France and Spain until 1956. When we were liberated, we had a population of more than 90 percent who didn’t know how to read and write. So we had to construct schools. This is a very difficult thing to do. we still have people who do not go to school or who cannot follow in the school. We are struggling with providing schools for poor people, especially in the rural areas. “Another problem we have is continuing to educate people after high school. Some students go to private colleges where the subject taught is very specific like business administration, management or architecture. We also have our state owned universities that teach medicine, pharmacy or law. “What we want to do is to have a private university where everybody can come. We will choose maybe 30 to 40 percent of the students from poor families. They will not pay, but they are selected because of their minds. Their costs will be charged to the foundation. Another third will pay with credit and loans from the banks. Another third to 40 percent will pay normally. “This will allow us to have 1,000 graduates each year.” Top universities in both America and Morocco will serve as models for the new university the Chaabi family hopes to build. “The American system is very good. In the main university, you can have many, many, many various specialties. “My daughter just started this year at New York University. She is considering medical, engineering, physiology or marketing. This is wonderful. She can decide even after six months. This is something your universities have that we don’t have in Morocco,” he said. “The first university founded by King Hassan II with the King of Saudi Arabia is called ‘Al Akhaway Univeristy.’ It is a small university, but excellent. “We hope to do the same sort of thing building a larger university.
To create this university is a sacrifice. Just to construct this university we will pay 10 percent of our wealth. For running the university every year, we will give 10 percent of our income. The only effective way to fight terrorism is through education, according to Mr. Chaabi. “Our main problem is education. Don’t give me money. Don’t give me petrol. Give me the possibility to educate people. With education, you will never have terrorism. What happens now in many countries is extremists lack culture and education. When people don’t go to school and they meet somebody who tells them that if they will explode something and then for sure they will go to Paradise. The people believe what is said because they are not educated. “The American government has to help us in this way. The only things we need are partnerships to help us educate people,” he said.
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Understanding Morocco- opportunities for Business and Trade by WMAC
Washington Moroccan American Club Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade
&
Global Economics and Business Seminar of the Washington Semester Program of the American University.
Speaker: Jean AbiNader, Moroccan America Cultural Center
Topic: Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade
Location: American University, Washington, DC
Read more French version & English version bellow
Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade Video 1/3
Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade Video 2/3
Understanding Morocco -- Opportunities for Business and Trade Video 3/3
Washington, (MAP)- Les atouts économiques qu'offre le Maroc aux investisseurs américains ont été mis en exergue, jeudi soir, à Washington, lors d'une rencontre placée sous le thème "Connaitre le Maroc : des opportunités dans les secteurs des affaires et du commerce".
Organisé à l'American University à l'initiative du Washington Moroccan American Club, le débat a été notamment axé sur les réformes entreprises par le Maroc pour favoriser un cadre propice pour les investissements, les différents accords signés par le Royaume avec plusieurs pays, la main d'oeuvre qualifiée, le développement d'infrastructures de qualité et la stabilité politique.
"L'emplacement stratégique du Maroc, son économie croissante, le développement des infrastructures et les accords commerciaux avec plus de 40 pays font du Maroc une plateforme pour les investissements et l'exportation vers les pays du Moyen Orient, de l'Afrique et de l'Union Européenne", a souligné Jean AbiNader, du Moroccan American Culturel Center.
Il a cité, à cet égard, l'Accord d'association avec l'Union Européenne, l'accord d'Agadir signé avec l'Egypte, la Jordanie, et la Tunisie, ainsi que l'Accord de libre échange avec la Turquie.
Le Maroc compte également parmi les Etats bénéficiaires du Partenariat de Deauville, ajoute-t-il.
Le Royaume est aussi lié aux Etats-Unis par un accord de libre échange (ALE) qui offre une panoplie d'incitations, notamment fiscales et douanières ainsi qu'une protection du capital pour les sociétés américaines qui investissent au Maroc.
"Cet accord-phare permet aux exportateurs et investisseurs américains un accès presque illimité à des marchés en Europe, en Afrique, au Moyen-Orient et en Turquie", explique M. AbiNader.
L'ALE, en vigueur entre le Maroc et les USA depuis 2006, a permis d'éliminer la plupart des droits à l'importation, alors que les opérations commerciales US bénéficient des zones franches dans les ports marocains.
L'intervenant s'est également arrêté sur le statut d'allié majeur non-Otan accordé au Maroc.
Sur un autre registre, M. AbiNader a mis l'accent sur la tolérance religieuse qui caractérise le pays. Le Maroc est "un exemple dans la région en termes de tolérance religieuse, de reformes économiques et de promotion de la société civile", a-t-il fait remarquer.
Les derniers changements constitutionnels ont conforté davantage le processus de réformes du Maroc, considéré comme un modèle dans la région, affirme AbiNader.(MAP).
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English version by Morocco World News
The economic advantages offered by Morocco to U.S. investors were highlighted Thursday night in a Washington D.C. meeting entitled "Knowing Morocco: opportunities in the areas of business and trade."
Held at American University by the Washington Moroccan American Club, the debate focused, in particular, on the reforms undertaken by Morocco to promote a safe environment for investment, the various agreements signed by the Kingdom with several countries, its skilled workforce, the development of high quality infrastructure and political stability.
"Morocco's strategic location, its growing economy, infrastructure development and trade agreements with more than 40 countries have turned the country into a platform for investments and exports to the Middle East, Africa and European Union, "said Jean AbiNader, of the Moroccan American Cultural Center.
The speaker also addressed the status of major non-NATO ally granted to Morocco.
On another note, Mr. AbiNader focused on the religious tolerance that characterizes the country. Morocco is "an example in the region in terms of religious tolerance, economic reform and promotion of civil society During the conference, AbiNader also cited different trade pacts, including the Association Agreement with the European Union, the Agadir Agreement signed with Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia, and the Free Trade Agreement with Turkey. Morocco, in addition, is among the beneficiary states of the Deauville Partnership, he added.
The Kingdom is also linked to the United States by a free trade agreement (FTA), which offers a variety of incentives, both regarding taxes and customs as well as capital protection for U.S. companies investing in Morocco.
"This agreement ensures leading exporters and U.S. investors almost unlimited access to markets in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Turkey," said AbiNader.
The FTA, set up between Morocco and the United States in 2006, has eliminated most import duties, while US trade operations benefit from tax free zones in Moroccan ports.," he stated.
The latest constitutional changes have strengthened further the reform process in Morocco, considered a model in the region, said AbiNader.
Translated from French by Louise Riondel-Editing by Benjamin Villanti
New York, October 10, 2011-Morocco World News
Morocco's economic strengths highlighted in Washington
New York, October 10, 2011-Morocco World News
The economic advantages offered by Morocco to U.S. investors were highlighted Thursday night in a Washington D.C. meeting entitled "Knowing Morocco: opportunities in the areas of business and trade."
Les atouts économiques du Maroc mis en exergue à Washington( french version)
Washington, 7 oct (MAP)- Les atouts économiques qu'offre le Maroc aux investisseurs américains ont été mis en exergue, jeudi soir, à Washington, lors d'une rencontre placée sous le thème "Connaitre le Maroc : des opportunités dans les secteurs des affaires et du commerce".
Understanding Morocco – Opportunities for Business and Trade
You are invited! Washington Moroccan American Club & Global Economics and Business Seminar of the Washington Semester Program of the American University Understanding Morocco - Opportunities for Speaker:
Present
Business and Trade
Jean AbiNader, Moroccan America Cultural Center
Note from Joseph Braude to WMC, Dear members of the Washington Moroccan American Club,
In 2008 the Moroccan police became the first Arab security service to grant sustained, inside access to a writer, enabling him to spend four months reporting on their operations from inside a police precinct in Casablanca. I am that writer, and my new book on the experience is both a real-life murder mystery and an unusual examination of Moroccan society and government in the 21st century. It's called The Honored Dead: A Story of Friendship, Murder, and the Search for Truth in the Arab World. You can pick up a copy in most bookstores, or online via www.josephbraude.com .
"Honored dead" booking signing by Joseph Braude and WMAC
Joseph Braude and the Washington Moroccan American Club
Present
“the making of the “The Honored Dead”, by Joseph Braude”
Police in North Africa and the Middle East have a troubling history of human rights abuse and corruption, and their inner workings are opaque. But in 2008, one Arab government granted a Western journalist unprecedented access to its security services, and the outcome of his reporting offers gritty insights into the changes now underway throughout the Arab world.
"the making of the "The Honored Dead", by Joseph Braude" sponsored by WMC
Police in North Africa and the Middle East have a troubling history of human rights abuse and corruption, and their inner workings are opaque. But in 2008, one Arab government granted a Western journalist unprecedented access to its security services, and the outcome of his reporting offers gritty insights into the changes now underway throughout the Arab world.
Ambassador Aziz Mekouar farewell party
Ambassador Aziz Mekouar farewell party
After a very successful decade as the Moroccan ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. Aziz Mekouar will be returning to Morocco in September 2011.
Members of the Moroccan Community will host a Dinner party in his honor to bid him farewell and to thank him for all he did for Morocco and the Moroccan Community in the USA.
Please join us to celebrate this important event.
Date: Wednesday September 14, 2011
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Place: Maggiano’s Restaurant
5333 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington D.C. 20015
Washington 'encouraged' by the new draft constitution in Morocco
Washington - The United States is "encouraged" by the new draft constitution, whose basic elements were outlined by HM King Mohammed VI in a speech to the nation on June 17, US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland.
Interview of Ambassador Edward M. Gabriel, Former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco
On June 17, 2011, King Mohammed VI of Morocco announced a series of proposed amendments to the country's constitution. The announcement followed a three-month review of the Moroccan constitution at the order of the King, after protest calling for reform began in February 2011. The Moroccan constitutional reforms are significant and unprecedented in the Arab world, as King Mohammed VI is clearly attempting to get in front of the demands for change sweeping the Middle East. Some skepticism remains, however, as to the extent of constitutional checks placed on the King's powers and whether Morocco will become a true constitutional monarchy.
Morocco Bets on Reform By Peter Pham
At a time when, as the experts assembled at a symposium earlier this month hosted by the Atlantic Council's Ansari Africa Center noted, the fate of both the "Arab Spring" in general and the North African revolutions in particular remain far from certain, Morocco has made an audacious bet with the new constitution that King Mohammed VI unveiled in a televised speech last Friday. If the proposed charter is approved by voters in a refer-endum next month, the country will once again prove itself to be an exception, both in the Arab world and on the African continent, where integral transformation voluntarily undertaken and carried out both with respect for history, religion, and culture, and at an appropriate speed can offer a path to the future that balances the competing demands of stability and openness to change.
The Arab Spring has broken out in Morocco by David Ottaway from the Wilson Center
The Arab Spring has broken out in Morocco pushing King Mohammed VI to put forth in lightning speed a new constitution requiring an elected rather than an appointed prime minister, the first such step in any of the eight monarchies or even most of the "democratic" republics of the Arab world
The King's Speech vs. The Dictator's Deceit
Amb. Marc Ginsberg
Former U.S. Ambassador to Morocco
The King's Speech vs. The Dictator's Deceit
It is the tale of two Arabian cities. As the crow flies, Morocco's capital Rabat and Syria's capital Damascus are about 2,500 miles from each other. But judging by the context and content of the respective national addresses delivered within hours of each other this weekend, Morocco's King Mohammed and Syria's Bashar Al Assad might as well have been a million miles apart from each other.
In Morocco: A Quiet Revolution?
North Africa, Middle East, Middle East Unrest, Democracy Promotion
Kenneth M. Pollack, Director, Saban Center for Middle East Policy
The Brookings Institution
You probably won't be surprised to hear it, but there is something potentially very important going on that isn't getting the attention it deserves. It's happening in Morocco, where King Muhammad VI recently began to lay out the key provisions of a new constitution--something he first promised several months ago in response to popular protests as the Arab spring swept across his Kingdom.
The New Moroccan Constitution: Real Change or More of the Same?
Marina Ottaway Commentary, June 20, 2011
The constitution King Mohammed VI announced to his country on June 17 has been greeted by Moroccans with a great deal of ambivalence. Although it appears to be a foregone conclusion that a majority of Moroccans will vote "yes" in the referendum announced for July 1, many will do so with reservations. The young protesters who have been organizing periodic demonstrations beginning on February 20-hence the name, February 20 movement-have already announced that they do not intend to stop their actions. In fact, protests took place on June 19, drawing thousands of protesters in Casablanca and smaller numbers in other cities.
Women and the New Media in the Mediterranean Region
Isis Centre for Women and Development organizes the fifth edition of the international Forum “Mediterranean Women” under the theme : Women and the New Media in the Mediterranean Region on June 24, 25 and 26, 2011 at Palais des Congrès, Fez, Morocco
Presentation will be in Arabic, French and English with simultaneous translation
Conference Director : Fatima Sadiqi
Press release on MWN ( Morocco world News)
Press release, New York, May 30, 2011
We are pleased to announce the launching of the online-based news outlet Morocco World News. Fruit of the efforts and perseverance of a group of Moroccan and foreign journalists, political analysts, researchers and university professors, MWN comes to fill the vacuum of information in the English language on Morocco, North Africa and the Middle-East.
Magical Morocco festival organized by Washington Moroccan American Club Oct 2004
Moroccan Festival in Washington Suburb Draws Thousands of Visitors
By Elizabeth Kelleher
Washington File Special Correspondent
McLean, Virginia -- A small patch of land outside Washington at the McLean Community Center was turned into a real Moroccan "souk," or marketplace, recently, as vendors hawked brightly colored Moroccan clothing, rugs, pottery, brass, jewelry, tile and ceramics.
واشنطن 4 - 10 - 2004 ( بقلم قدور الفطومي) عاش فضاء المركز السوسيو تربوي لماكلين ( ولاية فرجينيا) أمس الأول السبت على إيقاعات المهرجان الثقافي الخريفي الذي تركز هذه السنة على المغرب تحت شعار " المغرب الساحر: من الصحراء إلى البحر ".
W.USA Channel 9 ( ABC)
It's just one example of a culture that brings people together.
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