Government
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Since the relatively young, liberal-minded monarch Mohammed VI came to the throne in 1999, Morocco is now well under way to achieving a more stable and effective democratic political system. The 2002 parliamentary elections were regarded as the most free and fair in Morocco’s history. King Mohammed has backed and promoted many political and economic reforms: namely the eradication of corruption and the development of civil rights throughout Morocco.
External Relations
Relations with the EU are largely good and Morocco has strong trading links within Europe, in particular with France and Spain. The EU is Morocco’s largest trading partner and trade links were helped enormously by the negotiation of an Association Agreement in 2000, which will see the bilateral tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade dismantled by 2012, further strengthening Morocco’s ties with the European economy. With regards to relations with the US, in 2004 Morocco signed a Free Trade Agreement which entered into force in January 2006. This US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement means that 98% of the two-way trade of consumer and industrial products will be without tariffs.
The signing of the Free Trade Agreements with both the EU and the US shows Morocco fully understands that to help achieve domestic security and development, tackling poverty head on and providing jobs is key. The government sees attracting more tourism as being central to improving education, increasing job prospects and raising living standards.
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