The Moroccan customs and indirect taxes administration has collected Dh36.09 billion ($3.19 billion) in customs revenues throughout the year 2000, up from Dh34.99 ($3.09 billion) billion the previous year. These figures translate into a 3.1 percent rise.
The kingdom’s customs returns constitute 44.3 percent of the state general budget ordinary revenues, and include Dh12.77 billion worth of import duties and Dh12.27 billion in VAT. Fees generated by the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline amount to Dh634 million, while fees on phosphates exploitation total Dh 568 million.
Forecasts into 2001 estimate a nine percent decrease in Morocco’s customs income, following the Association Agreement signed with the European Union (EU). The accord was signed in February 1996 and came into force in March 2000.
It provides for the establishment of a free-trade area as of 2010, in line with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the gradual dismantling of the custom’s regime, the liberalization of services, and the free movement of capital. — (Mena Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
