First nation to recognize U.S sovereignty enters into free trade talks.
WASHINGTON – On January 21, U.S. business leaders met for the first round of meetings sponsored by the U.S.-Morocco FTA Coalition to support the start of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement. Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), the nation\’s leading taxpayer advocacy organization, has enthusiastically joined this coalition.
With an $11 billion import market, and U.S. exports to Morocco averaging $475 million annually, it is clear that the U.S. economy will benefit significantly from the FTA. A free trade agreement with Morocco will provide increased expansion for U.S. products such as wheat, oilseeds and feed grains, and the area of energy, tourism, and the environment will face positive consequences as well.
"Tariffs are taxes-invisible ones on all consumers," said taxpayer advocate Grover Norquist who heads ATR in Washington, DC. "If successful, a free trade area with Morocco will create jobs and boost financial markets not only in the United States, but in Morocco as well. In so doing, this policy will encourage other countries to do the same, and when markets open, freedom, democracy and prosperity follow," he continued.
Over sixty member organizations have joined the U.S.-Morocco FTA Coalition. They have stated that not only will this agreement advance economic growth, increase living standards, and create jobs, but it also sends a message to other countries in the Middle East about the benefits of free trade.
"Morocco was America\’s first ally, and by increasing our commerce with that nation, our alliance will grow stronger still," continued Norquist. "It will serve as a 21st Century model for the rest of the Arab nations."
U.S.-Moroccan friendship dates back to 1787 when the two nations agreed to a Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which is the longest unbroken treaty relationship in U.S. history. The Moroccan government, headed by Prime minister Youssoufi and supported by King Mohamed VI, has been very supportive of the free trade agreement.