U.S.-Morocco trade agreement forthcoming

U.S.-Morocco trade agreement forthcoming    A free trade agreement between the U.S. and Morocco that is expected to help U.S. agricultural interests should be in place by January, the office of the U.S. Trade Representative says.
   The Moroccan government has completed the final steps needed to implement the trade agreement, meaning it will be ready to take effect Jan. 1.
   “This agreement will expand markets for American farmers, ranchers and businesses and provide greater choices for consumers,' USTR spokesperson Christin Baker said in a statement. 'This agreement will also strengthen our trading relationship with the Middle East and brings us one step closer to achieving the President's goal of a US-Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA).'
   The finalization of the agreement completes a process that was started in 2003.