Mr. Mezouar held bilateral talks with Mr. Didier Reynders, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Reforms, on October 24th 2008 at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
The two ministers expressed satisfaction with the level and dynamics of economic and political relations between the two countries.
Mr. Mezouar spoke specifically about Belgium`s technical and financial support to Morocco`s development through socio-economic programmes in areas such as drinking water, health, vocational training, agriculture, rural development and microcredit.
Both ministers addressed recent economic developments in their respective countries. Mr. Mezouar pointed to the resilience of Morocco`s economy in a difficult economic climate. Such resilience is partly due to the diversification of sources for economic growth and the saving of the national economy fundamentals.
The international economic crisis and its possible drawbacks on the economies of both countries were on the agenda of these bilateral talks. Mr. Mezouar explained that such a crisis had so far no impact on the national economy, Moroccan Financial institutions being little exposed to risks on international financial markets.
In conclusion, both ministers reiterated their satisfaction with economic and political relations, and expressed their willpower to further strengthen programmes of bilateral cooperation.