May 17, 2018
The deal related to mining and geology was signed in New Delhi in April between the Moroccan Minister of Energy, Mines, and Sustainable Development and India’s Ministry of Mines
The agreement in legal field will allow lawyers, law officers and law students to augment capacity and resources through seminars, symposiums and workshops arranged by both sides
The agreements follow a host of deals signed between the nations in December 2017 related to cooperation in capacity building in road transport, water resources and the marine sector
The agreements come amid strengthening ties between the nations that has boosted trade and investment activities with bilateral trade recorded at US$1.2 billion during FY 2016-17
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval to two preliminary agreements between India and Morocco in relation to mining and geology and legal affairs. The agreement pertaining to mining and geology was signed in New Delhi in April between the Moroccan Minister of Energy, Mines, and Sustainable Development and India’s Ministry of Mines. Meanwhile, the agreement for cooperation in the legal field between India and Morocco, in order to share their experience and expertise in the field of law and legislation. The agreements come amid strengthening relations between the nations that go back six decades. This has boosted trade and investment activities between the nations. Bilateral trade between India and Morocco stood at US$1.2 billion in 2016-17.
The agreement on mining and geology will provide an institutional mechanism which will be beneficial on economic, social and environmental fields in both countries. The activities involved under the cooperation will include development of geological infrastructure, promotion of mining and geology, training programs and establishment of geological data bank to support innovation. The other agreement will give an opportunity to lawyers, law officers and law students to discuss issues in the field of law and justice through seminars, symposiums and workshops arranged by authorities of India and Morocco. The agreements follow a host of deals signed between the nations in December 2017 and related to cooperation in capacity building in road transport, water resources and the marine sector.
An agreement on mining and geology with Morocco is of critical importance as India’s major imports from the country includes phosphoric acid and rock phosphate, metallic ores and metal scrap, semi-finished products and inorganic chemicals. Meanwhile, the main items of India’s exports to Morocco are cotton yarn, synthetic fiber, transport equipment, pharmaceuticals, agricultural implements, chemicals, spices and manufactured metals. Additionally, India is committed to sharing its developmental experience with Morocco through capacity building under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. This has allowed for the agreements signed in late 2017.