Week ended December 26, 2001 - 117th. Issue

This week:

Algeria - Regional Economy / Defense
Algeria Signs Association Agreement with EU, Strengthens Relations with NATO

Two important events occurred last week in Brussels. The first was the signing of an association agreement between Algeria and the European Union and the second was Bouteflika's meeting with the head of NATO, Lord Robertson. [Read article...]

Morocco - Industry
Study Pinpoints Textile Sector Weaknesses, Industry Calls for Bailout

A finance ministry study published recently highlights the primary barriers and constraints facing the deeply troubled textile and garment industry in Morocco. The problems listed in the report are considered the root cause of declining competitiveness. The industry hopes this report will lead to a bailout from the government.
[Read article...]

Algeria - Terrorism
The Changing Landscape of Algeria's Anti-terrorism Campaign

The September 11th. terrorist attack in the United States is the most important single event that is reshaping the anti-terrorist campaign in Algeria. The event is likely to force a change in Algeria's anti-terrorism policy under the influence of international affairs. The question today is what is the future of terrorist groups in Algeria?
[Read article...]

Algeria - Power industry
The End of the Sonelgaz Monopoly

The Algerian government is determined to break the monopoly of utility firm Sonelgaz over the electricity sector. A draft law was recently submitted to parliament by the energy minister which calls for an overhaul of the rules governing the power industry. [Read article...]

Morocco - Sport Business
Morocco Seeks 2010 World Cup Event with New Infrastructure

The Moroccan government is to build three large capacity stadiums to be completed by 2004. The North African country lost the bid to host the 2006 world cup but it plans to improve its sport infrastructure prior to a visit of a FIFA delegation as it applies to host the 2010 world cup event.
[Read article...]

Algeria - Labor
Exoneration on Penalties Expected to Boost Membership of Independent Workers' Retirement Fund - Regular Retirement Fund in Crisis

The Algerian government is putting in place incentives to lure independent workers to register in various administrations. Some 400,000 people currently contribute to the Casnos or Social Security Fund for Non-Salaried Workers. Contributors include professions such as lawyers, medical doctors, business owners, taxi operators, and farmers. However, official sources estimate the numbers of those avoiding the Casnos at 500,000 or more. [Read article...]

Morocco - Beverage Industry
Coca-Cola and SBM End their Partnership

Morocco's Brasseries du Maroc (SBM) and Coca-Cola discontinued their joint venture. The two companies were linked by a deal signed in July 2000, which according to industry sources was recently audited and found to bring no value to the two. The July 2000 agreement called for a joint venture between their respective subsidiaries, Société Centrale des Boissons Gazeuses (SCBG), a ONA unit, and Coca-Cola Holding (CCH).
[Read article...]

Algeria - France / Cooperation
Algeria-France Reinforce their Cooperation

France granted Algeria a Euro 27 million loan to rebuild the neghberhoods of Bab El-Oued recently distroyed by floods and heavy rains. This loan is in addition to a series of loans granted by France in the last few months to assist Algeria in its economic reform process. The largest of such loans was worth Euro 150 million provided by the French Development Agency AFD to finance prive sector development programs.
[Read article...]

Also: Morocco -
Rating Moody's downgrades outlook to negative

To read the complete issue....