Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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497. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline Ireland's economic and trade co-operation with Morocco; if he will provide a breakdown in the annual trading figures for the past two years between the two countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37156/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The last year for which full trade figures are available is 2011 and these show that total trade between Ireland and Morocco in 2011 amounted to €129 million. This includes over €90 million in exports and over €38 in imports. Total exports include goods exports of €60 million and services exports of €30 million. Total imports comprise goods imports of €26 million and services imports of €12 million. The total trade surplus in 2011 was €52million.

In 2012, goods exports to Morocco increased by 13% to €68 million and goods imports from Morocco were down 22% to €20m. 2012 services figures for individual countries will be released shortly by the CSO.

In 2012 Ireland's principal goods exports to Morocco were Essential oils, perfume materials etc; and Chemical materials & products. In 2012 Ireland's principal imports from Morocco were Articles of apparel etc and Fertilisers other than Crude fertilisers & minerals. The current framework for EU-Morocco trade relations is the between the EU and Morocco entered into force 1st March 2000, and provided for a Free Trade Area. In addition, an entered into force 1st October 2012. A protocol on Dispute Settlement Mechanism has been also signed and ratified.

On 1 March 2013, negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Morocco were launched. It is intended that this will extend significantly beyond the scope of the existing Association Agreement to include trade in services, government procurement, competition, intellectual property rights and investment protection.

A summary of Ireland's trading relationship with Morocco is given under.

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