Are Asian Markets too far? Introduction 1- Are Asian markets too far? 2- Challenge Haruko Hirose (Ambassador of Japan) March 10th, 2008

1- Are Asian markets too far? Yes and No

Yes - Distance is large - Language is different - Culture and habits are different - Competition is high

Geographical Structure of North Africa Foreign Trade (1990 and 2004) In (%) EgyptMorocco Exports Europe North America91325 Japan and other Asian countries10 Imports Europe North America Japan and other Asian countries

Morocco’s trade volumes with other continents (as of December 2007) Imports (in million DH) Exports (in million DH) Share of trade (in %) Europe Asia America Africa Oceania

No  Asian economy is growing rapidly and steadly  As a result market is growing too and prurchasing power is increasing with big population: very attractive market  Asian countries are exporting to North Africa more and more

CountrySubject Descriptor Estimates Start After China GDP (in billion) in US$1, , , Population (in millions)1, , , GDP per capita , , India GDP (in billion) , Population (in millions)1, , , GDP per capita , Thailand GDP (in billion) in US$ Population (in millions) GDP per capita1, , , Japan GDP (in billion) in US$4, , , Population (in millions) GDP per capita36, , ,

2- Challenges 1. Quality and quantity of products has to be high and steady 2. Need martket study and identify the targets clearly and realistically 3. Find niche and demand