News item | 12-10-2023 | 13:05
The Netherlands is making 50 million euros available for reconstruction in the area in Morocco that was hit by an earthquake. Minister Liesje Schreinemacher for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation announced this on behalf of the cabinet on Thursday after a conversation with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
They spoke in Marrakesh, on the sidelines of the World Bank’s annual meeting. Schreinemacher visited the earthquake area on Wednesday. She thinks it is important that the Moroccan authorities indicate what is needed. At the request of the Moroccan government, the minister wants to use the amount for water-related projects, in which Dutch companies can also play a role.
Schreinemacher: ‘The consequences of the earthquake are enormous. The Netherlands stands in solidarity with the people of Morocco and wants to contribute to reconstruction. The Netherlands and Dutch companies have a lot of expertise and experience when it comes to water management. I’m here this week on a trade mission. Companies that participated were already very interested in helping with reconstruction in this area.’
The contribution comes from a pot intended for the development of the private sector in countries where the Netherlands is active with the combination of development aid and trade, such as Morocco. Invest International, a financing institution of the Dutch government, is the executor. The amount consists partly of loans and partly of gifts.