The Moroccan American Business Forum was held in Fes, Morocco on May 8 - 10, 2008. Over 50 attendees gathered in the cultural and handicraft capital of Morocco to discuss the potential of international business in Morocco. The forum was organized by Morocco-America Link Association in cooperation with Amicitia American School.

The forum had a number of professional speakers on a wide variety of business topics as listed below:

• Opening Ceremonies - Mr Thomas Riley - US Ambassador to Moroccco & the Wali & Governor of Fes.

• Business Overview in the Fes region - Center of Regional Investment

• Business Modeling and Growth - Mr Bill Wimberly

• American Companies doing business in Morocco - Mr. Rick Ortiz, Commercial Consulate of US Embassy

• Best Practices of Foreign Investment in Morocco - Ahmed Belkhayat

• Global Marketing Partnering - Mr. Bruce Mazarre

• Using Technology in Business - Mr. Burt Lancaster

Throughout the forum, there were a number of breakout sessions in order to facilitate discussion on key topics like real estate, Free Trade Agreement, technology, Women and Entrepreneurship, and more. Each of these issues is very important when looking at the potential of doing business in Morocco.

In the afternoons, the attendees visited different local businesses and also had tours of the ancient city. Winding through the narrow alleys of the Fes Medina, they experienced the amazing handicraft, the beautiful architecture, and the culture of Morocco. The visits to local factories proved to be very interesting and instilled confidence in the Americans of the level of Industry in Morocco.

Perhaps some of the most valuable times were spent around the meal tables discussing and developing relationships with local businessmen. Learning from the experience of others who have been doing business in Morocco, whether Moroccan or Americans, was valuable to those visiting Morocco for the first time.

Is it possible for Americans to do business in Morocco? According to Rick Ortiz, there are over 120 major US companies doing business in Morocco. This may not seem to be significant, but what this conveys to others looking to invest in Morocco, is that there is an environment of trust and potential business growth in Morocco. Compared to many other countries in Africa, Morocco is looking and ready for more investment into their country. The government is looking to Europe and the US for potential business partners, offering some incentives for foreign X;investment.

It is very obvious that Morocco is looking to grow in the international market, however, there are some concerns for small business owners looking to invest. Before investing, one must understand the ideas of local taxation, repatriation of funds, employment laws, etc... How do you find the answers to these questions? The Center of Regional Investment offers a "one stop shop" for those looking to invest and the creation of new businesses.

Morocca America Link Association's goal is to continue to help facilitate the development of relationships between Moroccans and Americans. Mr. Mohammed El Harti, president of the association, continues to lead and develop the MALINK Association.