Lahlimi, who was presenting the 2011 forecasts, said that these forecasts took consideration  the provisions of the 2011 finance bill notably the 21.4% increase in public administration investments and a 7% wage bill rise in addition to financial measures taken to boost small and medium enterprises.

    Cereal production is seen at 70 million quintals during the 2010-2011 crop year following considerable rainfall, he said.

    Non-farm growth, which posted a decrease in 2010 due to the financial crisis, will increase notably in the services sector amid a recovery of global economy. 

    In this respect, Lahlimi said external demand is expected to jump 6% in 2011.  Morocco's budget deficit is forecasted to shrink from 4.2% in 2010 to 3.6% in 2011, while foreign exchange deficit is seen to rise to 3.6% of GDP in 2011 from 2.7% in 2010, Lahlimi said.