Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas, stated in an interview with the Moroccan News Agency (MAP) that Spain’s participation as the guest of honor at the 16th edition of the International Agriculture Show in Morocco (SIAM)–held in Meknes from April 22-28–highlights the strong friendship and cooperation between Rabat and Madrid.
During his visit to the Kingdom to attend SIAM, Planas told MAP that Spain’s participation this year is particularly significant, emphasizing the two neighboring countries’ exceptional level of cooperation in a variety of sectors.
This point, he noted, was echoed by the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, last week in Parliament, where he declared, “Cooperative relations with Morocco are undoubtedly at their best in recent decades.”
“The upcoming meetings with my Moroccan counterpart, Mohammed Sadiki, form part of the dynamic cooperative relations between the two countries, and reflect the shared determination of Morocco and Spain to develop them further, particularly in the agri-food sector,” added the Minister.
Planas pointed out that the fair will also attract agriculture ministers from nations on the two shores of the Mediterranean to discuss key issues such as research and development, climate change, innovation, and the use of new technologies in the agricultural sector, as well as the resilience and sustainability of agricultural systems.
The Minister expressed satisfaction about the increasing commercial exchanges, with Spain emerging as Morocco’s top trading partner, and the significant growth in agri-food exports, demonstrating substantial progress in bilateral trade. “Cooperation between Rabat and Madrid is constantly developing, as evidenced by the very significant increase in trade, which has risen by 40% over the last five years,” he said.
In elaborating on the same topic, Planas presented a report on the impressive growth of trade in the agri-food sector, announcing that exports from Spain to Morocco have crossed the mark of 1.155 billion euros. “This figure has more than doubled over the last four years, which indicates the level of progress in this field,” he happily revealed.
He further stated that Spain has a major investment footprint in Morocco, as demonstrated by the fact that no fewer than 35 Iberian businesses are attending SIAM 2024.
“We are Morocco’s leading trading partner, and we can further enhance our trade and investment by engaging in innovative agricultural projects through a more efficient use of resources, especially water,” he concluded.
The 16th edition of SIAM 2024, entitled “Climate and Agriculture: For Sustainable and Resilient Production Systems,” will feature a 544-square-meter Spanish pavilion. This will serve as a platform for commercial exchanges and collaboration between Moroccan and Spanish enterprises seeking new prospects in the agriculture sector.
Starting today, nearly 70 countries and 1,500 exhibitors will participate in the event, which anticipates over 950,000 visitors. There will also be a program of 40 conferences and roundtable discussions on crucial topics.
SIAM 2024 will feature a new “Agri-Digital” section for digital technologies in agriculture, expand the “Terroir Products” section showcasing Morocco’s agricultural diversity, and introduce e-tickets for enhanced accessibility.
Morocco’s International Agriculture Exhibition is one of the largest agricultural events in Africa and the Middle East, attracting industry leaders, experts, and renowned global companies annually from all corners of the world.