Morocco, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, stands out as a robust agricultural powerhouse, contributing significantly to both the continents’ economies and cultural fabrics.
Spanning over 8.7 million hectares (about 20% of total land area), Morocco’s agricultural sector not only dominates the landscape but also the economy, employing about 40% of the workforce and contributing roughly 14% to the national GDP.
The country’s strategic use of its agricultural space is highlighted by its status as one of the world’s largest exporters of phosphates, a fertilizer component critical for global agriculture. Morocco is also a leader in the production and export of a variety of fruits and vegetables.
In addition to its robust crop cultivation, Morocco’s agricultural landscape is significantly enhanced by its diverse livestock production, including cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry.
Such natural resources make Morocco the perfect location to hold the International Agricultural Exhibition (SIAM), the largest agricultural event in Africa. This year, Morocco held the 16th SIAM under the slogan “Climate and Agriculture: For Sustainable and Resilient Production Systems,” from April 22-28 in Meknes.
Being this year’s guest of honor, Spain’s pavilion spanned over 544 square meters and featured no fewer than 35 leading companies in agricultural machinery, irrigation technology, fertilizers, seeds, and plant protection products.
The 16th SIAM highlights its host Morocco as a significant platform for enhancing business relations and fostering partnerships in the agricultural sector between Rabat and Madrid, Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas said in a statement. It will “strengthen cooperation and increase commercial exchanges, investments, and innovative agricultural projects.”
Trade between Spain and Morocco has risen by 40% over the last five years, with exports from Spain to Morocco in excess of 1.115 billion Euros, according to the minister.
Every year, this event attracts a wide array of participants from 70 countries, including investors, farmers, agribusiness companies, and policymakers, offering unique opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exchanging ideas and technologies.
By showcasing the latest advancements and innovations in agriculture, the exhibition not only highlights Morocco’s achievements and potential within the sector, but it also facilitates bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, investment opportunities, and cooperative ventures.
As a hub for strengthening Morocco’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with other nations, it also promotes sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth both locally and internationally.
500 Moroccan cooperatives took part this year, paving the way for foreign participants and visitors to get acquainted with local Moroccan products and culture and vice versa.
55 start-ups exchanged ideas and opinions with each other, and benefited from the expertise of the giant local and international companies participating in the exhibition.
SIAM’s set up features distinct pavilions designed to highlight the strengths and products of the represented nation or organization. This year they included Regions, International, Food Industry, Agro Supplies, Local Products, Nature and Environment, Farming, Livestock, Machinery, and Agro-Digital. They serve as the meeting points for direct engagement and cultural and business exchange and offer a glimpse into the diverse offerings of each participating entity, laying the foundation for potential collaborations and partnerships. Pavilions often host talks and meetings.
Juan Fernandez Trueba, a Spanish Special Industries Manager and exhibitor at SIAM, told BarlamanToday that this was the second time his company had exhibited. He was pleased to have the opportunity to gain direct recognition in the market among importers, distributors, and farmers who visit his booth seeking information about their showcased products. He said his company is “optimistic” about the Moroccan market and “foresees significant potential for the upcoming year.”
“The improvement of the Moroccan economy, society, and Moroccan agriculture is a good opportunity for us to tighten our relationships and be closer to our potential customers,” Trueba added. “We hope it’s going to increase our future participation.”
The Spanish exhibitor noted the significant increase in the number of participants from last year, highlighting the opportunity for Spain as the guest of honor to connect with other exhibitors.
The importance of the event was also “reinforced by the visit of His Highness the Royal Prince in support of the exhibition,” he said. “Morocco and Spain have strong relations. We share not only a physical border, but also a small stretch of sea separating our countries and we have a common border in the two cities Sebta and Melilla, so we have a common border, and this is a real relation.”
Another exhibitor, Manuel Grijalvo Cabrera with a Spanish company specializing in the production of wires for greenhouses in different industries, said “We participated in the event in Meknes for more than 10 years (…). Everything was satisfying after we have made plenty of contacts.”
Dyrus Yuan, a Chinese sales manager of a manufacturer company of filters, told BarlamanToday that it was his compay’s first time participating in the exhibition. The organizers provided him with “a lot of good experience and support.”
Yuan noted that some of his company’s partners had been attending SIAM for over four years, emphasizing how the event fosters strong connections between China and Morocco, offering valuable support to Chinese companies.
Bruce G. Trebble, a CEO of a British company, stated that several companies representing diverse agricultural interests from the UK were present. This was Trebble’s second time at SIAM.
“This year our intention is to try to introduce our technology which is supply chain technology to some of the major companies,” Trebble said. “We’ve enjoyed some success because we’ve been hosted by several companies that are interested in our technology and they have expressed interest to hear more about our technology, so we welcome that opportunity.”
A visitor from Senegal who is an engineering student at the National School of Agriculture in Meknes praised Morocco for being the first African country to host such a prestigious international event, highlighting the country’s advancement in agriculture.
When asked about the differences between this year’s SIAM and previous editions, the Senegalese visitor pointed out that this year’s 16th SIAM featured a more diverse representation of countries, including Asian and European countries.
Moroccan content creator Saber Chawni told BarlamanToday, “This is my first time attending SIAM, and I am impressed by the scale of the exhibition, the number of attendees, and the organization, as well as the wide range of local and international products on display.”
Abdellah Atmar, an exhibitor of saffron and its derivatives from Taroudant in southwestern Morocco, said that this is his sixth time at SIAM. He added that he came to the exhibition to exchange ideas with fellow exhibitors, attract clients, and bolster his cooperative trade.
Another Moroccan visitor, who owns an advertising agency, stated that his purpose for visiting SIAM was to gain insights into the agricultural sector and explore new products. He highlighted how the event was facilitating business connections among participating companies.
A visitor in the renewable energy sector said, “This year’s edition is more organized and impressive than previous ones. Working in industrial and solar panel installations, I acquired valuable information in this field from the companies present here.”