Hibapress
The importance and diversity of investment opportunities in the Moroccan agricultural and agri-food sectors were highlighted on Tuesday in London during a meeting organized by the Agency for Agricultural Development (ADA).
Initiated in collaboration with the Moroccan embassy in the United Kingdom, this event made it possible to establish bridges between potential British investors and representatives of the ADA, the CDG Group subsidiary, MEDZ, as well as UK export finance (UKEF) and British international investment (BII).
In a speech on this occasion, the Moroccan Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hakim Hajoui, indicated that Morocco and the United Kingdom share a commitment to sustainable agriculture and are already partners in this area. food security, ensuring that this collaboration still has “very significant” development potential.
In addition to increasing volumes, innovative partnerships between the two countries can contribute to an upscaling and export of more finished products, in line with the valorization of agricultural products targeted by the “Green Generation” strategy. 2020-2030”, launched by King Mohammed VI, he said.
While noting that the two countries have complementary agricultural seasons, Mr. Hajoui emphasized the importance of innovation and technology in this partnership between Rabat and London, in order to face climate challenges, such as water stress.
For her part, the director of aggregation and partnership within the ADA, Saida Ouarzane, indicated that since the entry into force of the association agreement between Morocco and the United Kingdom, trade Trade between the two countries has experienced a “clear increase”, noting that since 2021, the United Kingdom has positioned itself as the 2nd largest importer internationally of Moroccan agricultural products.
In detail, the value of Moroccan agricultural exports to the United Kingdom reached 5.5 billion dirhams in 2023, i.e. growth of 56% compared to 2021 and an eight-fold increase compared to 2010, he said. she continued.
The meeting is a continuation of the 2023 edition of the International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM), where the United Kingdom was designated as the country of honor, paving the way for the signing of two memoranda agreements between the two countries, relating to cooperation in the areas of scientific research, resilience to climate change, as well as in the field of agricultural innovation and agritech.
According to Ms. Ouarzane, the partnership with British investors can innovatively address some of the challenges linked to sustainability, by introducing technologies such as conservation agriculture, drought-resistant crops or even more efficient management solutions. water.
And to add that beyond all these opportunities, Morocco, thanks to its geographical positioning and its significant presence in Africa, constitutes the gateway to the continent, which is “one of the most important markets in tomorrow “.
In addition to the screening of an institutional film highlighting the evolution of infrastructure throughout Morocco, panels made it possible to present, in detail, the opportunities and financial support mechanisms for agricultural investors in Morocco. .
B2G meetings were also an opportunity to answer the questions and specific needs of potential investors.
