HIBAPRESS – Abdellatif Baraka
The Secretary of State in charge of Fisheries, Zakia Tahraoui, conducted a field visit to a number of industrial units specializing in the valorization and processing of marine products in the city of Agadir, where she reviewed the progress of production activities and inspected new investment projects that enhance the industrial infrastructure of the sector in the region.
During her statements, Tahraoui confirmed that the fisheries sector is one of the essential components of the national economy, considering that the valorization of marine resources has become a priority to ensure food security and enhance the competitiveness of Moroccan products in foreign markets. She explained that the ministry is working to develop an integrated system that includes sustainability, quality, and scientific research, with the aim of increasing the added value of marine products. She also highlighted that the Souss-Massa region is one of the most important national hubs in marine manufacturing, with its units for freezing, canning, and processing and valorization of various types of fish, noting that the sector has attracted significant investments exceeding 930 million dirhams in recent years. Tahraoui added that the Agadir units contributed during 2024 to the production of more than 121,000 tons of marine products intended for export, with a financial value of 7.03 billion dirhams, stressing that these figures reflect the development witnessed by the sector in terms of quality and competitiveness. The government official emphasized the pivotal role of scientific research in maintaining the sustainability of fish stocks, highlighting that the ministry continues scientific monitoring programs for fisheries and improving the conditions for the responsible exploitation of marine resources. Tahraoui also drew attention to the social importance of the sector, which provides about 260,000 direct jobs at the national level, according to the strategy launched by King Mohammed VI to develop the competitiveness of the sector, considering that the manufacturing units in Agadir contribute significantly to supporting local employment and promoting the economic development of the region. The Secretary of State concluded her statement by emphasizing that the ministry seeks to continue developing production chains and modernizing industrial units, in line with the increasing international demand for Moroccan marine products with high added value.
