Morocco is strengthening its position as a regional leader in the fisheries sector through a series of high-level meetings at the seventh edition of the Halieutis International Expo, which runs through Feb. 9.
Zakia Driouch, Morocco’s secretary of state in charge of fisheries, has held discussions with ministers and officials from several African and Arab nations, as well as representatives from the European Commission and Russia. The meetings focused on reinforcing South-South cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, reflecting Morocco’s strategy under its 2009 Halieutis Plan.
“We are committed to supporting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development while ensuring the protection of marine resources and ecosystems,” Driouch said.
During talks with officials from Ivory Coast, Gabon and Somalia, discussions centered on deepening South-South collaboration. Meetings with Omani representatives explored cooperation in marine training, rescue operations, fisheries monitoring and seafood marketing. Russian officials, including the head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries, discussed enhancing quotas and refining a fisheries agreement that has been in place since 1992.
The European Commission’s Director General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Fernando Andresen Guimaraes, also participated in the discussions, highlighting the importance of scientific and technical cooperation.
Moroccan expertise in fisheries management was widely praised by visiting ministers, who expressed interest in forming strategic partnerships. Driouch emphasized Morocco’s commitment to promoting an inclusive blue economy in Africa through knowledge-sharing and investment.
The Halieutis Expo, held in Agadir, is a major international event for the fisheries sector, featuring more than 523 exhibitors from 54 countries. Organizers anticipate over 50,000 visitors to attend this year’s edition, which is themed “Research and Innovation for Sustainable Fisheries.”
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