Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan chairs opening ceremony of 17th Moroccan International Agricultural Show in Meknes

Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan chaired, on Monday at Mechouar Stinia–Sahrij Souani in Meknes, the opening ceremony of the 17th edition of the Moroccan International Agricultural Show (SIAM), held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, from April 21 to 27, under the theme “Agriculture and the Rural World: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development.”

The opening of this event by His Royal Highness reflects the great attention and benevolence with which His Majesty the King continues to surround the agricultural sector. It also illustrates the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment, under the Sovereign’s leadership, to major global challenges such as food security, sustainable development, and the fight against climate change.

Upon his arrival, the Crown Prince reviewed a detachment of the Royal Guard paying the honors, before being greeted by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests; the Wali of the Fez-Meknes region; the President of the Fez-Meknes regional council; the Governor of the Meknes prefecture; the President of the Meknes prefectural council; the President of the Meknes municipal council; and the President of the Mechouar Stinia municipality.

Moulay El Hassan was also greeted by the President of the Fez-Meknes Regional Chamber of Agriculture; the Pacha of Mechouar Stinia; the President and members of the Board of Directors and sponsors of SIAM; the President of the Federation of Chambers of Agriculture; the President of the Moroccan Confederation of Agriculture and Rural Development (COMADER); and the Acting Commissioner General of the Show.

At the entrance to SIAM, the Crown Prince was greeted by Benjamin Haddad, French Minister Delegate to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, responsible for Europe—France being the guest of honor of this 17th edition—as well as by dignitaries representing invited foreign countries (Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Iraq, Liberia, Malawi, Uganda, Palestine, Sao Tome and Principe, and South Sudan), and by development partners (the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD), and the World Water Council).

Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan then visited the “Regions” hub, posed for a commemorative photo with the presidents of the regional councils, and toured the “Water and Irrigation” and “Research and Innovation” areas within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests pavilion and the OCP Group pavilion.

The Crown Prince also visited the “Sponsors,” “Institutionals,” “Agri-Food,” “International,” “Agri-Digital,” “Agri-Supplies,” “Nature and Environment,” “Machinism,” “Local Products,” “Livestock Inputs,” and “Livestock” hubs.

Held at the Sahrij Souani square over an area of 12.4 hectares, SIAM 2025 is hosting delegations from 70 countries, with France as guest of honor—a choice that reflects the strength of Moroccan-French relations and the vitality of bilateral cooperation.

This 17th edition welcomes more than 1,500 exhibitors and features a series of scientific conferences and roundtables aimed at sharing expertise and identifying tangible solutions and alternatives for more resilient agriculture—capable of withstanding climate challenges and preserving the balance of the agricultural ecosystem to ensure long-term food sovereignty.

The 2025 edition of the International Agricultural Show offers visitors a wide array of products and cutting-edge agricultural equipment, with the goal of promoting farming and livestock production, and showcasing strategic sectors of the regional economy, including agri-food and its associated industries.

Over the years, SIAM has become one of Africa’s leading agricultural events and a premier platform for exchanges and partnerships between various stakeholders and operators in the agricultural ecosystem.