Organized under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, the 7th edition of the Halieutis Salon will be held from February 6 to 9, 2025 at the Exhibition Center in Agadir, and will welcome the general public on the 8th and 9th of the same month.
Placed under the theme “Research and innovation for a sustainable fisheries sector”, this event will bring together major players in the sectors of fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing, and fisheries research, thus consolidating the essential dimension of this flagship event on the international fishing scene.
At the end of her visit, Ms. Driouich, who was accompanied in particular by the wali of the Souss-Massa region, governor of the Agadir Ida-Outanane prefecture, Said Amzazi and the president of the region’s Council, Karim Achengli, underlined that this flagship event, included in the calendar of major events, will be organized over an area of 20,000 m² at the Agadir Exhibition Center, noting that this Show provides to attract more than 50,000 visitors and will welcome more than 450 exhibitors from more than 50 countries, including four participating for the first time, namely South Korea, the United Kingdom, India, and the Sultanate of Oman.
Like previous editions, the interest of professionals is confirmed for this seventh edition, welcomed the Secretary of State in a statement to the press, indicating that as of January 10, 2025, 97% of exhibition space was sold and all of the Show’s halls posted extremely satisfactory occupancy rates.
Since the first edition was held in 2011, the Halieutis Show has established itself as the unmissable meeting place for maritime fishing professionals, as well as an essential reference for discovering the latest innovations in the sector, she said. continued.
Furthermore, Ms. Driouich recalled that the maritime fishing sector plays a crucial role in Morocco’s economy and social development, contributing to approximately 1.1% of the national GDP, noting that fisheries production reached approximately 1. 42 million tonnes (MT) in 2024 for a value of around 16.2 billion dirhams (MMDH).
Likewise, this sector generates a significant turnover through its exports having recorded approximately 27.4 billion dirhams in 2024 (according to preliminary data from Morocco Foodex) and generating more than 261,000 direct jobs, including 113,845 direct jobs at sea in 2023, she clarified.
The 2025 edition of the Show will highlight a variety of strategic segments including “Fleet & gear”, through the presentation of the latest innovations in naval technologies and sustainable fishing, as well as “Valorisation & process”, in proposing solutions to improve the seafood value chain.
It is also about “Innovation” by highlighting emerging technologies and trends in the sector, in addition to the “Institutional” component, through the involvement of public and parapublic actors for strategic development.
It also discusses the “International” segment, offering opportunities for cooperation and partnerships on a global scale, as well as the “Sustainable Development” segment, highlighting initiatives for responsible and sustainable fishing. .
Thus, the choice of the theme of this edition “Research and innovation for a sustainable fishing sector”, is part of a dynamic of reflection and action in the face of global issues, in particular climate change, the scarcity of fishing resources, the evolution of consumption habits and the transition to a blue economy.
This edition will open up perspectives to provide concrete answers to support decision-makers in managing the preservation of resources, but also for support and support towards the diversification of production.
It will also make it possible to establish fruitful partnerships between the different research institutes, encouraging the sharing of the best experiences.
In addition, the Halieutis Show has set ambitious objectives aimed at promoting trades and know-how linked to maritime fishing and aquaculture to a wide audience, ranging from professionals to investors, while granting a particular interest to young people.
It is also about encouraging research and innovation and highlighting cutting-edge technologies and innovative, value-creating and environmentally friendly practices.
This event also aims to promote business meetings and partnership opportunities, both nationally and internationally.
According to the organizers, this edition demonstrates Morocco’s firm commitment to making scientific research a strategic lever, guaranteeing the sustainability of the fishery resource and the competitiveness of the Moroccan fishing and aquaculture industries.