Speaking as part of the 4th edition of the annual MD Sahara Forum, Ms. Driouich said that the “policy advocated by HM the King at the level of the southern provinces is characterized by an integrated and multi-sectoral approach, in favor of a blue economy lasting, thanks to the implementation of the new growth model for the southern provinces.
She also welcomed the Royal Initiative for the Atlantic Area, aimed at promoting access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, noting that important investments have been injected into port infrastructure, including the construction of the port of Dakhla Atlantique, having mobilized some 10 billion dirhams (MMDH) and should be completed in 2028.
She also focused on fishery production which reached 1.42 million tonnes (MT) in 2023 for a value of more than 15.2 billion dirhams, specifying that 80% of the volumes landed at the national level come from ports and fishing sites in the southern provinces of the Kingdom.
The sector is attracting significant investments, through exports totaling MAD 31 billion in 2023, strengthening its share in national agri-food exports and exports mainly coming from processing units in the region, she continued.
These achievements are the result of an industrial fabric in constant development, totaling 518 processing units in 2023, 34% of which are located in the southern provinces, she said.
In addition, Ms. Driouich noted that as 2010, the “Halieutis” plan dedicated to the maritime fishing sector has generated concrete and encouraging achievements, specifying that in terms of investment, an overall budget of more than 8.5 billion dirhams. was dedicated to financing all the programs included in the sector strategy, including nearly 2.6 billion dirhams granted to projects carried out in the southern provinces.
Furthermore, she emphasized South-South cooperation in the maritime fishing sector, noting that Morocco, being a regional fishing power (1st in africa), is firmly committed through its programs and actions in the path to sustainability.
Highlighting the achievements made by Morocco, thanks to the High Royal Guidelines, having placed the sustainability of fishery resources at the center of the national strategy for the development of the fishing sector, Ms. Driouich underlined that the will of the Kingdom,as he major player in Africa,to cooperate within the various bodies,is based on the solid experience acquired,thanks to the deployment of the National Strategy for the Development of the Fisheries Sector “Halieutis” launched by HM King Mohammed VI in 2009,and the Sector Development Roadmap 2020-2030,with a view to making it a lever for sustainable economic and social development.
Placed under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, the 4th edition of the annual MD Sahara Forum is being held under the theme “King Mohammed VI: 25 years of Royal Vision, 10 years of growth of the Southern provinces, Momentum of progress national and continental”.
How dose Morocco’s fishing sector progress impact regional trade and economic partnerships with Sahel countries?
Interview with Ms. Driouich on Morocco’s Blue Economy and Fishing Sector Development
editor, time.news (ET): Thank you for joining us,Ms.Driouich.We recently heard yoru insights at teh 4th edition of the MD Sahara Forum. Can you elaborate on the integrated and multi-sectoral approach of the blue economy that Morocco is advocating for in its southern provinces?
Ms. Driouich (MD): Thank you for having me. Morocco’s blue economy strategy,as advocated by HM King Mohammed VI,emphasizes a holistic approach that encompasses various sectors such as fishing,tourism,and port development. This model is designed to promote sustainability and long-term growth, particularly in our southern provinces, where we see a wealth of marine resources.
ET: That sounds promising. You mentioned significant investments in port infrastructure, like the Dakhla Atlantique project. How do you foresee this impacting Sahel countries?
MD: The Royal Initiative for the Atlantic Area will fundamentally change access routes for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, facilitating trade and economic partnerships. With an investment of around 10 billion dirhams, the completion of the Dakhla Atlantique port by 2028 will not only bolster Morocco’s trade but also promote regional integration and economic opportunities for our Sahel neighbors.
ET: In terms of fishery production, you noted an notable figure of 1.42 million tonnes in 2023. What does this signify for Morocco’s fishing sector?
MD: Absolutely. The 1.42 million tonnes of fishery production, valued at over 15.2 billion dirhams, highlights our position as a leading player in maritime fishing. Notably, around 80% of the fish landed at the national level originates from the southern provinces, illustrating their critical role in our fishing industry. This success represents not just numbers,but also the health of our marine ecosystems due to sustainable practices.
ET: You mentioned that exports totaled MAD 31 billion in 2023. How do these exports enhance Morocco’s agri-food sector?
MD: The increasing exports from the fishing sector, which predominately come from processing units in the southern provinces, considerably bolster Morocco’s agri-food sector. As these numbers grow, they underscore the effective implementation of the “Halieutis” plan since 2010, which has generated substantial investments—over 8.5 billion dirhams—across the sector. This reflects a growing confidence in our products both nationally and internationally.
ET: Can you explain the meaning of South-South cooperation in the maritime fishing sector, particularly for Morocco?
MD: Morocco, as the leading fishing power in Africa, actively engages in South-South cooperation to share knowledge, resources, and best practices with other countries. This collaboration is foundational for advancing sustainable fishing practices, preserving our marine resources, and adapting innovative techniques to local contexts, ensuring long-term economic viability for all involved.
ET: Lastly, with the guidelines established by HM King Mohammed VI, how is Morocco positioning itself for future sustainability in the fishing sector?
MD: The roadmap laid out by the King, including the National Strategy for the Development of the Fisheries Sector “Halieutis” and the roadmap for 2020-2030, strategically places sustainability at the forefront. Our commitment is not only to enhance production but also to ensure that marine resources are conserved for future generations. We aim to use our expertise to cooperate with various international bodies and elevate our practices within the framework of sustainable development.
ET: Thank you, Ms. driouich, for your valuable insights into Morocco’s blue economy and the future of its fishing sector. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives will foster growth and sustainability.
MD: Thank you for the chance to discuss this important topic. I’m optimistic about our continued progress.