“With its exceptional culinary heritage and growing export capacities, Morocco is proud to participate once again in this world-renowned trade fair, where we showcase the excellence of our agri-food and fisheries products to an American market that is increasingly fond of our exceptional national products,” said Morocco’s ambassador to Washington, Youssef Amrani, at the opening of this trade fair, which continues until September 18.
Mr. Amrani, who is accompanied by the Consul General of the Kingdom in Miami, Chafika El Habti, specified that this major fair, where Morocco is represented by a delegation led by the general director of Morocco Foodex, Ghita El Ghorfin, “is not only a commercial showcase, but an opportunity to build lasting partnerships, exchange ideas, and contribute to the future of our industries.”
“With this perspective and in line with the vision of His Majesty the King, Morocco is actively exploring a variety of structuring international partnerships, among which the relationship with the United States presents not only strong growth potential, but also unparalleled opportunities to absorb, over the years, a growing share of Moroccan exports in the agricultural sector,” he said.
In partnership with the World Trade Center Miami, the Moroccan pavilion stands out at this show, which welcomes more than 7,500 professionals, with a wide range of products on display, reflecting the diversity and richness of its culinary heritage.
The inaugural session was attended by several U.S. officials, including Senator Maria Elvira Salazar, Miami Dade Mayor Daniela Levine Cava and Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, as well as World Trade Center Miami President Roberto Diaz and a representative of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce, Clara Acosta.
While stressing the importance of strengthening the place of Miami, a major metropolis in the southern United States, as a hub of international trade and elevating it to the rank of strategic platform for Atlantic and global trade, the speakers welcomed the importance of Morocco’s participation as guest of honor, which reflects its growing place on the international scene, particularly in the field of food exports.
They also highlighted the opportunities that the North American market represents for Moroccan producers and vice versa.
For the Moroccan ambassador to Washington, participation in the Americas Food and Beverage Show demonstrates the Kingdom’s continued commitment to making a place for itself in the American market and strengthening trade with the United States.
“Thanks to strong bilateral cooperation, symbolized by the Free Trade Agreement signed in 2004, the Kingdom is strengthening its position as a major player in trade with North America,” continued the diplomat, adding that “Moroccan exporters have here a unique opportunity to boost their sales, meet qualified buyers, and keep informed of the latest trends in the sector.”
Bilateral trade increased significantly to $5 billion in 2023, up from just $925 million in 2005. U.S. exports to Morocco increased 700 percent in value, from $480 million in 2005 to $3.4 billion in 2023, while Morocco’s exports to the United States tripled in value to $1.6 billion in 2023, up from $445 million in 2005.
With more than 80,000 members of the Moroccan community settled in Florida, the Kingdom continues, according to the diplomat, its commitment to strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two countries. The direct flight between Casablanca and Miami, inaugurated in 2019, illustrates this dynamic, as do the bilateral agreements in the port and maritime sectors.
And to conclude that Morocco constitutes for the United States a gateway to Africa and a strategic link in the development of resilient and sustainable supply chains in many strategic sectors, including agriculture, which plays a leading role in food security in Africa and in the world.
2024-09-16 19:14:23