“Our ambition is clear: to build together a modern, innovative, and resilient agricultural partnership capable of addressing global challenges, while generating shared opportunities for growth and prosperity for our farmers, our regions, and our economies, and leveraging our complementary strengths to enhance competitiveness in European and African markets,” El Bouari explained during an event on Moroccan-Portuguese cooperation, organized on the sidelines of the 18th International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM).
The choice of Portugal as guest of honor at this exhibition holds special significance and reflects deep bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Portuguese Republic, as well as the shared commitment to further elevate the agricultural partnership, the minister emphasized.
He added: “Our two countries, united by geographical proximity and historical ties, also share similar agricultural realities and fundamental challenges, foremost among which are food security, the sustainable management of natural resources, and adaptation to the effects of climate change.”
El Bouari also highlighted the various priority areas that shape the shared agenda of Morocco and Portugal, including agricultural research, the digital transformation of agriculture, the development of strategic sectors (seeds, berries, specialty crops, etc.), agri-food innovation, and the strengthening of cooperation through public-private partnership investments.
Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 18th SIAM is hosting over 1,500 exhibitors, 500 cooperatives, 200 livestock farmers, and 45 foreign delegations, with an expected attendance of over 1.1 million visitors.
Spanning an area of 37 hectares, this exhibition —held until April 28 under the theme “Sustainability of Animal Production and Food Sovereignty”— features participation from 70 countries, with Portugal as the guest of honor, a choice that reflects excellent ties between the two countries.
