International Conference on Cephalopods Opens in Agadir
Regional-Morocco, Economics, 10/23/2001

An international conference on cephalopods and pelagic fish started proceedings in Agadir Monday to debate topical issues related to fishery industries.

The conference, attended by scores of officials, experts, businessmen, fishery professionals, and professionals from the fish processing industry and fish marketing sectors from some thirty countries in Africa, America, Asia, and Europe, will examine the situation of sea resources, discuss new processing techniques and means to preserve fish quality and tap new markets.

The conference, co-sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will provide fishery professionals with the opportunity to explore cooperation, investment and partnership opportunities.

In an opening address, Moroccan minister of maritime fisheries, Saeed Chbaatou, underlined the role of the fishery sector in Moroccan economy, as an engine for promoting foreign trade and securing food security.

The official deplored the over-exploitation of sea resources, entailed by an increasing demand, and warned against the pollution that contributes to depleting sea resources.

After he surveyed the mechanisms set up by the international community to preserve these resources, Chbaatou expounded the moves initiated by Morocco to protect its sea resources and promote the fishery sector.

In 2000, he said, Morocco produced more than 910,000 tons of fish worth 6.5 billion Dirhams (about $600 million). Sea products exports during the same year earned Morocco more than $1.0 billion, and represented 16 % of the volume of the kingdom's overall exports.

He stated further that the sector provides jobs to more than 2 million persons and said the 2000-2004 social and economic development plan provides for the production of 1.5 million tons of fish per year, a value added of 13 billion DH (about $1.18 billion) and export returns of 14 billion DH (about $1.27 billion).

Domestic consumption will be raised to 12 kg per year per inhabitant, the official said, adding the plan provides for an overall investment of 7.7 billion DH (nearly $700 million), with the private sector injecting 5.1 billion DH of the amount (more than $463 million), in addition to the creation of 40,000 new jobs.

With national territorial waters extending over 1.2 million KM2 and with a 3,500 km long sea coast, Morocco has huge sea resources and harbors over 840 fish species. It is ranking first as a fish producing and exporting country in Africa and in the Arab World.

Previous Stories:
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  Morocco expounds housing policy at African meeting   (10/4/2001)
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