Outlook of Moroccan economy: fisheries a thriving vital sector

With 3,500 km of Mediterranean and Ocean coasts and its strategic geographic location, Morocco is one of Africa's largest fish producers, unloading an annual average of 750,000 tons during the last four years.

After it was proclaimed a national priority in the 80's, the sector has since then been thriving, said the Moroccan employers association (CGEM).

Employing some 400,000 persons, fisheries is yielding a turnover of 5 billion Dirhams ($ 500 million) and accounts for 15 % of Morocco's exports.

The CGEM forecasts that in the 3 to 5 years to come, contribution of fisheries in cutting unemployment will grow even more as it is expected to generate some 100,000 new jobs and its sales are projected to double.