Rabat – Morocco’s food manufacturer, Gopag, invested MAD 197 million ($20.8 million) in the construction of two industrial units in Taroudant, south-eastern Morocco.
Gopag inaugurated on Friday the new industrial units in the presence of Morocco’s Trade and Industry Minister, Ryad Mezzour. The units are specialized in producing processed cheese and juice, according to official sources.
Speaking after the inauguration, Mezzour explained that the agri-food manufacturing unit is a step in the right direction for Morocco, as the country aims to maintain national food security and boost industrial sovereignty.
With an eye on expanding its pool of clients beyond Morocco, Gopag hopes the new industrial units will cover the need of national markets and export high-value, locally produced agri-food products to international markets.
The agri-food industrial units will generate 380 direct jobs and 2200 indirect jobs, the company said.
During the inauguration of the industrial units, Copag signed an agreement with Morocco’s Trade and Industry Minister, paving the way for a future industrial unit for the production of white meat with a budget cover of MAD 108 million ($11.4 million), according to official sources.
Over the past two decades, Morocco has been actively working to upgrade its industrial sector and diversify its economy. The vision was translated into a number of industrial acceleration plans including the 2014-2020 Industrial Acceleration Plan (PAI) and its second phase, the 2021-2025 Industrial Acceleration Plan (PAI).
The program’s main objectives were to enhance Morocco’s industrial landscape and to boost sectoral competitiveness. The private sector is the main beneficiary of the program.
The program also extends to Small and Medium-Size Enterprises (SMEs), as it aims to facilitate the process of creating businesses and to support women-led business initiatives.
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