The official launch of the AYA (Anouar Yieldest Additives) industrial project marks a new step forward for Morocco’s strategy for industrializing and enshrining its food sovereignty, several government officials said Wednesday in Jorf Lasfar.
During a ceremony to mark the launch of the AYA industrial project in the Jorf Lasfar industrial zone (El Jadida province), ministers welcomed this major investment of MAD 480 million ($48 million) in the agro-industrial and biotechnology sector by the Anouar Invest group.
Established on an area of 7.1 hectares, including 28,700 m² of covered space spread over three levels, the plant is expected to generate over 500 direct and indirect jobs. It has been designed as a green project, with the installation of a water treatment plant in compliance with national and international standards.
The installed electrical power will be 14 MW, 40% of which to be generated by green electricity production. This will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the AYA site.
In a speech, Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour emphasized that “this project perfectly illustrates Morocco’s industrialization drive and the trust of domestic investors in the potential of our economy.”
“With AYA, we are enshrining the country’s food and industrial sovereignty while creating a new export sector in biotechnology,” he said, adding that this initiative is part of the government’s industrial strategy, which will actively contribute to job creation and developing Moroccan talent, and positively impact the region’s industrial fabric, strengthening the local economy and territorial justice.
For his part, Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed El Bouari, said that the AYA project is fully in line with the guidelines of the Green Generation Strategy, which places the agricultural sector at the heart of the country’s economic and social growth.
“By promoting the use of molasses, a by-product of the sugar industry, this project illustrates the integration of complementary activities between upstream agriculture and downstream industry,” he explained.
He noted that it will thus contribute to the creation of added value and employment, as well as strengthening national food security, while consolidating a model of sustainable and inclusive development.
In the same vein, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government, in charge of Investment, Convergence, and Public Policy Evaluation Karim Zidane, emphasized that this innovative project, supported under the New Investment Charter, contributes to the concretization of King Mohammed VI’s vision of food and industrial sovereignty.
For his part, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Omar Hejira said that the AYA project illustrates Morocco’s ability to develop a competitive, internationally-oriented industry.
“Thanks to its export focus, this facility will help strengthen Morocco’s presence in global value chains and promote our national expertise,” he said.
MWN with MAP
