Morocco, Japan to Boost Cooperation in Agriculture, Fishing

Rabat – Japan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Arata Takebe, held on Tuesday a working visit with the Moroccan Minister of Agriculture Mohammed Sadiki, where the pair committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Arata announced his country’s intent to import large quantities of phosphates and fertilizers from Morocco to support Japan’s agricultural production, specifying that the country seeks to boost its agricultural output by next autumn.

“Morocco is a world power in phosphates. For this reason, my country is interested in importing a large quantity of fertilizers,” the Japanese Deputy Minister said during a press briefing.

Morocco’s OCP Group has grown into one of the world’s leading fertilizer exporters, taking advantage of the country’s sizable phosphate reserves.

In addition to the new fertilizer imports, the two politicians finalized details relating to other agricultural exchanges between the countries.

The Asian country will start importing Moroccan citrus fruits such as oranges, adding to the produce it already imports like coriander seeds, thyme, and strawberries.

Morocco’s main agricultural import from Japan is green tea leaves.

The meeting between Arata and Sadiki also saw Japan committing to financing several projects in the maritime and fishing sides, such as training programs, and scientific research.

The two countries have in recent months repeatedly pledged to strengthen cooperation in various sectors. Morocco displayed its “Morocco Now” brand in Tokyo’s streets earlier this year, while Japan has made donations to Moroccan associations for the benefit of Morocco’s rural agricultural areas.

Takebe Arata is also expected to meet with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, as well as the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali.