Yesterday, Monday, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan presided over the opening ceremony of the 17th International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM) at the Seigniorial Pavilion – Sawanis Tank in Meknes. The event, organized under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, will take place from April 21 to 27, under the theme: “Agriculture and Rural World: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development.”
This international event reaffirmed the prominent position of the agricultural sector within the priorities of Morocco’s development model. It also highlighted the ongoing special attention that His Majesty King Mohammed VI devotes to this vital sector, alongside the Kingdom’s commitment to current issues, notably food security, sustainable development, and combating climate change.
Upon his arrival at the venue, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan was greeted by a royal guard unit that paid him honors, before he was welcomed by several prominent figures, including the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, the Wali of the Fez-Meknes region, and the President of the Regional Council, along with local officials and representatives from the organizing and supporting entities of the forum.
At the entrance to the forum, His Highness welcomed several international figures, including the French Minister Delegate for Foreign and European Affairs, representing France, the guest of honor for this edition, as well as delegations from 13 African and Arab countries and representatives from regional and international organizations concerned with development, agriculture, and water.
Crown Prince Moulay Hassan toured various thematic pavilions within the forum, notably the “Regions,” “Water and Irrigation,” and “Research and Innovation” sections, in addition to areas focused on food industries, digital agriculture, livestock, regional products, and environment. He also visited the Ministry of Agriculture’s pavilion and the pavilion of the OCP Group.
The International Agricultural Show in Meknes covers an area of approximately 12.4 hectares, attracting more than 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries this year, affirming the growing international scope of this event and solidifying its position as a leading African platform in the agricultural field.
Alongside this year’s edition, seminars and roundtable discussions will be organized, gathering researchers, experts, and investors from around the world to exchange experiences and insights on the future of agriculture in light of current climatic and economic challenges.
By showcasing modern innovations and smart mechanisms in the agricultural sector, the Meknes Forum opens new horizons for farmers and economic actors to adopt a sustainable agricultural model capable of achieving food sovereignty and ensuring environmental and social balance in rural areas.
