– We are opening up to Morocco, strengthening cooperation, lifting administrative barriers so that Polish farmers and processors could export their goods to Morocco and other African countries. Morocco can be our hub across Africa. We also present our export opportunities. Our food products are willingly purchased in various places but we are at the fair to present the full offer of our producers and exhibitors – announces Minister Stefan Krajewski.

Polish offer at the SIAM fair

Poland presents itself at the Siam fair with a national stand organised by the National Support Centre for Agriculture. Eight companies representing key sectors of the agri-food sector present their offer.

In Meknes, there are, among others, dairy products, poultry meat and beef, fruit (apples, pears, blueberries), cereal products, gluten-free products, seed potatoes as well as convenience products and functional drinks. This is a cross-cutting offer meeting the needs of both the retail market and the processing industry.

Participation in the fair has mostly a business aspect – it is an opportunity to directly talk with importers, distributors and trading partners and to build a lasting presence on the market.

SIAM – the largest agricultural fair in Africa

SIAM International Fair (Salon International de l’Agriculture au Maroc) is the largest agricultural event in Africa and one of the most important events in the world. The previous edition was participated in by about 1,500 exhibitors from more than 70 countries, and the number of visitors exceeded one million.

The fair is held under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI and every year attracts representatives of administration, business and institutions from all over the world. The programme includes both the exhibition part and industry meetings, conferences and B2B events.

SIAM is also an important platform of contact with partners from West Africa, which makes it a strategic place for companies planning to develop their export outside the European Union market.

Morocco – market of great importance for agriculture

Agriculture plays an important role in Morocco’s economy – it accounts for about 13% of GDP and the whole sector, together with fisheries and forestry, employs more than 30% of the population.

Morocco is one of Poland’s most important trading partners in North Africa and the Arab world. At the same time, it remains a market with a large, still untapped potential for Polish agri-food products.

The presence at the Siam fair is part of the efforts to increase the export and build a stronger position of Polish food on non-EU markets.

Bilateral talks

During his visit to Meknes, Minister Stefan Krajewski will talk with representatives of the Moroccan authorities, including the Minister of Agriculture Ahmed El Bouari. The meetings will concern the development of cooperation in the agri-food sector, in particular, the possibility of increasing trade and facilitating access to the Moroccan market for Polish products.

In addition, veterinary and phytosanitary issues, which are essential for the expansion of trade, as well as expert cooperation in the field of agriculture, will be discussed.

Participation in the event is also an opportunity to meet with representatives of other countries. Minister Stefan Krajewski talked about the prospects of the development of relations in the agricultural sector with, among others, the Minister of Agriculture of Côte d'Ivoire Bruno Nabagné Koné, the Minister of Agriculture of France Annie Genevard, the Minister of Agriculture of Portugal José Manuel Fernandes and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Türkiye Ahmet BAĞCI.