Morocco to participate in Fruit & Vegetable Show in London, 21-22 October

"The ‘World Fruit and Vegetable Show’ is a UK-based agricultural show, which brought together last year some 80 exhibitors from 20 different countries, and attracted more than 7,200 visitors. The event represents a unique opportunity for Moroccan exporters to establish contact with British buyers, with a view to building long-term trading relationships.

The country’s first presence at this international event has been organised by Maroc Export (the Moroccan Centre for Export Promotion) in partnership with the Moroccan Embassy in London. The aim of Morocco’s first participation at the ‘WFV Show’ is to create an environment which will facilitate agricultural trade between the two kingdoms.

Moroccan produce – a significant import opportunity for the UK
The fruit and vegetable market in the UK is valued at 7.6 billion pounds sterling and the fresh fruit sector, which represents 38.1% of the overall market, is continually evolving. Despite the existence of a strong agricultural sector, the UK has to import 90% of its fruit and 70% of specialist vegetables in order to satisfy a constantly growing demand.

With the quality and diversity of its agricultural products, Morocco has an important part to play in developing the exportation of its natural riches to the UK. In 2008, the value of Morocco’s exports to the UK was measured at 5,220,652 MAD, representing 3% of total export value and making the country Morocco’s seventh biggest customer.

A forum on agricultural development in Morocco
‘Agricultural development in Morocco and the business opportunities it offers professionals from the British fruit and vegetable industry’ – this is the theme of a forum planned for the 21st of October 2009, which will be hosted by the following high profile spokespeople: HRH Princess Lalla Joumana, Ambassador for His Majesty the King of Morocco in London; Mr Aziz Akhennouch, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Ahmed El Hajjaji, Director of the Agricultural Development Agency and Mr Saâd Benabdallah, Managing Director of Maroc Export.

Other personalities from the world of business are also expected to attend this forum, which will be followed by a series of one-to-one business meetings and a networking cocktail and lunch buffet organised by Maroc Export on behalf of the members of the Moroccan delegation."