France showcased as guest of honor at SIAM 2025

Tuesday 22 April 2025 - 12:20

By: Dakir Madiha

France showcased as guest of honor at SIAM 2025

Morocco has officially designated France as the guest of honor for the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM), taking place from April 21 to 27 in Meknes.

The French Pavilion, situated in the International Hall, features nearly 50 exhibitors, representing a collaborative effort involving Business France, the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, the French Embassy in Morocco, and regional partners from Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Occitanie, along with the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Morocco (CFCIM).

Recent months have seen a notable improvement in diplomatic relations between Morocco and France, particularly following France’s formal acknowledgment of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. This shift has led to strengthened bilateral ties across various sectors, including agriculture, education, and innovation. Additionally, Morocco has been honored as a guest of honor at several significant events in France.

The 2025 edition of SIAM occurs less than a year after the signing of a comprehensive agricultural framework agreement between the two nations in 2024. This agreement emphasizes knowledge exchange in agricultural training, the development of production chains, adaptation to climate change, and the implementation of innovative agricultural technologies.

Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan inaugurated the exhibition, which is dedicated to advancing farming and rural development.

“France, as the leading agricultural producer in the European Union with a market valued at approximately €90 billion in 2024, plays a crucial role in establishing global agricultural standards,” stated Christophe Lecourtier, the French Ambassador to Morocco. He expressed pride in showcasing French innovations and enhancing collaboration through the French Pavilion at SIAM.

The pavilion, covering 400 m², hosts exhibitors across the entire agri-food value chain, including animal genetics, sustainable irrigation solutions, organic farming, and storage infrastructure.

Thierry-Alain Truong, Head of the AGROTECH France Pavilion at Business France, remarked, “Being the country of honor at SIAM this year reflects the depth of our agricultural partnership with Morocco.” The pavilion will also feature a conference space for discussions on agroecology, water resource management, climate resilience, and livestock technologies, with contributions from representatives of CIRAD, Morocco’s Agricultural Development Agency, and regional officials from France.

The CFCIM is facilitating B2B meetings between French exhibitors and Moroccan stakeholders, designed to accelerate commercial ties and foster joint ventures. Claudia Gaudiau-Francisco, President of the CFCIM, emphasized that these meetings aim to create meaningful partnerships and enhance commercial exchanges between the two nations.