On this occasion, Akhannouch, accompanied by French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, and Morocco's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forest Ahmed El Bouari, as well as Ambassador of His Majesty the King in Paris Samira Sitail, cut the ribbon symbolizing the official inauguration of the Moroccan pavilion.
The head of government then toured the Kingdom's pavilion and held discussions with Moroccan exhibitors, in the presence of several members of the Moroccan community. Also taking part in the visit were French political figures such as Vice-President of the French National Assembly Naïma Moutchou, President of the France-Morocco friendship group in the French Senate Christian Cambon, and Senator Hervé Marseille.
To Akhannouch, the presence of Moroccan agriculture at the Paris International Agricultural Show as guest of honor, for the first time in the event's history, testifies both to the “deep friendship” linking Morocco and France, and to “the importance of agriculture and the solidarity of our farmers”.
In this respect, he pointed out that “we have chosen to be present with local products, with all the territories involved”, citing in particular the participation of women cooperatives to present their products.
“This portrays the variety and richness of the agricultural products we have in our country”, Akhannouch said.
Against a backdrop of exceptional relations between the two countries, honoring Morocco at the 2025 SIA (February 22-March 2) highlights the uniqueness of the France-Morocco partnership.
It is also an exceptional tribute to the Kingdom, which has become a regional and continental model for intelligent, sustainable agriculture.
At the heart of the Show, the Kingdom will occupy a 476 m² pavilion, showcasing the richness and diversity of its agriculture.
Organized under the motto “A French pride”, the 61st SIA will welcome over 600,000 visitors. Some 4,000 animals will be exhibited, and 1,000 exhibitors will be present on a 16-hectare site with 9 pavilions.
The tribute to the Kingdom at the SIA is also reflected in an upcoming event: next April, France will in turn be the guest of honor at the International Agriculture Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM) held in Meknes.
This is a powerful symbol of the complementary relationship between the two countries, which crosses beyond trade to address major challenges in the sector, such as food security, water resource management and agricultural innovation.
MAP: 22 February 2025
