Meknes, Morocco – Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over the opening ceremony of the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM) on Monday at Mechouar Stinia-Sahrij Souani in Meknes.
The event, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI from April 21st to 27th, is themed “Agriculture and the Rural World: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development.”
The inauguration, attended by a host of Moroccan officials and international representatives, underscores the significant importance the Moroccan sovereign places on the agricultural sector and reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to addressing global challenges related to food security, sustainable natural resource management, and the fight against climate change.
Upon his arrival, Prince Moulay El Hassan was greeted by key figures including the President of the Fez-Meknes Regional Chamber of Agriculture, the Interim Commissioner General of the Fair, and members of the SIAM Board of Directors and institutional partners. He also met Benjamin Haddad, the French Minister Delegate for Europe, representing France as this year’s guest of honor, along with representatives from over a dozen other foreign countries and development organizations such as ICESCO, AOAD, and the World Water Council.
The Crown Prince toured various thematic areas of the expansive fair, including zones dedicated to Morocco’s regions, water and irrigation technologies, research and innovation, and the pavilions of the Ministry of Agriculture and the OCP Group (Morocco’s phosphate giant). His visit also encompassed areas showcasing sponsors, institutions, the agribusiness sector, digital agricultural technologies, environmental solutions, agricultural machinery, local Moroccan products, and livestock.
Spanning 12.4 hectares at Sahrij Souani, SIAM-2025 has attracted over 1,500 exhibitors and welcomes participation from 70 countries. The selection of France as the guest of honor for this edition highlights the strengthened cooperation between Rabat and Paris, particularly within the agricultural domain.
Alongside the extensive exhibition, a series of scientific conferences and roundtable discussions are scheduled, bringing together researchers, experts, and stakeholders from the field. These sessions will focus on exploring concrete solutions aimed at bolstering agricultural resilience in the face of climate change, preserving ecological balances, and establishing sustainable food sovereignty. With its 17th edition, the International Agricultural Show in Morocco reaffirms its crucial role as a leading platform for dialogue, partnership, and exchange among key players in the African and international agricultural ecosystem.
MK/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA