Rabat – Morocco and Mauritania are deepening their economic partnership, with a renewed emphasis on bolstering agricultural trade, investment, and scientific exchange. Discussions centered around these priorities took place Friday at the Chamber of Representatives, building on momentum generated by the first Moroccan-Mauritanian parliamentary economic forum held in Nouakchott earlier this year.
The collaborative push aims to foster sustainable economic growth in both nations, leveraging Morocco’s expertise in professional training and Mauritania’s rich natural resources, particularly in water and fisheries. Officials from both countries underscored the importance of a coordinated approach to enhance food security and unlock new opportunities in regional and global markets. This strengthened cooperation in agricultural development is seen as a key component of broader South-South partnerships.
Forum Follow-Up: Key Areas of Focus
The meeting served as a follow-up to the inaugural Moroccan-Mauritanian parliamentary economic forum, launched eight months ago in Nouakchott. That forum identified four priority areas: agriculture and food sovereignty, fisheries, livestock, and vocational training. According to Ahmedou Mahfoudh M’balla, Vice-President of the Mauritanian National Assembly, these sectors were chosen for their significant potential to drive integration between the two countries.
Omar Hejira, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted the importance of the follow-up mechanism as a catalyst for consolidating economic relations. Hejira stated that regular monitoring ensures tangible results and allows for periodic evaluation of progress. Since May, a series of measures have been implemented to address trade imbalances between the two nations, with a particular focus on streamlining procedures for Mauritanian exports destined for both Moroccan and European markets. These “fast-track” procedures are being implemented while maintaining existing security and regulatory standards.
Agricultural Trade and Investment Initiatives
Specific agricultural trade proposals, including the import of watermelons and livestock, are currently under review. Redouane Arrach, Secretary-General of the Department of Agriculture, noted that relations between Morocco and Mauritania in the agricultural sector have been governed by multiple agreements since 2016, covering agricultural cooperation, oasis development, sanitary security, and animal health. These agreements were further reinforced by conventions signed during the Higher Joint Commission in 2022.
Arrach also emphasized the growing trend of private investment from both countries in the agricultural sector, alongside the exchange of expertise in agricultural statistics and coordinated efforts to combat the desert locust. A joint working group, comprised of agricultural experts from both Morocco and Mauritania, will be established to translate these agreements into concrete actions that strengthen food sovereignty in both nations. The Moroccan government has affirmed its commitment to implementing the recommendations stemming from the parliamentary economic forum.
Building on Existing Agreements
The existing framework of cooperation, established in 2016, provides a solid foundation for further collaboration. Existing agreements cover a broad range of agricultural areas, including oasis development and animal health. The focus now is on accelerating the implementation of these agreements and identifying new areas for partnership.
The initiative, launched in Nouakchott, has already demonstrated notable progress, and Mauritanian officials are calling for an accelerated pace of implementation. The Mauritanian coordination commission will continue to work towards realizing these commitments by encouraging relevant authorities to expand and strengthen areas of cooperation.
As Morocco and Mauritania continue to prioritize economic integration, the focus on agriculture and scientific collaboration represents a significant step towards achieving shared prosperity and regional stability. The establishment of the joint working group and the streamlining of trade procedures signal a commitment to tangible results and a long-term partnership. Further developments are expected as the working group begins its deliberations and outlines a concrete action plan for the coming months.
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