Business
Morocco-Japan: A New Dynamic in the Maritime Fisheries Sector
Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries, Zakia Driouich, Holds Talks with Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Morocco, Nakata Masahiro, on Strengthening Bilateral Fisheries Cooperation.
During the meeting, Ms. Driouich emphasized the excellence of fisheries cooperation between Morocco and Japan, commending Japan’s historical role as the primary funder of Morocco’s maritime fisheries sector and its status as a key partner for over 40 years, according to a statement from the State Secretariat.
The two parties praised the strength of bilateral relations, which have resulted in numerous major projects. These include the recent construction of the Al Hassan Al Marrakchi oceanographic research vessel (funded by a Japanese loan in 2018), the development project for the next-generation fishing village in Souiria K’dima (2024–2027), and the ongoing Blue Growth Aquaculture Development initiative.
Discussions also focused on revitalizing the tripartite cooperation program for training between Morocco, Japan, and other African nations (PRECAF II), aimed at enhancing the capacities of African nationals in the fisheries sector.
Additionally, Ms. Driouich and Mr. Masahiro underscored the importance of advancing multilateral coordination within regional and international organizations addressing fisheries, aquatic resources, and ocean-related issues.
The talks further addressed the Fisheries Agreement in preparation for the upcoming annual consultation session, scheduled this year in Tokyo.
Following the meeting, both parties expressed a shared commitment to inject new momentum into their fisheries cooperation, explore innovative forms and fields of collaboration, and adapt to global natural and governance shifts.
