Participation of ATLAFCO at the 7th edition of the Halieutis Fair

February 5–9, 2025, Agadir (Morocco)

Within the framework of its missions to promote cooperation and innovation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, the Ministerial Conference on Fisheries Cooperation among African States bordering the Atlantic Ocean (ATLAFCO) participated in the 7th edition of the Halieutis International Fair, held in Agadir from February 5 to 9, 2025.

The Halieutis Fair is a biennial event dedicated to the maritime fishing sector, aquaculture, and the seafood processing industry. It aims to promote investment opportunities, technological innovation, and sustainable management of fisheries resources.

This event represents a major gathering for stakeholders in the fisheries sector worldwide, and particularly in Africa, bringing together producers, industrialists, policymakers, experts, technology companies, public institutions, and international and regional financing bodies.
The 7th edition was marked by the participation of 523 exhibitors representing 54 countries across a surface area of 20,000 m². Five main sectors constituted the core components of the fair: 1) Institutional, 2) Fishing fleet and gear, 3) Processing and valorization, 4) Aquaculture, and 5) Fisheries innovation.

ATLAFCO’s Participation:

The 7th edition of the Halieutis Fair highlighted the importance for actors in the fisheries, aquaculture, processing, and seafood innovation sectors to maintain control over their future in order to preserve the socio-economic vitality of countries where the fisheries sector is a key component of the national economy.

During this 7th edition, the ATLAFCO booth was honored by the visit of His Excellency Mr. Aziz AKHANNOUCH, Head of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, accompanied by a significant ministerial delegation composed of Mr. Ahmed EL BOUARI, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests; Mrs. Zakia DRIOUICH, Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries; and several other high-ranking civilian and military officials, as well as invited foreign ministers.

During his visit, His Excellency the Head of Government reiterated Morocco’s support to ATLAFCO to the current President and Executive Secretary and emphasized the crucial role played by this regional fisheries organization for the future of the fisheries sector at the continental level.

Furthermore, the ATLAFCO booth was honored by visits from several ministers and senior officials leading the foreign delegations invited to the fair, as well as numerous business leaders, presidents of fishing associations and cooperatives, and national and international journalists.

Likewise, this 7th edition was marked by the participation of ministers from the member states of ATLAFCO.