The seventh edition of the "Halieutis" fair, organized under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, will take place from February 6 to 9, at the exhibition space in the city of Agadir, and the edition will open its doors to the public on the 8th and 9th of the same month.
This event, held under the theme "Research and innovation for sustainable fishing", will bring together key players in the fields of sea fishing, processing of marine products, aquaculture, and research in the field of sea fishing, which reinforces the essential dimension of this leading event in the field of sea fishing at the international level.
In a statement to the press following this visit, Ms. Driouich, who was accompanied by the Wali of the Souss-Massa region, Governor of the Agadir Ida-Outanane prefecture, Said Amzazi, and the President of the Souss-Massa Regional Council, Karim Achengli, confirmed that this prominent event, included in the list of major events, will be organized on an area of 20,000 square meters at the exhibition space in Agadir, noting that the fair is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors, and will host more than 450 exhibitors representing more than 50 countries, including 4 countries participating for the first time, namely South Korea, the United Kingdom, India, and the Sultanate of Oman.
She added that, like previous editions, the interest of professionals in this fair continues, explaining that as of January 10, 97 percent of the exhibition space had been sold, and all the fair's pavilions recorded very satisfactory occupancy rates.
The Secretary of State recalled that the sea fishing sector plays a vital role in the economy and social development in Morocco, as it contributes about 1.1 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, as the total marine production reached about 1.42 million tons in 2024, with a value of approximately 16.2 billion dirhams.
She highlighted that this sector is an important source of foreign currency thanks to its exports, which recorded a turnover of approximately 27.4 billion dirhams in 2024 (according to preliminary data from the Autonomous Establishment for Export Control and Coordination) and provides more than 261,000 direct jobs, including 113,845 direct jobs at sea during 2023.
The government official pointed out that since the organization of its first edition in 2011, the "Halieutis" fair has proven its position as an indispensable meeting place for professionals working in the field of sea fishing, and as an essential reference for discovering the latest innovations in this field.
It is noted that the 2025 edition of the "Halieutis" fair will highlight a variety of strategic sectors, including the fleet and equipment by showcasing the latest innovations in the field of marine technologies and sustainable fishing, in addition to valuation and processing through solutions to improve the value chain of marine products and enhance their quality.
It also concerns innovation by highlighting emerging technologies and new trends in the sea fishing sector, in addition to highlighting the role of public and semi-public actors in achieving the strategic development of the sector, and exploring opportunities for cooperation and partnerships at the global level, as well as organizing a pavilion dedicated to initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable fishing practices.
By choosing the theme of this year's edition, the "Halieutis" fair engages in a dynamic of reflection and action to face global challenges such as climate change, the impact on marine resources, changing consumption habits, and the transition towards a sustainable blue economy.
This edition aims to open new horizons to provide concrete solutions that help decision-makers in managing and preserving marine resources, in addition to supporting diversification in marine production.
This edition also seeks to strengthen partnerships between research institutions, allowing for the exchange of best practices and strengthening shared awareness of a sustainable future.
In order to fulfill its mission as a showcase for the development of the Moroccan sea fishing sector, the "Halieutis" fair has set a set of ambitious goals, including promoting professions and expertise related to sea fishing and aquaculture to a diverse audience, including professionals, investors, and young talents, and encouraging research and innovation, then highlighting advanced technologies and innovative practices that create value and respect the environment.
The fair also aims to strengthen business meetings and open partnership opportunities at the national and international levels, in addition to raising visitors' awareness of the importance of sustainability in marine activities, in full compliance with the goals of the blue economy.
This edition reflects the Kingdom of Morocco's firm commitment to making scientific research a strategic lever that ensures the sustainability of marine resources and enhances the competitiveness of Moroccan industries in the fields of sea fishing and aquaculture.
