The new research-development and quality control centre, built on a total area of 6.8 hectares (13,200 m² covered), is part of the Royal Initiative for the development of the Oriental region and the Green Morocco Plan, which also aims at the quantitative and qualitative improvement of the supply of agricultural raw materials intended for processing. Having mobilised investments of around 145.5 million dirhams, the new structure constitutes a hub for concentrating skills and pooling resources and services, which will help strengthen the capacities of stakeholders and support professionals in their efforts to improve the productivity of competitive sectors with high potential and the valorisation of the region's agricultural products.
Designed to serve as a one-stop shop, the research-development and quality control centre consists of new-generation laboratories and spaces for experimentation and training. It thus includes laboratories of the Autonomous Establishment for Export Control and Coordination, the National Office for Food Safety, and the National Institute for Agricultural Research. The new research centre also has a three-hectare zone dedicated to training, testing and experimentation, in addition to a conference room that can accommodate up to 500 people, a reception area, an accommodation area (30 rooms) and a restaurant. The research-development and quality control centre is one of the components of the Berkane Agropole (102 ha), which also houses an industry, agri-food and processing zone, a logistics zone, a services zone, and another dedicated to the packaging of agricultural products. In line with national strategies, namely the Emergence Plan and the Green Morocco Plan, the Berkane Agropole aims to valorise agricultural production for the flagship sectors of the Oriental region through the grouping of regional agricultural production, processing, marketing and distribution of food products at the regional, national and international levels. The importance and diversity of the agricultural and agri-industrial potential, the strategic geographical location of the region, and the proximity of the Agropole to the Mediterranean bypass, the ports of Beni Ensar in Nador and the airports of Oujda Angad and El Aroui, will make this platform a driver of economic and social development for the region as a whole. On this occasion, H.M. the King proceeded to the presentation of property certificates for industrial plots to 10 agri-industrial investors.
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