In a significant development for the agricultural sector, the Moroccan market is set to open up for Egyptian potatoes. This announcement was made by Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Elsayed Al-Qasir, on Thursday. The move aims to address domestic needs and expand the reach of Egyptian agricultural products into new international markets.
The decision to allow the import of Egyptian potato crops into Morocco comes after the official approval from Morocco’s National Health Safety Office for Food Products (ONSSA). Saad Moussa, the supervisor of the Egyptian Agricultural Quarantine, presented a report highlighting the quality and safety of Egyptian potato crops, leading to the approval.
Morocco’s decision to import Egyptian potatoes is particularly significant considering the country’s recent surge in potato seed imports, which have reached a five-year high. Despite challenges such as the severe drought in the summer of 2022, which adversely impacted productivity and led to minimal potato exports in 2023, Morocco remains committed to promoting its potato production sector and meeting the growing market demands.
Egypt, on the other hand, has experienced a notable surge in agricultural exports during the first quarter of 2024. The country exported over 2.2 million tons of agricultural products, valued at approximately $1.5 billion. This represents a substantial increase of $300 million compared to the same period last year. Despite disruptions in supply chains and the Egyptian government’s restrictions on certain product exports to support the domestic market, Egypt’s agricultural exports have continued to thrive.
The opening of the Moroccan market to Egyptian potatoes not only strengthens bilateral trade relations between the two countries but also presents an opportunity for Egypt to further enhance its presence in the global agricultural market. This strategic move aligns with Egypt’s broader efforts to fortify its national economy and boost cash reserves by expanding the export of its agricultural products.
The positive trends in agricultural exports from Egypt and the import of Egyptian potatoes by Morocco reflect the resilience and adaptability of both countries’ agricultural sectors. Despite challenges and global uncertainties, the commitment to meeting domestic needs and exploring new international markets remains a top priority.
