Rabat – Morocco and the European Union (EU) officially signed on Friday an exchange of letters amending their agricultural agreement, confirming the strength of a long-standing partnership grounded in broad-based cooperation.
The signing ceremony took place at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels.
Representing Morocco, Ambassador Ahmed Reda Chami signed the agreement on behalf of the North African country. The text enters into provisional application immediately, pending the completion of internal ratification procedures on both sides.
Equal access for southern provinces
Under the new amendment, agricultural products originating from Morocco’s southern provinces will benefit from the same preferential access conditions to the European market as those from the rest of the country. This provision is in line with the Morocco-EU Association Agreement.
The deal introduces technical adjustments designed to facilitate access for Moroccan produce, with an emphasis on consumer information. Labeling will now indicate the regions of production, including “Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra” and “Dakhla-Oued Eddahab.”
The amendment reflects the same spirit as the exchange of letters signed in 2018, which clarified the application of the trade agreement to the southern provinces.
It further consolidates Morocco’s position as the EU’s leading economic partner in Africa and the Arab world.
Economic and strategic implications
Officials said the agreement is expected to significantly contribute to Morocco’s agricultural GDP, while supporting employment and investment, particularly in the southern regions.
By expanding access to European markets, it aims to bolster local producers and attract further investment opportunities.
More broadly, the signing signals a mutual desire to deepen Morocco-EU ties, laying the groundwork for more structured and ambitious cooperation. It also reinforces existing political mechanisms and sets the stage for an even stronger strategic partnership with Brussels.
Yesterday, Morocco’s FM Nasser Bourita said that the deal reaffirms the application of preferential tariffs granted by the EU under the Association Agreement with Morocco to products originating from the southern provinces.
“This is not a political accord but a sectoral, commercial, and operational one. Still, it sends strong and clear signals,” Bourita added.