Brussels, 19/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 19 February, European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella arrived in Morocco, where he is participating in the Halieutis fisheries fair being held in Agadir on 18-20 February. On the sidelines of the conference, Morocco's minister for agriculture and fisheries, Aziz Akhannouch, launched the official twinning project for the development of aquaculture in Morocco.
“This institutional twinning will last six months and will take place as part of the 'advanced status'” with Morocco. The project will be carried out by France and has a budget of €250,000, according to a press release circulated by the EU delegation in Rabat.
A European subsidy will also reportedly be given to the ministerial conference on fishing cooperation between the African states bordering the Atlantic Ocean (COMHAFAT). Morocco highlights the resolve to build strong relationships with the other Atlantic-side African countries.
Local Moroccan media report that Vella is due to take part in a workshop on Friday on the European market for fisheries and aquaculture products, and on smart economic tools, the new labelling rules for fisheries and aquaculture products, and the means for exporting to the EU. (Fathi B'Chir)