ProChile's Business Initiative in Morocco
Starting June 10, ProChile will host its inaugural business round in Morocco, aimed at connecting Chilean export products such as salmon, mussels, cherries, kiwis, wines, and various other exportable goods to the African continent. This event is a significant step towards enhancing the visibility and market reach of Chilean agricultural products in Africa, a region that is increasingly becoming a focal point for international trade.
The official launch of this event took place on June 4 and was attended by key figures including Francesco Venezian, the Undersecretary of Agriculture; Ignacio Fernández, the General Director of ProChile; Felipe Lopeandía, the Director of Bilateral Economic Affairs at the Subsecretariat for International Economic Relations (Subrei); as well as representatives from the Moroccan Embassy in Chile and various diplomatic organizations. The event also saw participation from the Chilean Fruit Association and the companies that will be taking part in the business round.
Strengthening Trade Relations
This initiative is set to facilitate over 65 business meetings between 16 Chilean companies and 30 importers from 13 countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, among others. The primary goal is to diversify the destination markets for Chile's export offerings and take advantage of the new opportunities arising from a closer commercial relationship. Ignacio Fernández, General Director of ProChile, emphasized the success of Chilean exports in the past year, stating that agro-food, seafood, and wine exports to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East exceeded USD 5.3 billion—a record high. He noted that the demand for Chilean food products in Africa has doubled over the past five years, reaching USD 450 million last year, indicating significant potential for growth with new products.
Undersecretary of Agriculture Francesco Venezian remarked on the importance of expanding Chile's export trade, highlighting that President Kast has tasked them with strengthening the country’s export capabilities. He pointed out that this collaboration with ProChile is crucial in opening new avenues in Morocco for the export of Chilean fruits. He also mentioned the signing of a cooperation agreement between Chile's Agricultural and Livestock Service and Morocco's National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA), which aims to enhance technical cooperation and deepen joint efforts in sanitary and phytosanitary matters. Venezian stated, "Chile has excellent products, high-level producers, and a recognized commitment to meeting international standards. Therefore, these visits and agreements are vital in showcasing the quality of our agro-food offerings to the world and continuing to open new markets for the sector." In addition to business meetings, the event will feature market visits, networking opportunities, and interactions between Chilean and Moroccan authorities, all set against the backdrop of strengthening bilateral economic relations and progress towards a future trade agreement between the two nations.
As reported by reporteagricola.cl.
