Chile and Morocco strengthen ties as countries advance market access for agri-food exports

Chile and Morocco continue to strengthen commercial ties after signing a cooperation protocol on quarantine, plant, and animal health. The agreement was signed by representatives of the Latin American country's Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) and the National Office of Sanitary Safety of Food Products of Morocco (ONSSA).

The document establishes a framework for technical cooperation and is a first step toward advancing the opening of the Moroccan market to Chilean plant and animal products and their derivatives. The preliminary protocol also includes technical safeguards and sanitary and phytosanitary security standards to facilitate trade.

The African country represents a market of around 37 million, with a growing demand for quality food. Morocco also offers a strategic location as an entry way to other African markets.

Potential for Chilean products

During the signing, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Kenza El Ghali, emphasized that both countries are great commercial complements.

She also projected new logistical opportunities offered by the maritime corridor resulting from the connection between the Bioceanic Road Corridor and the future Dakhla Atlantic Port in Africa. The waterway would allow for expanding the presence of Chilean products, including meat and dried fruits, in the Moroccan market and using the country as a platform to project exports to Africa, a continent of over 1.58 billion people.

The protocol comes at a time when both countries have been growing closer commercially. In June, the Latin American country signed a joint declaration with Morocco to initiate negotiations for a potential trade agreement.

During the first semester, Chilean food exports to Morocco exceeded $9 million, representing a 14.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year.