Mahdia’s New Generation Fish Market Inaugurated: A Leap Forward for Morocco’s Maritime Fishing Sector
On January 15, 2025, the port of Mahdia in Kenitra witnessed a historic moment as Mr. Ahmed Al-Bouari, Minister of Agriculture, maritime Fisheries, Rural Growth, Water and Forests, and Ms. Zakia Driouch,secretary of State in charge of maritime fishing,inaugurated the new generation fish market. The event, attended by Mr. Abdel Hamid Al-Mazyad, Governor of kenitra Province, and other dignitaries, marked a significant milestone in morocco’s efforts to modernize its maritime fishing sector.
This state-of-the-art market, developed by the National Fisheries Office, is part of a broader initiative to rehabilitate and develop the port of Mahdia. Spanning 1,460 square meters, the facility includes dedicated spaces for sorting, presenting, and shipping fishing products, a cold room to preserve quality, and technical and administrative facilities. A unified funds management unit (UGCN) and a hall for pelagic fish sales equipped with a scale further enhance its functionality.
With an investment of 20 million dirhams, the market adheres to international standards for hygiene, health, and temperature control. “This project aims to support the development of the port of Mahdia by modernizing the infrastructure intended for the reception and marketing of maritime fishing products,” said Mr. Al-Bouari. The market is expected to improve working conditions for professionals and ensure that high-quality products reach consumers swiftly.
The port of Mahdia, wich marketed 14,141 tonnes of marine products worth 86 million dirhams in 2024, is now poised to play a pivotal role in the region’s economic growth. This new market is the fourteenth of 18 new-generation markets in Morocco, representing a total investment of 630 million dirhams.
A Boost for Algae and Agar-Agar Production
On the same day, Ms. Driouch inaugurated additional production lines at an industrial unit operated by SETEXAM, a company specializing in algae processing and agar-agar production. This 60-million-dirham project leverages innovative technologies to reduce chemical pesticide use and strengthen the industrial fabric of the region.
SETEXAM is a global leader in agar-agar production, with its products exported to markets in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. The expansion is expected to create 300 direct jobs and provide employment opportunities for over 10,000 workers involved in algae collection.
Key Highlights of the Inaugurations
| Project | Location | investment | Key Features |
|———————————-|——————–|—————-|———————————————————————————-|
| New Generation Fish Market | Port of Mahdia | 20 million MAD | Sorting areas, cold room, pelagic fish hall, UGCN, international standards |
| SETEXAM Production Lines | Kenitra | 60 million MAD | Algae processing, agar-agar production, innovative technologies, job creation |
These initiatives underscore Morocco’s commitment to advancing its maritime fishing and aquaculture sectors while fostering economic growth and employment opportunities. The port of Mahdia, with its modernized infrastructure, is set to become a hub of regional and national significance, driving the country’s blue economy forward.
For more insights into Morocco’s maritime developments, explore the latest updates on the Municipal Market of Mahdia and its vibrant offerings.
Mahdia’s new Generation Fish Market: A Milestone for Morocco’s Blue economy
On January 15,2025,the port of Mahdia in Kenitra inaugurated a state-of-the-art fish market,marking a significant leap forward for Morocco’s maritime fishing sector. Developed by the National Fisheries Office, the market is part of a broader initiative to modernize the port and boost the region’s blue economy. In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah Thompson, sits down with marine economist Dr. Kamal El-Mansouri to discuss the implications of this development and its impact on Morocco’s maritime sector.
The Vision Behind Mahdia’s New Fish Market
Sarah Thompson: Dr. El-Mansouri, thank you for joining us. The inauguration of the new fish market in Mahdia is being hailed as a transformative project. Can you elaborate on the vision behind this initiative?
Dr. Kamal El-Mansouri: Certainly, Sarah. The vision is rooted in Morocco’s commitment to modernizing its maritime fishing sector. The new market is designed to streamline the process of sorting, presenting, and shipping fish products while adhering to international hygiene and health standards. This not only ensures high-quality products for consumers but also improves working conditions for fishing professionals. The investment of 20 million dirhams underscores Morocco’s dedication to enduring economic growth through its blue economy strategy.
Infrastructure and Innovation in Mahdia
sarah Thompson: The market boasts notable facilities, including a cold room, pelagic fish hall, and a unified funds management unit.How do these features set Mahdia apart from other fishing ports?
Dr.Kamal El-Mansouri: Mahdia’s infrastructure is indeed cutting-edge. The cold room ensures that fish products maintain their freshness from the moment they are caught until they reach consumers.The pelagic fish hall, equipped with a scale, facilitates efficient sales and distribution. additionally, the unified funds management unit (UGCN) streamlines financial operations, reducing delays and increasing transparency.These features position Mahdia as a model for other ports in Morocco and beyond.
The Role of SETEXAM’s Expansion in Algae Processing
Sarah Thompson: On the same day, SETEXAM inaugurated additional production lines for algae processing and agar-agar production. How does this expansion complement the fish market’s inauguration?
Dr. Kamal El-Mansouri: The SETEXAM expansion is a complementary initiative that strengthens Morocco’s position as a leader in marine biotechnology. By leveraging innovative technologies for algae processing, SETEXAM reduces chemical pesticide use and creates over 300 direct jobs. This, combined with the fish market’s modernization, fosters a holistic approach to marine resource utilization. The synergy between these projects enhances the region’s economic fabric and sets the stage for sustainable growth.
Sarah Thompson: What are the broader economic and social implications of these developments for the Mahdia region?
Dr. Kamal El-Mansouri: The impact is profound. The fish market and SETEXAM expansion are expected to generate thousands of jobs,both directly and indirectly. As an example, over 10,000 workers involved in algae collection benefit from SETEXAM’s growth. Additionally, the port of Mahdia, which marketed 14,141 tonnes of marine products worth 86 million dirhams in 2024, is now poised to become a regional hub for maritime trade. These initiatives not only boost local incomes but also attract investment, further driving economic growth.
Looking Forward: Morocco’s Blue Economy Goals
Sarah Thompson: how do these projects align with Morocco’s long-term goals for its blue economy?
Dr. Kamal El-Mansouri: These projects are pivotal to Morocco’s blue economy strategy, which focuses on sustainable marine resource management and economic diversification. The new fish market in Mahdia is the fourteenth of 18 planned markets, representing a total investment of 630 million dirhams. By modernizing infrastructure and promoting innovation, Morocco is creating a robust framework for sustainable development. This not only benefits the maritime sector but also contributes to global efforts towards environmental conservation and economic resilience.
