The Secretary of State to the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, in charge of Maritime Fisheries, Zakia Driouich, and the Ambassador of Japan to Morocco, Kuramitsu Hideaki, signed, Wednesday in Safi, an Exchange of Notes relating to the development project of the new generation fishing village (VDP) in Souiria Kdima. Benefiting from overall funding of 129 million dirhams, this ambitious project is based on the establishment in Souiria Kdima (36 km south of Safi), of a new concept of modern, attractive VDP meeting the highest health standards. Speaking on this occasion, Zakia Driouich welcomed “the excellent partnership relationship between Morocco and Japan in the field of maritime fishing, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Emperor of Japan Naruhito, materialized by the continued support and accompaniment of this strategic sector”. In this sense, she emphasized the importance of this cooperation for the development of the Moroccan fishing sector, a “strategic pillar of the national economy”, specifying that this pilot project represents an innovative model intended to also be carried out in other regions of the Kingdom, and will constitute a strategic lever for the transformation and modernization of the artisanal fishing sector and the support of operators in this important fishing segment.
“The choice of Safi to host this structuring project is not harmless. This region, with a rich maritime heritage and a strong vocation for fishing, plays a key role in the national economy and aims to be a pillar of the fishing sector thanks to its exceptional potential and the commitment of its local stakeholders,” said Zakia Driouich. “This new generation VDP, made possible thanks to the trust and support of Japan, aims to improve the working conditions of fishermen in the region, while integrating sustainable and environmentally friendly practices,” she explained in a press statement. For his part, Kuramitsu Hideaki welcomed “the excellence of the fruitful collaborative relations between Morocco and Japan in the fishing sector which date from 1979”, noting that this project aims to transform the VDP of Souiria Kdima into a fishing port combining tourist attraction and security, in order to welcome visitors in optimal conditions. “Morocco shares with Japan a common recognition in terms of sustainable development of fisheries resources,” noted Kuramitsu Hideaki, expressing his country’s commitment to “continue its support to the Kingdom in its efforts to modernize the fisheries sector”. The VDP development project in Souiria Kdima, initially built in 2001 thanks to financial cooperation from Japan, has the main objectives of separating fish flows between professionals and the public, the creation of new economic activities around fishing activity, such as ecotourism, local crafts, as well as the development of increased tourist attractiveness. This innovative model aims to make this VDP a dynamic economic, social and cultural hub, while promoting sustainable management of fisheries resources and a better quality of life for local communities. According to data from the State Secretariat for Maritime Fisheries, the implementation of this project should allow, by 2029, the landing of fish in optimal sanitary conditions, thus reducing the risks of contamination. Furthermore, the number of boats parked outside designated areas will be reduced, from 105 to less than 5. At the same time, more than four commercial units will be put into service to boost the local economy, while the modernization of infrastructure will help increase the income of artisanal fishermen in Souiria Kdima. It should be noted that in 2024, this project directly benefited 1,200 artisanal fishermen, 366 owners of artisanal boats and 82 fishmongers. In addition, the production volume experienced a significant increase, going from 500 tonnes to around 1,964 tonnes for the year 2024, for an estimated value of 57 million dirhams. The signing of this Exchange of Notes thus represents a decisive step in the development process of this project which should enable the modernization of infrastructure and the strengthening of its socio-economic impact. This initiative reflects the commitment of the State Secretariat for Maritime Fisheries to strengthen the socio-economic dynamism of local communities and to promote sustainable management of fisheries resources. The signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes relating to this major project took place in the presence of the governor of the province of Safi, Mohamed Fettah, heads of the external services concerned, representatives of national institutions, professionals from the fishing sector and other diplomatic figures.
