2023-11-27 20:12:16
A report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Morocco, found that British consumers are purchasing fresh Moroccan produce in increasing quantities compared to other European countries. This is why MPs called on the British government to further develop trade relations with Morocco.
According to a specialized site, the parliamentary group in question published this report while the bilateral review of agriculture is being carried out between the British and Moroccan governments.
Indeed the report notes that the UK increasingly benefits from a “reliable and high quality” supply of fresh produce from Morocco, which helps to ensure that supermarket shelves are well stocked throughout of the year.
Additionally, the report states that fruit and vegetable imports from Morocco have almost tripled since 2018, from £158 million per year to £408 million in 2022.
Moroccan exports are playing an increasingly important role in supplying fresh winter fruit and vegetables to the UK, with Q1 2023 imports at £168 million, almost triple Q1 2018 (£60 million). of pounds sterling). This shows that the economies of the two kingdoms are marked by a complementarity which is constantly being consolidated.
The APPG also welcomed the efforts made by the two governments to undertake initiatives to expand bilateral agricultural trade. However, UK MPs recognize that there is still more to be done, the APPG has made five recommendations to the UK Government to build on this progress, including: To better understand the mutual benefits arising from agricultural trade between the Kingdom -United Kingdom and Morocco, the British government should develop and publish an annual report on trade impact; The Prime Minister must appoint a new Trade Envoy to Morocco; Agricultural reviews should be regularized to allow for continued improvement in relationships as opportunities continue to emerge; The UK should seek to establish preferred buyer status in the Moroccan market; The government should continue its campaigns to raise awareness of trade opportunities between the UK and Morocco.
Commenting on the report, Heather Wheeler, APPG Chair on Morocco, said: “We are delighted to publish this report, which shows the great progress being made between the UK and Morocco. Agricultural trade is crucial to our two countries, as it allows British families to be well fed with safe and affordable products, while contributing to Morocco’s economic development. I urge the British Government to renew its commitment to bilateral trade in order to ensure that these mutual benefits continue to grow.
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