Explore the unique experiences shared by our visitors from around the world, as well as influential testimonials from Switzerland, AMEE, FAO and other partners. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the SIAM in Morocco through authentic and inspiring testimonials.
Switzerland. Being the country of honor for the 14th Meknes International Agricultural Exhibition was a privilege and an opportunity for Switzerland. The event provided an opportunity to promote Switzerland's agricultural skills, expertise and experience in research and technological development. For Switzerland, SIAM represented:
- An award-winning pavilion, comprising 15 companies and covering over 450 sqm.
- A high-level delegation of experts, led by the Secretary of State and Director of the Federal Office for Agriculture.
- A Declaration of Intent promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems, setting the framework for bilateral dialogue.
- A strengthening of ties between private and public partners.
- A unique opportunity to showcase the best of Swiss know-how, from fertilizers to supply chains and drones.
- Hundreds of positive media coverage through articles, interviews and reports.
The SIAM adventure was thus an institutional and economic success, helping to strengthen and perpetuate the excellent relations between Switzerland and Morocco. SIAM has also strengthened ties and collaboration between the Moroccan private sector, Swiss companies in Morocco, the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Morocco, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Show's Commissariat. These valuable exchanges at every stage of the project made it possible to achieve a result that exceeded our expectations.
Ms Florence Marie Rolle
FAO. Mrs. Florence Marie Rolle. FAO Representative in Morocco.
"Since the opening of the FAO Representation in Rabat in 1982, the Organization has built up a rich and fruitful partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco, and more particularly with the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fishing, Rural Development and Water and Forests in various areas of cooperation.
It is only natural that the FAO has been proudly associated with the Meknes International Agricultural Show since its inception in 2006, first by participating, then by contributing to scientific conferences and ensuring a high level of representation, such as Mr. José Graziano Da Silva, former Director-General of the FAO, who visited in 2014, and most recently by participating with a joint United Nations stand.
The FAO has seen this event become the must-attend rendez-vous of the year and a catalyst of opportunities for the various players in the agricultural world, Moroccans and foreigners alike. The ever-increasing number of visitors, the wealth of stands showcasing the latest techniques and scientific discoveries, and the simultaneous presence of manufacturers, producers and buyers have all contributed to making SIAM an international benchmark coveted by professionals in the sector and the public at large.
Last year, as part of the 14th edition of the Meknes International Agricultural Show and thanks to the generosity of the SIAM Commissioner, the FAO's participation took a new turn by bringing with it the UN agencies working directly or indirectly in the agricultural sector, and consequently presenting the contribution of the United Nations Development System (UNDS) to Morocco around a UN stand in the International Pole.
For this 14th edition, the participation of the SNUD was also placed under the sign of an interactive approach for the promotion of employment among young people and women in the rural world and the exchange of knowledge with the general public and professionals in the sector around strategic themes of agriculture and agri-food in Morocco, through a rich program of workshops, training and awareness-raising. In concrete terms, SIAM offered SNUD the opportunity to have:
- A joint stand that would bring together, for the first time, 7 specialized agencies, funds and programs of the United Nations (FAO, UNIDO, ONUFEMMES, IOM, UNDP, UNESCO and UNHCR) active in agricultural and rural development;
- A delegation of experts to run training and awareness-raising workshops on the importance of marketing agricultural products, the dangers of reusing empty pesticide packaging, and best agricultural practices in terms of post-harvest techniques, preserving quality and reducing quantitative and qualitative losses;
- An agora space that served as a platform for exchange and connection with farmers, smallholders and agricultural technicians;
- Positive media coverage.
SIAM gave SNUD the chance to put into action the reform of the United Nations that Secretary General António Guterres has put in place with the support of all member countries. I must say that this is a fantastic opportunity, and the FAO thanks SIAM most sincerely for its support in this endeavor. The success of the initiative has exceeded all our expectations and has enabled us to:
1) Highlight the cooperation between the SNUD and Morocco for sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.
2) Highlight the strengthened partnerships between specialized UNDP agencies and the Government of Morocco on South-South Cooperation.
3) Strengthen the collaborative links of the SNUD with Switzerland, guest of honor at this edition and a key partner, which contributes technically and financially to the success of several projects.".