Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, the Honourable Gerry Ritz, announced today, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie, the Harper Government’s support for stimulating sustainable economic growth in Morocco’s agricultural sector. Minister Ritz recognized the Canadian International Grains Institute for their role in the new project, which will provide customized training programs and specialized technical support to Moroccans.
“The initiative announced today is a great example of how Canada promotes economic opportunities at home and around the world,” said Minister Ritz. “We are proud to partner with the Canadian International Grains Institute to foster increased use of world class Canadian product while helping the agricultural sector workers in Morocco attain the fullest possible potential.”
Just as the Harper Government announces the biggest free trade agreement in Canadian history with the signing of the agreement in principle of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the European Union, it remains committed to exploring access to new markets. In 2012, bilateral merchandise trade with Morocco totaled $522.6 million. Morocco is already an important export destination for Canadian merchandise exports, with durum wheat being Canada’s largest export to Morocco. Canada is committed to strengthening its commercial relations with Morocco and is currently negotiating a free trade agreement. The initiative announced today is another demonstration of Canada’s commitment to efforts that will ensure Morocco is able to benefit from increased trade with Canada.
The project announced today will provide Moroccans with specialized vocational training in milling and end-use of durum and pulses, as well as increase knowledge of the quality of Canadian durum, and how to use pulses in new and innovative ways. With focus on education, vocational training and entrepreneurship, Canada is supporting Moroccan efforts to improve skills and job creation and to offer greater opportunity, particularly to youth and women. Based in Winnipeg, the Canadian International Grains Institute is an independent market development institute established in 1972. Its mission is to create profitable opportunities for Canadian field crops through the delivery of technical expertise, support, applied research and customized training to the domestic industry and customers around the world. CIGI is funded by farmers, the Government of Canada and industry partners.
SOURCE Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
