Chile, Morocco sign sanitary protocol to boost agricultural trade, access African markets
The agreement arrives amid growing economic cooperation between the two nations.
CHILE – Chile and Morocco have formalized a new sanitary and phytosanitary protocol to enhance their bilateral economic relationship, establishing a technical framework to ensure high safety standards for food and animal exports and opening the Moroccan market to Chilean agricultural goods.
Drafted in collaboration with the Undersecretariat for International Economic Relations, ProChile, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Chile, the agreement establishes a framework for technical cooperation between the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) and Morocco’s National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA).
It marks the first step towards opening exports of plant products, animals, and their derivatives to the Moroccan market, which is strategic given its 37 million inhabitants, growing demand for quality food, and its role as a gateway to the rest of Africa. The protocol sets out technical safeguards and high standards for health and phytosanitary safety.
“The finalization of this protocol is the result of years of work and the shared commitment of both countries to continue strengthening their relations. As an agency, it provides us with a solid foundation for tackling common health challenges, building trust between our institutions, and fostering new opportunities for trade that will benefit our producers and open further opportunities for them,” stressed the national director of SAG, Domingo Rojas.
The agreement prioritizes Chilean agricultural products such as meat and nuts, which will now have improved access to the Moroccan market under aligned health regulations.
Furthermore, Morocco serves as a strategic gateway for Chilean exports, thanks to its population of 37 million, growing demand for quality food, and its geographical position linking it to the broader African continent.
For instance, the Dakhla Atlantic Port, part of Morocco’s Atlantic Vision, could transform global trade routes by establishing a maritime corridor between Morocco and Chile.
This corridor would help Chilean products gain better access to the Moroccan market and support the export of Chilean goods from Morocco to Africa, a continent with over 1.58 billion people and rapid growth.
Additionally, the agreement arrives amid growing economic cooperation between the two nations. In June, Paula Estévez, the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations (SUBREI), visited Morocco and signed a joint declaration with Moroccan official Omar Hejira, signaling the start of negotiations for a possible trade deal.
Lastly, the partnership reflects both countries’ commitment to diversifying trade relationships beyond traditional partners.
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