Morocco Plans $213 Million Farming Project in Western Sahara

File photo of a police officer standing near a Moroccan national flag. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
File photo of a police officer standing near a Moroccan national flag. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
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Morocco Plans $213 Million Farming Project in Western Sahara

File photo of a police officer standing near a Moroccan national flag. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
File photo of a police officer standing near a Moroccan national flag. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

Morocco is seeking investors for a $213 million agriculture project in the disputed territory of Western Sahara irrigated by a wind-powered desalination plant.

The project aims to turn 52 square kilometers of unused land near the city of Dakhla into farms growing fruit, vegetables and animal feed, according to an Agriculture Ministry tender launched on Friday.

The project will be 77% state-funded and is part of a $7 billion development plan unrolled by Morocco in 2015 to upgrade Western Sahara's infrastructure, including the construction of a $1 billion port in Dakhla.

The wind-powered desalination plant, part of a wider series of projects aimed at countering water scarcity that has hit Morocco's agricultural output, was approved last year.



Saudi Exports Launches 'Import from Saudi' to Boost National Products in New Global Markets

The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Exports Launches 'Import from Saudi' to Boost National Products in New Global Markets

The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Export Development Authority (Saudi Exports) has launched the "Import from Saudi" Service, designed to connect international importers with Saudi exporters, streamline the import process and promote Saudi products in new global markets.
This service aligns with the authority's mission to expand the reach and presence of Saudi products internationally, contributing to the sustainable growth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports, SPA reported.
Saudi Exports Spokesperson Thamer Al-Mishrafi emphasized the authority's commitment to broadening the commercial horizons for national products.

He highlighted the importance of developing innovative solutions and supportive services to achieve the ambitious objective of increasing the percentage of non-oil exports and bolstering their contribution to the national economy.
Importers can register on the Saudi Exports website to gain easy access to Saudi exporters, gather information about Saudi products, and receive guidance in locating suitable companies. Upon registration, a database is created that includes the importers' contact details and specific import needs.