Morocco and Japan Sign Loan Agreement Worth 3.9 Billion Dirhams to Finance Hydro-Agricultural Development in the Southeast Gharb Zone
Morocco and Japan signed on Thursday in Rabat an exchange of notes related to a loan agreement of 64.577 billion Japanese yen (approximately 3.9 billion dirhams – MMDH) to finance the hydro-agricultural development project in the southeastern area of the Gharb plain.
exchange was signed by the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Morocco, Nakata Masahiro, and the Director General of the Middle East and Europe Department at JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), Toyama Kei. The ceremony took place in the presence of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Redouane Arrach, and the Resident Representative of the JICA Office in Morocco, Kawabata Tomoyuki.
Aligned with the national orientations for hydro-agricultural development, particularly the Generation Green 2020-2030 strategy and the National Program for Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation 2020-2027, this project aims to generalize water-efficient irrigation techniques, especially drip irrigation, to improve the management of water resources.
The financing supports a major structural project designed to increase water-use efficiency and sustainably strengthen agricultural production across 30,000 hectares in the Gharb plain. It also includes the construction of main hydro-agricultural canals, related infrastructure, and the reinforcement of existing installations.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Masahiro stated that the signing represents a key milestone in cooperation between both countries. He pointed out that this is the largest project jointly carried out by the involved parties to support irrigation in a region facing critical water-related challenges.
The ambassador highlighted that Morocco remains a leading partner for Japan, noting the strength and friendly nature of bilateral relations. He also stressed that the Kingdom’s national priorities, particularly rational water management and the fight against certain illegal uses, continue to receive strong support from Japan, which, he said, is proud to accompany these strategic orientations.
Mr. Masahiro also praised Morocco’s recognized expertise in irrigation and expressed satisfaction on behalf of the Japanese representatives with the level of cooperation achieved in this project.
For his part, Mr. Tomoyuki stated that the project represents a major step forward in the modernization of irrigation in Morocco and responds to growing challenges linked to water scarcity.
By strengthening water efficiency, securing existing installations, and introducing high-performance irrigation technologies, this initiative will help reinforce the resilience of the agricultural sector to the effects of climate change, he emphasized.
He also highlighted Japan’s continued support for Morocco in strengthening food security and promoting sustainable and inclusive agricultural development. According to Mr. Tomoyuki, this operation reflects the strength of Morocco-Japan cooperation and its direct contribution to the Kingdom’s national priorities regarding water resource management.
This initiative contributes to enhancing food security by expanding and securing irrigation in the Gharb plain, addressing growing pressure on water resources and mitigating the effects of droughts, while further consolidating cooperation between Morocco and Japan for sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.
Editorial team/le7tv
